Military Aircraft Operations

Photos featuring various U.S. Air Force aircraft in action, including take-offs and taxiing on runways, highlighting military training and operational readiness.

A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from across the globe arrive at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, to compete in Hawgsmoke 2022, Sept 7, 2022. Hawgsmoke is a biennial USAF bombing, missile, and tactical gunnery competition for A-10 Thunderbolt II units which provides unique training.

A KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing takes off from the runway at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 26, 2022. All tanker aircraft at MacDill were evacuated in response to the anticipated effects of Hurricane Ian.

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, takes off in support of a Bomber Task Force Mission at Andersen AFB, Guam, Oct. 24, 2022. Bomber Task Force missions support the National Defense Strategy (NDS) objectives of strategic predictability and operational unpredictability through the speed, flexibility, and readiness of U.S. strategic bombers.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft from the 480th Fighter Squadron, from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, prepares for take-off during Exercise Real Thaw 22 on Beja Air Base, Portugal, June 27, 2022. Real Thaw 22 is a Portuguese Air Force-led, collective training exercise that ensures the United States maintains relationships and strengthens the ability to employ a strategic force in theater.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle taxis on the flight line during a routine training mission at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, August 22, 2022. Pilots use continuous training to maintain and perfect air-to-air and air-to-ground combat skills.

Two F-15E Eagles are ready for take-off from the runway at Aviano Air Base, Italy. They are returning to the 48th Wing, 494th Fighter Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, England, after completing their mission with the 4190th Wing (P) during Operation Decisive Edge in support of Operation Joint Endeavor. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVORDECISIVE EDGE Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from across the globe arrive at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, to compete in Hawgsmoke 2022, Sept 7, 2022. Hawgsmoke is a biennial USAF bombing, missile, and tactical gunnery competition for A-10 Thunderbolt II units which provides unique training.

Transfer of Dutch Starfighters to Turkey. December 15, 1980 Started from Air Base Leeuwarden 11 Lockheed (T) F-104G Starfighters direction Turkey. These ex-klu devices were provided with the Turkish crescent and were flown by kites of Volkel and Leeuwarden to the Turkish base.

Aerial team performer arrive for The Great Texas Airshow, Apr. 20, 2022, at JBSA-Randolph, Texas. The Great Texas Airshow, featuring the Thunderbirds, is scheduled for April 23 thru 24 at JBSA-Randolph. The Thunderbirds perform for people all around the world to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Force's premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

A front view of the 92nd Bombardment Wing's new camouflaged B-52G Stratofortress aircraft being serviced. These B-52Gs are the first fully camouflaged aircraft of their type. Base: Fairchild Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Four F16 aircrafts from the 169th Fighter Wing (FW) of the South Carolina Air National Guard, McEntire Air National Guard Station, sit on the ramp at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. A camera can be seen on the right in the foreground. The 169th FW and it's flying squadron, the 157th Fighter Squadron (FS) are deployed to Hill Air Force Base, Utah to participate in Combat Hammer. The 169th FW is one of several units operating in this 'live-fire' weapons testing mission. The 157th FS will fire Highspeed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARM) and AGM-65G Maverick missiles to test their pilots abilities, their unit tactics, and the effectiveness of missile systems. Subject Operation/Series: COMBAT HAMMER Base: Hill Air Force Base State: Utah (UT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airmen from the 366th Fighter Wing Maintenance Group, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, receive and maintain jets after flight operations during exercise Raging Gunfighter 22-2 at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, May 21, 2022. Raging Gunfighter demonstrates the need for our force to be able to rapidly embed, establish logistics and communications within a theaters command and control hub, receive follow-on forces, continue to generate the mission, and project combat power across all domains.

020115-F-8752S-009. Base: Tucson Airport State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

A U.S. Air Force T-38A Talon assigned to the 2d Fighter Training Squadron is recovered following a flight at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sept. 16, 2022. The 2d FTS traveled from Florida to MHAFB in support of the F-35A Lightning II basic course capstone.

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron takes off from Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 5, 2022. Kadena routinely conducts training as it is critical to deterring aggression and being ready to fight and win to protect the vital interests of the U.S. and Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo Airman 1st Class Tylir Meyer)

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 199th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron takes off during Agile Combat Employment training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 22, 2022. Exercises and operations incorporating ACE concepts ensure forward-deployed forces in the Indo-Pacific are ready to protect and defend the United States and its allied and partner interests at a moments notice

An A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 25th Fighter Squadron takes off before performing flight operations in support of exercise RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2 at Eielson Air Force Base, June 20, 2022. RF-A is designed to provide realistic training essential to the success of air and space operations in a simulated combat environment.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 25th Fighter Squadron (FS) takes off during a training event at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea (ROK), Sept. 15, 2022. The 25th FS is assigned to the 51st Fighter Wing, Osan AB, ROK.

