Military Aircraft Operations

Images of various military aircraft including Ospreys, Black Hawks, and F-35s in flight over diverse landscapes. Scenes depict operational readiness and training environments.

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, take-off from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 16, 2022. The MV-22B Osprey replaced the CH-46 Sea Knight medium-lift helicopter, providing a faster and more maneuverable medium-lift aircraft, enhancing the capacity and capability of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force in an ever-evolving operational environment.

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, take-off from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 16, 2022. The MV-22B Osprey replaced the CH-46 Sea Knight medium-lift helicopter, providing a faster and more maneuverable medium-lift aircraft, enhancing the capacity and capability of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force in an ever-evolving operational environment.

Alaska Army National Guardsmen with the 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion travel from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson to Nome, Alaska, via UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter April 11, 2022. The UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters will remain in Nome for Golf Company, Detachment 1, 2-211th GSAB to conduct annual training and aide in River Watch if needed this spring. Should there be significant flooding or other emergency in the vicinity, the helicopters will provide support as requested by the State. (Alaska National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Balinda ONeal)

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 return after a live-fire exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 28, 2022. U.S. Marines with VMFA-121, VMFA-242, and Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 conducted live-fire missile exercise to increase weapon proficiency and enhance squadrons combat readiness in the air-to-air environment.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron (TES), conducts a strafing run over the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR), Nevada, Sept. 13, 2022. The NTTR mission is to create, operate, and maintain live and synthetic environments and integrate partners to optimize warfighter capabilities.

040625-F-4116H-009. Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The Idaho Air National Guards 124th Fighter Wing hosted the biennial A-10 Thunderbolt II competition, Hawgsmoke, Sept. 6-9, 2022. On Sept. 8, nearly 30 A-10s from across the nation took off from Gowen Field's flight line for the competition that took place at Idaho's Saylor Creek Range. At the previous competition, Hawgsmoke 2021, the 124th Fighter Wings 190th Fighter Squadron was recognized as the top pilot team at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. The winning team traditionally hosts the next competition. The 190th Fighter Squadron won all three team awards in 2021: overall champion, top bombing team and top tactical team. The 190th was announced winners of the 2022 Hawgsmoke on Sept. 9, making this overall win the squadrons fourth since 2003. More than 150 pilots, maintainers and weapon teams from approximately 14 active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units from across the globe are in the competition.

020524-N-5362A-005. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Bagram Air Base State: Parwan Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

An Mh-60S Knighthawk helicopter attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5 flies a daytime familiarization flight during a training detachment at Naval Air Station Fallon, April 21, 2022. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and the George H.W. Bush CSG. The squadrons of CVW-7 are Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, VFA-103, VFA-86, VFA-136, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, HSC-5, and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

An air-to-air right side view of a P-3 Orion aircraft over snow capped mountains. In the background is another Orion aircraft. Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA)

A U.S. Air Force T-38A Talon assigned to the 2d Fighter Training Squadron flies over southern Idaho, Sept. 14, 2022. The 2d FTS primary mission is to fly adversary air for F-22 Raptor student pilots learning basic fighter fundamentals, but the T-38 is capable of supporting various airframes.

The Idaho Air National Guards 124th Fighter Wing hosted the biennial A-10 Thunderbolt II competition, Hawgsmoke, Sept. 6-9, 2022. On Sept. 8, nearly 30 A-10s from across the nation took off from Gowen Field's flight line for the competition that took place at Idaho's Saylor Creek Range. At the previous competition, Hawgsmoke 2021, the 124th Fighter Wings 190th Fighter Squadron was recognized as the top pilot team at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. The winning team traditionally hosts the next competition. The 190th Fighter Squadron won all three team awards in 2021: overall champion, top bombing team and top tactical team. The 190th was announced winners of the 2022 Hawgsmoke on Sept. 9, making this overall win the squadrons fourth since 2003. More than 150 pilots, maintainers and weapon teams from approximately 14 active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units from across the globe are in the competition.

