Military Aircraft Operations

Images showcasing military personnel engaged in aircraft maintenance, inspection, and flight preparation. The mood reflects focus and professionalism in aviation settings.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Austin Mckinney, an MV-22B crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162, inspects an MV-22B Osprey at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Sept. 19, 2022. VMM-162 prepared personnel and aircraft in support of a Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. VMM-162 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

021025-F-4649H-109. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

A crewman performs maintenance on an aircraft aboard the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV 66). Base: USS America (CV 66) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dakotah Zacot, 50th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, communicates with other aircrew members on a flight during an Agile Combat Employment capstone exercise Aug. 25, 2022. The ACE concept underpins the Air Forces ability to mitigate the risks of adversarial technological advances through maneuverability and speed to prevail in conflict. The capstone exercise included 72-hours of continuous air refueling operations and a historic 56-hour KC-135 flight in a simulated contested environment focused on a notional theater of operations.

Pilots from the 555th Fighter Squadron approach the hangar during exercise Falcon Strike 2022 at Amendola Air Base, Italy, Nov. 14, 2022. Falcon Strike 22 consisted of multiple NATO nations practicing joint offensive and defensive air operations that integrated fourth and fifth-generation airpower.

A U.S. Air Force Airman rolls up a fuel hose after refueling an F-22 Raptor assigned to Elmendorf Air Force Base (AFB), Alaska at Nellis AFB, Nevada, Feb. 2, 2024. The refueling was made possible by installing a boost pump, a refueling system that pushes gas from one planes main tank to another ones engine. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Col. Nicholas DiCapua, 23rd Fighter Group commander, inspects an HH-60W Jolly Green II at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Jan. 26th, 2024. DiCapua examined and graded maintainers and their aircraft during the Top Tiger competition.

SSGT Paul Geringer operates an AN/APM-378 IFF test set which sends out impulses that test the friend/foe transponder on an F-4D Phantom II aircraft, during Exercise Coronet Brave. Subject Operation/Series: CORONET BRAVE Base: Raf Finningley Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

040629-F-8738M-001. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AETC

060524-N-2555T-106. Base: USS Kearsarge (LHD 3)

A rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RIB) is piloted by Engineman First Class (EN1) Mark Nissen. EN1 Nissen is attached to Special Boat Unit 20 which often supports SEAL Team 2's operations at the base. Base: Naval Amphib Base, Little Creek State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041123-F-5040D-028. Base: Andersen Air Force Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-07524. Base: Naples Country: Italy (ITA)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities at NASAs Kennedy Space Center, STS-114 Commander Eileen Collins gets ready to practice driving an M-113, an armored personnel carrier that is used for speedy departure from the launch pad in an emergency. Behind her is Capt. George Hoggard, who is astronaut rescue team leader. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight. It provides the crew of each mission an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The test ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cutoff. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the launch pad. STS-114 is the first Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station. The launch window extends July 13 through July 31.

DF-ST-88-06855. Subject Operation/Series: CORONET TITAN Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

US Air Force STAFF Sergeant Jeff Street, 6th Aircraft Generation Squadron, MacDill Air Force base, Florida, martials a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft leaving for the European Theater in support of Operation ALLIED FORCE. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Casey ONeal, 944th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, hooks the fuel hose from an R-11 Refueling Vehicle to an F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 56th Fighter Wing, during an Agile Combat Employment multi-capable exercise, March 31, 2022, at Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field, Gila Bend, Arizona. This exercise prepares and empowers 56th MSG Airmen to expand their skills in multiple roles assigned to keep the fight going.

Airmen from the 96th Airlift Squadron and 27th Aerial Port Squadron conducting heavy actual air drops on Warren drop zone at Fort McCoy WI. The units are part of the 934th Airlift Wing at Minneapolis-St Paul Joint Air Reserve Station, Minnesota operating C-130 Hercules aircraft.

DF-ST-89-07818. Base: Mather Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Jordan Title, RedTail Flight Academy Summer Day Camper, listens to instructor pilot Maj. James Cartica Jr. while sitting in the pilot seat of a C-17 Globemaster III at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, NY, August 18, 2022.

US Navy AIRMAN Michael Thompson and US Navy AIRMAN Apprentice Logan Nemans both line crew members, watch a recovery on the flight deck of USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) as they prepare to tie down the aircraft after a safe landing. Truman is on station in the Persian Gulf in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ryan Cimbal, a joint terminal attack controller with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marines Expeditionary Force Information Group, observes the target area prior to controlling aircraft during a live-fire, close-air support exercise at Barry M. Goldwater Range, Gila Bend, Arizona, July 26, 2022. 1st ANGLICO trains to enhance proficiency in CAS and expand digital communications capabilities.