970417-F-6217S-001. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS Base: Kirtland Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 354th Fighter Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base taxis down the runway during Bushwhacker 22-07 at Naval Auxiliary Landing Field Fentress, Virginia, Nov. 4, 2022. The 355th Wing trains Multi-Capable Airmen to compete, deter and win the high-end fight, accounting for the ambiguity and uncertainty expected in future conflicts.

DM-ST-86-08415. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

More than 200 Airmen and 10 A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthogs from the 924th Fighter Group of the 944th Fighter Wing are working out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 26, 2022, during the units participation in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. 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 worlds 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 worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

The 101st Air Refueling Wing welcomes tanker crews from MacDill AFB during an exercise. The 6th Operations Group conducted their capstone for their newly appointed Agile Combat Employment concept.

An F-35 Lightning II with the U.S. Marine Corps Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 225 taxis by Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornets during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, July 29, 2022. The large-force exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 354th Air Expeditionary Wing, takes off during Agile Combat Employment training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 22, 2022. The ACE operational scheme of maneuver is designed to generate and sustain combat employment and to sustain and defend forward operating locations.

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron takes off at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 1, 2022. As part of its modernization plan, the U.S. Air Force is retiring its aging fleet of F-15C/D Eagle aircraft that have been in service for more than four decades. The Department of Defense will continue to maintain a steady-state fighter presence at Kadena by temporarily deploying newer and more advanced aircraft to backfill the F-15s as they retrograde to the U.S.

U.S. Air Force Airman Logan Lantz, 357th Fighter Generation Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II crew chief, performs pre-flight checks on an A-10 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, May 25, 2022. The 357th FGS provides direct maintenance support to the 354th Fighter Squadron, following Air Combat Commands Oriented Maintenance Organization construct.

Thirty-three A-10 Thunderbolt IIs arrive at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, to compete in Hawgsmoke 2022, Sept 6, 2022. Hawgsmoke is a biennial USAF bombing, missile, and tactical gunnery competition for A-10 Thunderbolt II units which provides unique training.

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer pilots assigned to the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, wait to be taxied to a parking spot after returning from a joint maritime strike rehearsal demonstrating service components fires and effects capabilities in the maritime environment on June 14, 2022, during exercise Valiant Shield 22. Exercises such as Valiant Shield allows the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Task Force the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct long-range, precise, lethal and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Task Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

040222-F-5040D-084. Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

The Navy's Blue Angel Flight Demonstration Squadron of F/-18 Hornet aircraft taxis out in preparation for takeoff to commence their portion of the Naval Air Station open house airshow. Base: Naval Air Station, Cecil Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

010916-F-1279W-006. Base: Jacksonville Iap State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 125 Fighter Wing

A 10th Military Airlift Squadron C-23 Sherpa aircraft is ready to depart from the base after taking on passengers, cargo and fuel. A 436th Military Airlift Wing C-5A Galaxy aircraft being serviced in the background. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

A U.S. Air Force Reserve Command A-10 Thunderbolt II, assigned to the 924th Fighter Group, sits on the flightline at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 11, 2022. The 924th FG is the only active and classic associate fighter group in Air Force Reserve Commands inventory and functionally integrates with the 355th Operations Group and 355th Maintenance Group to conduct A-10 pilot training.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Pacific Air Forces commander, takes off at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Northern Territory, Australia, Sept. 5, 2022. Wilsbach flew alongside RAAF Air Marshal Robert Chipman and German Air Force Air Chief Lt. Gen. Ingo Gerhartz in a demonstration of friendship and cooperative leadership.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft is marshalled off the runway apron upon its arrival during Reforger-Crested CAPT I. Subject Operation/Series: REFORGERCRESTED CAP I Base: Leck Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 81st Fighter Squadron Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, starts down the runway for take off from Royal Air Force (RAF) Lakenheath, United kingdom. Personnel from the 52d Fighter Wing are currently deployed to RAF Lakenheath in preparation for the NATO Tactical Evaluation in October. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

An A-10 Thunderbolt II, from the 124th Fighter Wing, Boise, Idaho, lands at Young Landing Zone on Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, June 13, 2022. The aircraft were participating in Agile Rage 2022 and performing austere landings in support of hub and spoke operations as part of the agile combat employment concept of operations.

U.S. Air Force T-38A Talons assigned to the 2d Fighter Training Squadron and F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 61st Fighter Squadron sit on the flight line prior to a flight at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sept. 13, 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.