A C-130 Hercules aircraft releases a drogue chute as members of the 345th Tactical Airlift Squadron execute a Low Altitude Parachute Extraction System (LAPES) drop during a training flight. Eight air crews and two aircraft are deployed from Yokota Air Base, Japan, to Clark Air Base for the exercise. Country: Philippines (PHL)

A view of a KC-10A Extender aircraft (tail section) refueling an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft in flight. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-89-05873. Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk assigned to the 55th Rescue Squadron sits on the flightline at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 11, 2022. The 55th RQS provides rapid deployable combat search and rescue forces to theater commanders worldwide and continually deploys aircraft and aircrews in response to national disasters, domestic search and rescues and medical evacuation missions.

US Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during a training exercise in the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range, California and Arizona, USA

The Red Bull Air Force Team conducts an aerial demonstration in a BO 105 C Red Bull Helo during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 23, 2022. The Red Bull Air Force Team is comprised of accomplished and experienced aviation experts who specialize in highly-coordinated aerial jump demonstrations. The theme for 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win,” reflects the Marine Corps’ ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

A C-130 Hercules prepares lands on a dirt landing zone in the Zabul Province of Afghanistan. Airmen from the 807th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron, Forward Operating Base Lagman, made sure the dirt landing zone was safe for the cargo carrying C-130 Hercules to land and provided the aircrew with any pertinent information via radio communications. The aircrew was delivering needed cargo for one of the nearby military outposts.

051012-A-1327A-105. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Islamabad Country: Pakistan (PAK) Scene Major Command Shown: CJTF-76

A C-17 Globemaster III from the 517th Airlift Squadron prepares to drop heavy equipment while another Globemaster III from the 535th Airlift Squadron flies beside the aircraft Feb. 27, 2014, over Malemute Drop Zone, Alaska.

Mike Goulian, piloting his SR-22, performs aerobatics during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. Goulian has been competing in aerobatic contests for over 30 years and is a recognized expert in aviation. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

An Mh-60R Seahawk attached to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46 flies a daytime familiarization flight during a training detachment at Naval Air Station Fallon, April 20, 2022. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and the George H.W. Bush CSG. The squadrons of CVW-7 are Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, VFA-103, VFA-86, VFA-136, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, HSC-5, and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

DF-ST-85-13260. Country: Unknown

A US Air Force E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) aircraft from the 964th AWACS squadron, Tinker AFB, Oklahoma shortly after take off from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, for a mission during Exercise NORTHERN EDGE 2001. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Four U.S. Air National Guard C-130J Super Hercules cargo aircraft from the California Air National Guards 115th Airlift Squadron, 146th Airlift Wing, Port Hueneme, California, fly in formation during low-level tactical training over the Los Padres National Forest, California, May 14, 2020. The tactical training was combined with a flyover a salute by the military to honor medical professionals and other essential workers serving on the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. Air National Guard photo Tech. Sgt. Nieko Carzis.

An Alaska Army National Guard CH-47F Chinook helicopter approaches a landing zone while conducting sling-load training at Bryant Army Airfield, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Feb. 28, 2024. U.S. Army Soldiers from the Alaska Army National Guard Aviation Battalion conducted the sling-loaded training to enhance their ability to operate in Alaskas harsh environment. (Alaska National Guard

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform during the Aerospace Valley Air Show at Edwards Air Force Base, California, Oct. 14, 2022. This event marked the first Thunderbirds performance at Edwards in over a decade.

An A10-C Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 104th Fighter Squadron, Maryland Air National Guard, takes-off from Andoya Air Base, heading to Setermoen Range to participate in the Swift Response exercise, May 9, 2022, in Andenes, Norway. Swift Response is an annual USAREUR-AF led multinational training exercise taking place throughout Eastern Europe, including the Arctic, Baltic Sea, and the Balkan Peninsula regions and is designed to enhance readiness and airborne interoperability with allies and partners.

An Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron flies over Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 4, 2024 during a training mission. The 36th AS regularly conducts training missions to remain proficient in the necessary skills to support any contingency.

A C-17 starts up before a U.S. Air Force Weapons School Integration (WSINT) mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Dec. 6, 2022. WSINT tests the capabilities of pilots and crew members to increase efficiency and strengthen teamwork.