Staff Sgt. Shelese Garcia inspects an R-19 filter separator during the Fuels Operational Readiness Capability Equipment course March 13, 2014, at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. Garcia is with the 364th Training Squadron. An R-19 filter separator filters fine sediment out of fuel.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Cole Jones, a crew chief assigned to the 421st Fighter Generation Squadron, Hill Air Force Base (AFB), Utah, is at Nellis AFB providing maintenance capabilities to the F-35 Lightning II during Red Flag-Nellis 24-1 Jan. 22, 2024. Red Flag-Nellis is a contested combat training exercise and provides opportunities for the U.S. Air Force and its allies to train and work together toward similar goals.

JAMIE FLATTERS in THE FORGOTTEN BATTLE (2020) -Original title: DE SLAG OM DE SCHELDE-, directed by MATTHIJS VAN HEIJNINGEN.

A1C Dennis Tramontana provides security for the F-4 Phantom II aircraft and establishes communications via two-way radio from his vehicle during Reforger (Coronet Rawhide). Subject Operation/Series: REFORGERCORONET RAWHIDE Base: Sola Air Base Country: Norway (NOR)

Aviation Anti-submarine Warfare Operator 1ST Class R.C. Seaver removes tie-down chains from a P-38 Orion aircraft of Naval Air Reserve Patrol Squadron 68 (VP-68). VP-68 is in Rota for active duty training. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Base: Naval Station, Rota Country: Spain (ESP)

220617-N-DW158-1068 PHILIPPINE SEA (June 17, 2022) Lt. Ivan Nguyen, right, from San Diego, helps Midshipman 1st Class Nate Williams, from Narragansett, Rhode Island, put on survival gear in the Aircrew Survival Equipmentman shop for the Diamondbacks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 aboard the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan hosted five U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen for their summer cruise allowing them to experience day-to-day life aboard an aircraft carrier. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

STS-132 TCDT - CREW M113 TRAINING

LCOL Leroy Schroeder, left, B-1 bomber chief test pilot, explains the features of the B-1 bomber aircraft cockpit to GEN Charles A. Gabriel. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-86-09098. Base: Chitose Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Mark Bozzo (left), pilot, and Capt. Steven Lawless, weapon system officer, assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, prepare to board a B-52H Stratofortress for a routine Bomber Task Force mission at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 24, 2024. USINDOPACOM force employment, military posture, and operations honor our security commitments in the region by enabling us to rapidly respond to any potential crisis or challenge in the Indo-Pacific. Air Force

970630-M-0023H-015. Complete Scene Caption: GUNNERY Sergeant T. E. Hogan removes a defective roof turret from a AS32P-19A Aircraft Rescue Firefighting Vehicle, while preparing it for movement from the Bjugn Cave Facility. Hogan's parent command is MWSS-272, 2D MAW (Marine Aircraft Wing), but he is currently attached to the Norway Air-Landed Marine Expeditionary Brigade/Offload Preparation Party, (NALMEB/OPP), II Marine Expeditionary Force, Forward, (II MEF FWD). This item is being prepared for shipment to Estonia, for use in BALTIC CHALLENGE '97, a Partnership for Peace (PfP) exercise. The US Marine Corps has equipment stored in Norway, as part of the NALMEB Prepositioning Program. The NALMEB program contains equipment and 30 days of supplies to support a 13,000 person Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF). The Government of Norway is the on site "contractor", and provides storage, maintenance facilities and services, and security. This gear is stored in a series of 6 caves, located i

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Complex 39, STS-117 Mission Specialist James Reilly is helmeted and ready to practice driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier. The astronauts on the STS-117 crew are participating in M-113 armored personnel carrier training during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities, a dress rehearsal for their launch, targeted for March 15. The M-113 could be used to move the crew away from the launch pad quickly in the event of an emergency. The TCDT also includes pad emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. The mission payload aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, along with a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station.

Volkan Gurses, 39th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department driver operator, observes a simulated unconscious pilot rescue operation during a bilateral crash, damaged, or disabled aircraft recovery (CDDAR) exercise Jan. 8, 2024, at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye. The Turkish air forces 10th Tanker Base Command and 39th Air Base Wing conducted the training to enhance flightline interoperability and responsiveness, and simulated a large-scale rescue operation.