An F-16CJ Fighting Falcon assigned to the 23rd Fighter Squadron (FS), 52nd Fighter Wing (FW), Spangdahlem Air Base (AB), Germany, certifies the barrier cable for the temporary runway, while the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron's (CES) Fire Department stands by. (Duplicate image, see also DFSD0500534 or search 030228F0718S014). Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

A U.S. Marine Corps pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced) returns from a deployment in an AV-8B Harrier II back to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Oct. 7, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, completed 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. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Staff Sgt. Theodore N. Bergan)

020330-F-1894K-016. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

More than 200 Airmen and 10 A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthogs from the 924th Fighter Group of the 944th Fighter Wing are working out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 29, 2022, during the units participation in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 21-Aug. 4. 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 worlds 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 worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet assigned to Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, takes off during Checkered Flag 22-2 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 12, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise held at Tyndall which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th- and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 22-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-20, 2022.

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15J takes off in support of Exercise Southern Beach at Naha Air Base, Japan, Sept. 16, 2022. Exercise Southern Beach is a locally organized bilateral training exercise that enhances interoperability with the opportunity for 18th Wing and Japan Air Self-Defense Force units to practice mission planning, flying and debriefing together.

Airmen from the 28th Maintenance Group, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, perform postflight checks on an Ellsworth AFB B-1B Lancer on the flightline at Dyess AFB, Texas, Feb. 3, 2024. Air Force

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 94th Fighter Squadron, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, taxis the flight line during Checkered Flag 23-1 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Nov. 2, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 23-1 iteration of the exercise was held Oct. 31 - Nov. 10, 2022.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off from the flightline here April 27. Six F-16's permanently departed Spangdahlem Air Base for the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard, Duluth, Minn., as part of the Combat Air Forces Restructuring plan. The six aircraft were the first of 21 to depart the base.

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15J takes off in support of Exercise Southern Beach at Naha Air Base, Japan, Sept. 16, 2022. Exercise Southern Beach is a locally organized bilateral training exercise that enhances interoperability with the opportunity for 18th Wing and Japan Air Self-Defense Force units to practice mission planning, flying and debriefing together.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Pacific Air Forces commander, lands at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Northern Territory, Australia, Sept. 5, 2022. Wilsbach flew alongside RAAF Air Marshal Robert Chipman and German Air Force Air Chief Lt. Gen. Ingo Gerhartz in a demonstration of friendship and cooperative leadership. Pacific Air Forces stands committed to U.S. Allies and Partners in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.

040406-F-0848C-005. Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airmen from the 124th Fighter Wing, Boise, Idaho arrive at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, MI, June 4, 2022 to participate in Agile Rage 22. Agile Rage 22 is a National Guard Bureau-led exercise, held June 6-19, 2022 at Alpena CRTC, part of the National All-Domain Warfighting Center, and provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

A member from the 493rd Fighter Squadron (FS), 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, greets returning 493rd FS F-15C pilots dressed as their mascot the "Grim Reapers". The 493rd FS members were deployed in support of the Air Expeditionary 4-lead wing, which completed a historic first-ever deployment to Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, this week. RAF Lakenheath's 48th Fighter Wing served as the AEF4-lead wing contributing leadership and the bulk of all deployed forces over the past 90 days. The AEF enforced the United Nations No-Fly/No-Drive Zone over southern Iraq, an air occupation that has continued since the end of Operation DESERT STORM. Remaining AEF 4 .... Complete Scene Caption: A member from the 493rd Fighter Squadron (FS), 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, greets returning 493rd FS F-15C pilots dressed as their mascot the "Grim Reapers". The 493rd FS members were deployed in support of the Air Expeditionary 4-lead wing, which com

The 412th Test Wing unveiled two F-16s assigned to the 416th Flight Test Squadron adorned with special tail flashes to celebrate the Fighting Falcon's 50 years of service.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron known as the Thunderbirds, prepares for take-off, May 8, 2022, on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. Eight officers serve as the Thunderbirds highly experienced pilots, and four serve in critical roles from medical support to public affairs.

Multiple B-2 Spirits land for aircraft recovery as storm clouds gather Aug. 24, 2016, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The B-2s low-observable, or stealth, characteristics give it the ability to penetrate an enemys most sophisticated defenses and threaten its most valued, heavily defended targets, while avoiding adversary detection, tracking and engagement.

A U.S. Air Force Lockheed U-2, nicknamed Dragon Lady, conducts an aerial demonstration during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 23, 2022. The U-2, a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft with U.S. Air Force 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, California, provides day and night, high-altitude, all-weather intelligence-gathering and reaches altitudes above 70,000 feet. 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.

031112-F-3488S-020. Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

An A-10C Thunderbolt II sits on the flightline at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Oct. 30, 2022. The aircraft flew from Moody Air Force Base, Georgia in support of a Dynamic Force Employment operation which enables a multitude of readiness and training exercises by bringing unique aircraft to Pacific Air Forces operating area.