220822-N-EV253-1073 An F/A-18 assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 192 flies over Pyramid Cove during a mine countermeasure (MCM) live fire training exercise off the coast of San Clemente Island, Aug. 22, 2022. The MCM live fire is realistic, relevant training that enables our joint, multi-domain forces to integrate and rehearse a critical capability and complex skillset.

Air Force fire protection specialists assigned to the 673d Civil Engineer Squadron respond to a simulated downed aircraft while participating in Mission Assurance Exercise 22-6 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 25, 2022. MAE 22-6 tested JBERs emergency response capabilities following a mock-down aircraft accident.

Members of the Alaska Air National GuardÕs 210th, 211th and 212th Rescue Squadrons and 176th Security Forces Squadron, along with the 163rd SFS from the California Air National Guard, participated in a mass casualty exercise on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 20, 2016. During the exercise, the rescue operators located, assessed, treated and evacuated numerous casualties while engaging and eliminating multiple attacks from opposition forces.

Troopers assigned to 4-6 Air Cavalry Squadron, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade observe the impact from an AGM-114 Hellfire missile from their AH-64E Apache helicopter at Yakima Training Center, Wash. on Jan. 24, 2023.U.S. Army photo by Capt. Kyle Abraham, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade

A U.S. Navy MQ-4C assigned to Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 Triton takes off from the flightline at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022. Due to its geographic location and co-located airfield and harbor, MCAS Iwakuni is uniquely postured to provide advanced naval integration in support of regional security.

A pair of A-10 Thunderbolt IIs assigned to the 190th Fighter Squadron flies over a group of Airmen from the 124th Fighter Wing at the Saylor Creek Bombing Range, Idaho, Oct. 5, 2019. The range provides a designated area for pilots, Tactical Air Control Party Airmen and other mission-essential groups to run training missions.

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, prepare to land an MV-22B Osprey at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 16, 2022. Alaska serves as an ideal training location, enabling the practice and improvement of tactics, techniques and procedures in a realistic, relevant environment.

DM-ST-85-09385. Base: Dong Ha Country: Viet Nam (VNM)

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines operate an RQ-11 Raven, a small unmanned aerial system, during Exercise Fuji Viper 22.5 at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, Sept. 16, 2022. Exercise Fuji Viper exemplifies a commitment to realistic training that produces lethal, ready, and adaptable forces capable of decentralized operations across a wide range of missions. 3/3 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

Air to air side view of Air Mobility Command's 62nd Airlift Wing, McChord AFB, Washington C-130 Hercules and C-141 Starlifter flying with Mt. Ranier in the background. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

MH-60S Nighthawk helicopters attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, flies a Combat Search and Rescue training exercise during HSC-5's training at Naval Air Station Fallon, April 22, 2022. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and the George H.W. Bush CSG. The squadrons of CVW-7 are Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143; VFA-103; VFA-86; VFA-136; Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140; Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121; HSC-5; and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

030810-F-8833H-095. Base: Mountain Home Air Force Base State: Idaho (ID) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform their demonstration March 2, 2015, in preparation for the commander of Air Combat Command at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The Thunderbirds perform their show several times a year at multiple locations across the U.S. The solo pilots integrate their own routines, exhibiting some of the maximum capabilities of the Air ForceÕs premier multi-role fighter jet.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III flies alongside a Royal Australian Air Force C-17 in formation over the Hawaiian Islands as part of Exercise Global Dexterity 2022 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, May 4, 2022. Exercise Global Dexterity is designed to enhance air cooperation between the U.S. and Australia and increase our combined capabilities, improving security and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific Region.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 510th Fighter Squadron performs a low pass at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Aug. 8, 2022. A low pass maneuver involves diving low and making another pass around the flight zone instead of touching down and landing on the flightline.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to 3rd Wing sits on the flight line during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 10, 2022. RF-A is designed to provide realistic training essential to the continued development and improvement of combined and joint interoperability in a simulated combat environment.

U.S. Air Force Captain Blake Edwards, a pilot assigned to the 71st Rescue Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, flies a HC-130J Combat King II over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex during a sortie for RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2, June 17, 2022. The JPARC airspace covers more than 77,000 square miles and provides a realistic training environment, allowing Airmen to train for full spectrum engagements, ranging from individual skills to complex, large-scale joint engagements.