Helicopter flyer of 299 squadron with the grasshopper on the kite helmet.

"Activities of Royal Navy Air Squadron at NAS, Quonset Point, Rhode Island. Pilot is shown in cockpit of F4U that has J Gosling, NATC, Pensacola Insignia, painted on side.".

U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Ferrario, left, commander, 169th Operations Group, shares a preflight laugh with Tech Sgt. Nicholas Vattimo, a crew chief with the South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, during Relampago VII, an exercise in Barranquilla, Colombia, Sept. 2, 2022. The purpose of this exercise is to provide the Colombian Air Force with requested realistic interoperability training as allied countries, under NATO standards. South Carolina is Colombias State Partner in the State Partnership Program.

011212-F-1351S-001. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

DF-ST-89-06343. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH 88-3 Base: Chitose Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Noah Aucoin, UH-1Y Huey avionic technician, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 167, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, poses for a photo during maintenance on a UH-1Y Huey on Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Sept. 14, 2022. HMLA-167 aviation maintenance Marines conduct routine preventative maintenance on the AH-1Z Vipers and UH-1Y Hueys to ensure a constant state of readiness. MCAS New River provides aviation support, force protection, infrastructure, and community services to promote the readiness, sustainment and quality of life for II Marine Expeditionary Force and other military forces, tenant commands, personnel and their families.

980925-N-9693M-001. Base: Naval Air Station Patuxent River State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-11365. Base: Nas, Alameda State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040610-F-4884R-011. Base: Balad State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Midshipman Cindy Mason listens to instructions being given in the hyperbaric chamber during high-pressure testing at the Aviation Physiology Training Unit. Mason is participating in a one-week aviation training program for students enrolled in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC). Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Senior Airman Matthew Chung, 67th Aircraft Maintenance Unit dedicated crew chief, conducts pre-flight checks on a U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle during Exercise Pitch Black 2022 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, Australia, Aug. 24, 2022. Multilateral exercises with allies and partners throughout the region are designed to enhance each countries air operations, tactical execution of large force employment, and offensive counter air and land operations in order to enhance interoperability and strengthen relationships.

US Air Force STAFF Sergeant Dave Martin a crew chief with the Ohio Air Force Reserves gets ready to help launch some F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft's from Moron Air Base, Spain. The F-16's from The Ohio Reserves just completed a 90 day tour in the Gulf and stopped at Moron Air Base, Spain to get refueled. Base: Moron Air Base State: Sevilla Country: Spain (ESP)

JEAN DUJARDIN in THE MONUMENTS MEN (2013), directed by GEORGE CLOONEY.

Aviation Machinist's Mate AIRMAN Mark A. Marinnie, a member of the Operations Maintenace Department, works on one of the port side engines of a P-3 Orion aircraft. Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA)

DF-ST-87-03962. Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Original Film Title: SABOTAGE. English Title: SABOTAGE. Film Director: DAVID AYER. Year: 2014. Stars: ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jared Breaux, 70th Aerial Refueling Squadron in-flight refueler assigned to Travis Air Force Base, California, completes pre-fueling checklists over the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, Aug. 16, 2022. Breaux completed night time air-to-air refueling missions to assist in the training of F-22 Raptor student pilots.

Marine KC-130R, flight engineer, SGT Rob Walker from the VMGR 252 (Otis) Cherry Point, North Carolina during a preflight at the Moi International Airport. Subject Operation/Series: SUPPORT HOPE Base: Mombasa Country: Kenya (KEN)

DN-ST-87-11873. Base: USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3)

030801-F-3820W-005. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Masirah Air Base Country: Oman (OMN)

A Navy electrician replaces a wingtip bulb on an F-14 Tomcat aircraft competing in the 1988 Worldwide Reconnaissance Air Meet (RAM '88). Base: Bergstrom Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Master Sgt. Michael Davies, a crew chief assigned to the 801st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, poses for a photo before a mission rehearsal in support of Exercise Agile Spartan within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility March 20, 2023. Exercise Agile Spartan is a combined, joint training exercise that enhances international partnerships and regional security in the USCENTCOM AOR.

Senior Airman Damien Tamberelli, 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Blue, holds an AIM-9X missile in place while it's secured at the 96th Test Wings first quarter weapons-load competition April 20, 2019, at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The F-16 Blue Team defeated the F-15 Eagle Red Team in a competition to load an AIM-9X and an Mk-82 the fastest and with the fewest mistakes.