An A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft executes a strafing run on the Yukon Range during the close air support training exercise ARCTIC THUNDER '88. Subject Operation/Series: ARCTIC THUNDER '88 Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020606-F-5646C-001. Base: Malstrom Air Force Base State: Montana (MT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

May 20, 2011 - A ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicle is launched at Schoonover Airfield, Fort Hunter Liggett, California, in support of Global Medic 2011. Global Medic is a joint field training exercise for theater aeromedical evacuation system and ground medical components designed to replicate all aspects of combat medical service support.

Two U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft move into formation during a Mobility Air Forces Exercise Nov. 17, 2010. The MAFEX is a bi-annual Air Force-wide training opportunity hosted by the Air Force Weapons School at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

An Mh-60S Knighthawk helicopter attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5 flies a daytime familiarization flight during a training detachment at Naval Air Station Fallon, April 21, 2022. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and the George H.W. Bush CSG. The squadrons of CVW-7 are Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, VFA-103, VFA-86, VFA-136, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, HSC-5, and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

. Work Request Description: Photographic support for Desert Rats 2022 in Flagstaff, Arizona. Charge Code: DESERT RAT IMAGE ACQ XM, 23.44.600000.8100.8117 for UWI 2023.44.XA.600000.0 Desert Rats Project 2023 (XM)

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, performed for Aviation Nation Nov. 6, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The Thunderbirds have been based out of Nellis since 1955.

Vietnam, DMZ Area. Quang Tri Province, Khe Sanh, Former Khe Sanh US Combat Base, museum, former US Air Force, C-130 Hercules, transport plane

The Idaho Air National Guards 124th Fighter Wing hosted the biennial A-10 Thunderbolt II competition, Hawgsmoke, Sept. 6-9, 2022. On Sept. 8, nearly 30 A-10s from across the nation took off from Gowen Field's flight line for the competition that took place at Idaho's Saylor Creek Range. At the previous competition, Hawgsmoke 2021, the 124th Fighter Wings 190th Fighter Squadron was recognized as the top pilot team at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. The winning team traditionally hosts the next competition. The 190th Fighter Squadron won all three team awards in 2021: overall champion, top bombing team and top tactical team. The 190th was announced winners of the 2022 Hawgsmoke on Sept. 9, making this overall win the squadrons fourth since 2003. More than 150 pilots, maintainers and weapon teams from approximately 14 active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units from across the globe are in the competition.

A U.S. Air Force C-130H Hercules from the 145th Airlift Wing, North Carolina Air National Guard, lands at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, Feb 13. The C-130H is a versatile air frame used for troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport.

Col. Shane Finison, commander of the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, flies an AH-64E Apache helicopter near Glacier Peak, Wash. on Jul. 11, 2022. This was the final flight for Col. Finison as the brigade commander.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Transportation Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, and the Japan Ground Self Defense Force, conduct bilateral vehicle recovery training during exercise Resolute Dragon 22 at Kamifurano Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Transportation Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, and the Japan Ground Self Defense Force, conduct bilateral vehicle recovery training during exercise Resolute Dragon 22 at Kamifurano Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

Rear View of a V-22 Osprey as it Makes an Approach to a High Mountain Landing

A U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter prepares to land as other Black Hawks stand by during Operation Provide Comfort, an Allied effort to aid Kurdish refugees who fled from the forces of Saddam Hussein in northern Iraq. Silopi is functioning Provide Comfort's Humanitarian Service Support Base staging area. Subject Operation/Series: PROVIDE COMFORT Base: Silopi Country: Turkey (TUR)

An air-to-air front view of a C-141 Starlifter aircraft (right) from the 62nd Military Airlift Squadron, and a C-130 Hercules aircraft above snow covered mountains. State: Oregon (OR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

SGT Robert D. Holcomb, maintenance management chief for the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter, mans a .50-caliber machine gun in the helicopter's doorway as it approaches a Kurdish refugee camp on a supply delivery. The CH-53 is transporting material as part of Operation Provide Comfort, an Allied effort to aid the refugees who fled from the forces of Saddam Hussein in northern Iraq. Subject Operation/Series: PROVIDE COMFORT Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 225 takes off during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, July 29, 2022. RF-A is a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored exercise for U.S. and international forces and is designed to provide realistic air combat training and enhance bilateral interoperability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Four F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 354th Air Expeditionary Wing taxi on the runway at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, for Agile Combat Employment training, June 7, 2022. Exercises and operations incorporating ACE concepts ensure forward-deployed forces in the Indo-Pacific are ready to protect and defend the United States, allied and partner interests at a moments notice.

A Philippine Air Force FA-50 takes off for a bilateral air defense training mission during exercise Balikatan 22 at Basa Air Base, Philippines, April 1, 2022. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. Balikatan 22 is the 37th iteration of the exercise and coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 55th Rescue Generation Squadron perform post-flight inspections on an HH-60G Pave Hawk at Camp Navajo in Flagstaff, Arizona, Jan. 25, 2022. The 55th Rescue Squadron forward deployed to Camp Navajo to refresh their Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape training by performing agile combat employment in a high elevation, austere and arctic environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kaitlyn Ergish)

February 8, 2012 - Snow flies up as a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter lands at a remote landing zone in Shahjoy district, Zabul province, Afghanistan.

DA-SC-85-02959. State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army and Marine Corps High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems assigned to 1st Battalion, 94th Field Artillery Regiment, and 3d Battalion, 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division demonstrate live-fire capabilities during Balikatan 22, at Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base, Philippines, March 31, 2022. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. Balikatan 22 is the 37th iteration of the exercise and coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation.

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (August 1, 2022) A U.S. Marine Corps High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) simulates fire during an amphibious raid for a multinational littoral operations exercise as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, August, 1. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

An Oregon Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter with 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation Regiment carries a 2,000 gallon capacity Bambi Bucket above the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Area in order to support firefighting efforts on the Whitewater Fire on August 5, 2017. The Oregon National Guard was called upon following Gov. Kate Brown's emergency order on August 2, two Chinook helicopters are currently assigned to the fire.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 225 (VMFA-225), Yuma, California, takes off during Red Flag-Alaska 22-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, July 29, 2022. RF-A 22-3, a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored exercise, provides a unique opportunity to integrate various forces in a realistic threat environment and dates back to 1975, when it was held at Clark Air Base, Phillipines, and was called Exercise Cope Thunder.

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II "Warthog" from the 190th Fighter Squadron, 12th Fighter Wing, Idaho Air National Guard, flies over Saylor Creek Range in Grasmere, Idaho during Exercise Garnett Rattler April 21, 2022. Garnet Rattler is a joint training event between Marines, Soldiers and Airmen to train and qualify JTACs to be more efficient and lethal in a realistic training environment.

Air-to-air, side view of a 22nd Air Refueling Wing KC-10A Extender from March AFB, California preparing to refuel an in trail 60th Airlift Wing's C-5B Galaxy over a lake in the High Sierra mountains of northern California. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Base: Travis Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to 13th Fighter Squadron, 35th Fighter Wing, takes off for a bilateral air defense training mission during exercise Balikatan 22 at Basa Air Base, Philippines, April 1, 2022. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. Balikatan 22 is the 37th iteration of the exercise and coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation.

220707-N-ZQ263-1037 PUGET SOUND, Wash., (July 7, 2021) Sailors test an arresting gear wire on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is underway conducting routine operations.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jerry Lovings (left), an F-35B Lightning II ordnance technician, Sgt. Tyson Alconcel (middle), an F-35B Lightning II avionics technician, and Sgt. Johnathan Rivera, an F-35B Lightning II ordnance technician, all from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211, Marine Aircraft Group 13 (MAG), 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), prepare to receive a F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 214, MAG-13, for refueling during exercise Steel Knight 23, on Inyokern Airfield, California Dec. 2, 2022. Exercise Steel Knight 23 provides 3rd MAW an opportunity to refine Wing-level warfighting in support of I Marine Expeditionary Force and fleet maneuver.