Tech Sgt. Lucas Balcarce, 909th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, observes as SSgt. Andrew Chase, 909th ARS boom operator, delivers fuel to an F-15C Eagle during a flight over the Pacific Ocean in support of exercise Keen Sword 23, Nov. 17, 2022. Joint and bilateral cooperation and collaboration enhance regional security, stability, and prosperity.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maria Nuno Sanchez, a Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) officer in charge, Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, explains how to read a meter to a Republic of Korea Marine at Pohang Airport, South Korea July 19, 2022. The FARP was conducted with the Republic of Korea Marine Corps to promote multinational training and preparedness as part of the Korean Marine Exercise Program.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Hannah Mancuso, C-17A loadmaster assigned to the 816th Airlift Squadron, surveys wing-tip clearance on a foreign taxiway during a USAID-led humanitarian mission at Sukkur Airport, Pakistan, Sep. 10, 2022. USAID leads the U.S. Government's international development and disaster assistance, helping people emerge from humanitarian crises, such as the catastrophic flooding currently plaguing Pakistan.

1st Lt. Samuel Ney, a student pilot assigned to the 149th Fighter Wing, Air National Guard, conducts preflight checks prior to launch during Coronet Cactus, Apr. 3, 2023, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. The annual training event deploys members of the 149th Fighter Wing, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, to another environment in order to familiarize them with accomplishing mission objectives in an unfamiliar location.

A U.S. Air Force crew chief with the 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron performs preflight checks on a F-16 Fighting Falcon before it flies the last Enhanced Air Policing mission of the deployment at 86th Air Base, Romania, July 18, 2022. The 510th EFS deployed to Romania to support the enhanced Air Policing operations over NATO airspace. The multinational NATO Alliance currently hosts more than 100 combat aircraft on alert in the region, performing 24/7 patrols along the eastern borders.

980620-F-9580Z-050. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Aaron Jacobs, an F-35A crew chief assigned to the 495th Fighter Squadron, conducts pre-flight checks during exercise Poseidon's Rage 22 at Souda Air Base, Greece, July 22, 2022. PR22 marks the first concurrent deployment of fourth and fifth-generation fighter squadrons by U.S. Air Forces in Europe to the same forward operating location, showcasing the ability to conduct large force employment exercises and strengthening the NATO alliance.

220720-N-XN177-1069 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 20, 2022) - Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 3rd Class Dalton Boll, from York, Pennsylvania, studies a training manual aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), July 20, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Staff Sgt. Summer Lankford,96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Red, secures an AIM-120 during the squadrons first quarter weapons load competition April 29 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The quick paced competition pits the F-16 Fighting Falcon Blue team against the F-15 Eagle Red team in a test of knowledge, proficiency, speed and skill. The Red Team emerged victorious this quarter. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Ground crewmen from the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing perform maintenance on an F-4 Phantom II aircraft during Exercise Gallant Eagle '82. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE '82 Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A photographer's mate takes a break from shooting motion picture film of stand down activities on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41). Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

060701-N-3729H-003. Base: USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)

Second Lieutenant Flyer F.R. (Fransje) Henkes.The first female kite at 298 Squadron.

MEL GIBSON in THE EXPENDABLES 3 (2014), directed by PATRICK HUGHES.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Layne Dimon, 860th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, waits to marshal a C-17 Globemaster III at Travis Air Force Base, California, March 29, 2023. The C-17 was part of a 50th anniversary of Operation Homecoming commemoration flight, which retraced the original mission. Operation Homecoming returned 591 American prisoners of war from Vietnam in 1973.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Lucas Crouch, Japan Air Self-Defense Force exchange officer and C-130H instructor pilot, talks to JASDF C-130H crewmembers at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 6, 2022, during Operation Christmas Drop 2022. OCD is the longest-running Department of Defense humanitarian and disaster relief mission. Each year, the USAF partners with countries in the Pacific Air Forces area of responsibility to deliver aid to remote islands in the South-Eastern Pacific.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Nicholas Davila, 325th Operations Support Squadron air traffic controller, prepares to communicate with pilots entering the airspace at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 13, 2022. As an air traffic controller, Davilas primary duty is to ensure the separation of aircraft and issue safety alerts when necessary.

Closeups of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne aboard helicopter during Louisiana visit

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