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force paratrooper assigned to the 1st Airborne Brigade gathers his parachute after landing at the drop zone at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Jan. 25, 2022, during Airborne 22. The jump showcased the capability between U.S. Air Force and JGSDF ability to rapidly deploy joint forces, with training emphasizing the strong allied commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brieana E. Bolfing)

MT National Guard Soldiers provide assistance to civil authorities in wake of flooding in south central Montana.

VENTURA, Calif. (Nov. 20, 2012) E-2C Hawkeye aircraft assigned to the Wallbangers of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117 fly over the Pacific Ocean near Ventura, Calif. VAW-117 is a command and control and airborne early Warning Squadron dedicated to deliver time critical situational awareness to warfare commanders and coalition partners.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sierra Orozco, a loadmaster, and 1st Lt. Ciera White, an intelligence officer, both assigned to the 71st Rescue Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, fly in a HC-130J Combat King II over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex during a sortie for RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2, June 17, 2022. The JPARC airspace covers more than 77,000 square miles and provides a realistic training environment, allowing Airmen to train for full spectrum engagements, ranging from individual skills to complex, large-scale joint engagements.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to 1st Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, release heavy drop packages with a U.S. Air Force 86th Air Wing C-130 Hercules aircraftonto Frida Drop Zone at Pordenone, Italy on Jan. 9, 2024.The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

A team of Hawaii Air National Guard F-22 Raptors taxi down the flight line during a joint exercise Jan. 21, 2021, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. The exercise provides high-quality training to Total Force Airmen and other Department of Defense services to increase lethality and readiness for present and future warfighters. The 'Hawaiian Raptors' are operated by ANG and active-duty Airmen from the 199th and 19th Fighter Squadrons. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy)

A second wave of Apaches arrives at Rinas Airport on April 25, 1999, in support of NATO Operation Allied Force. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Base: Rinas State: Tirana Country: Albania (ALB)

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 11, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jerry Edlin, combat videographer, Communications Strategy and Operations, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, captures imagery of a landing craft, air cushion assigned to Assault Craft Unit 5, during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

A view of a UH-1N Iroquois helicopter during search and rescue exercises near Naval Air Station Fallon, Nev. Country: Unknown

220706-M-TN173-1095 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII (July 6, 2022) A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 (VMFA-232), Marine Air-Ground Task Force 7, taxis into the staging area on Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay in preparation for Rim of the Pacific 2022 (RIMPAC 2022), on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 6, 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC 2022 from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC 2022 provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationship among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

A U.S. Marine Corps pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, taxis an F/A-18D Hornet before takeoff in preparation for Exercise Nordic Response 24 at Andenes, Norway, Feb. 23, 2024. Exercise Nordic Response, formerly known as Cold Response, is a NATO training event conducted every two years to promote military competency in arctic environments and to foster interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and allied nations. Marine Corps

A member of the Red Bull Air Force team conducts an arial demonstration during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The Red Bull Air Force Team is comprised of accomplished and experienced aviation experts who specialize in highly-coordinated aerial jump demonstrations. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

A landing craft air cushion, assigned to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) departs to shore during an offload for Odyssey Encore, Volos, Greece, Jan. 8, 2024. The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness sustainment exercise enhances the units operational capabilities as the Tri-Geographic Combatant Command crisis response force and Joint Staff Immediate Response Force. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied and partner interests.

040426-F-4201N-091. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

THULE AIR BASE, Greenland - The Upgraded Early Warning Radar at Thule Air Base, Greenland, overlooks the Wolstenholme Fjord, the only place on earth where four active glaciers join together, Aug. 10, 2022. Located 750 miles north of the Arctic Circle at Thule AB, UEWR is operated by the 12th Space Warning Squadron, a component of Space Delta 4 - Missile Warning. UEWR is a two-sided, solid-state phased-array radar system with 240 degrees of coverage and operated 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by U.S. and Canadian military and contractors. 12 SWS is part of the Integrated Tactical Warning and Attack Assessment network, which provides early warning of ballistic missile launches to national command authorities via the Missile Warning Center and North American Aerospace Defense Command.

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