DF-ST-88-05657. Subject Operation/Series: CORNET PHASER Base: Canadian Forces Base, Lahr Country: West Germany (FRG)

040325-F-3488S-060. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Four AH-64 Apache helicopters fly over a U-28A Draco aircraft during Exercise Trojan Footprint 22 on Lielvarde Air Base, Latvia, May 3, 2022. Trojan Footprint is the premier Special Operations Forces (SOF) exercise in Europe that focuses on improving the ability of SOF to counter myriad threats, increases integration with conventional forces, and enhances interoperability with our NATO allies and European partners.

An F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 4th Fighter Squadron, Hill Air Force Base and currently forward deployed to Kadena Air Base, takes off at Kunsan AB, Republic of Korea, Feb. 22, 2024. U.S. Air Force F-35 pilots and their ROK Air Force counterparts conducted combined training missions to enhance the continued interoperability between U.S. and Allied fifth-generation forces in the Indo-Pacific region. Air Force

A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft, assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing, taxi in a formation collectively referred to by U.S. Air Force personnel as an "elephant walk" while at the Fort Wayne Air National Guard Base, Indiana July 10, 2022. The term has been used widely since World War II to showcase a unit's capabilities and team working abilities.

030917-F-9370B-003. Base: Byrd Field State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Air Force T-38 Talons with the 2nd Fighter Training Squadron, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, taxi on the flight line at the Air Dominance Center, a Combat Training Readiness Center May 3, 2022, in Savannah, Georgia prior to afternoon sortie take-offs. Sentry Savannah is a joint total force integrated exercise that showcases the nation's combat aircraft readiness, tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a near-peer environment and trains our next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

An MH-53J Pave Low III helicopter prepares to land behind a row of F-16C fighting Falcon aircraft of the Air Force's Thunderbirds flight demonstration team during an air show. Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

F-22 Raptors arrive at the Air Dominance Center in Savannah, Georgia after an exercise during Sentry Savannah on May 2, 2022. Sentry Savannah is the Air National Guards largest air-to-air, joint aerial combat exercise for fourth- and fifth-generation fighters, which tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a simulated environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

An F-15C Eagle takes off from the runway at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 26, 2022. The F-15s took off to support Cope North 22, a multinational exercise in which more than 2,500 U.S. Airmen, Marines and Sailors trained with more than 1,000 combined Japan Air-Self Defense Force and Royal Australian Air Force service members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Raughton)

DF-ST-85-04186. Subject Operation/Series: PITCH BLACK Base: Darwin State: Northern Territory Country: Australia (AUS)

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 940th Air Refueling Wing, Air Force Reserve Command, taxis during a multinational elephant walk as part of Cope North 24 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 5, 2024.Cope North enhances U.S. relationships and interoperability with our regional Allies and partners by providing the opportunity to exchange information and improve shared tactics to better integrate multilateral defense capabilities. Air Force

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet aircraft with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533 takes off from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 28, 2022. U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, VMFA-242, and VMFA(AW)-533 conducted live-fire missile exercise to increase weapon proficiency and enhance squadrons combat readiness in the air-to-air environment.

980621-F-2171A-005. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Beau Rollie, 6-6 Air Cavalry Squadron commander, conducts his final flight as the 6-6 Squadron Commander on Fort Drum, NY Jun. 22, 2022. Lt. Col. Rollie was recieved by Cavalry Soldiers after he landed.

Two F/A-18 Hornets prepare for take off during the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration of the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The MAGTF Demo displays the coordinated use of close-air support, artillery and infantry forces, and provides a visual representation of how the Marine Corps operates. 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 U.S. Air Force U-2S landing at Beale Air Force Base, California.

Afghanistan, Bagram, Bagram Airfield, United States Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II in maintenance hangar

U.S. Air Force Capt. Chris Nations, a 14th Fighter Squadron standardization and evaluations officer, and Staff Sgt. Bernard Mutz, a 35th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness and emergency manager, take off in an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2010. Sergeant Mutz said he enjoyed seeing the fall colors in the Hokkaido Mountains during his flight, which he earned through outstanding service while assigned to the wing.

A pilot from the 107th Fighter Squadron taxis in an A-10 Thunderbolt II from Selfridge Air National Guard Base from a training mission in Northern Michigan July 21, 2022. The A-10, affectionally called the Warthog, is the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support. The effective and survivable Warthog carries a wide variety of munitions that can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles.( U.S. Air National Guard photo by Terry L. Atwell)

Tech. Sgt. Sean Watts, 355th Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Quality Assurance section chief and a member of the 355th Wing Inspection Team, examines Airmen's work performance during Bushwhacker 22-07 at Naval Auxiliary Landing Field Fentress, Virginia, Nov. 4, 2022. The Wing Inspection Team was present at all locations during BW 22-07 and was in charge of ensuring Airmen followed procedures and abided by all Air Force instructions.

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing take off to participate in Point Blank 22-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, April 28, 2022. This iteration of Point Blank focused on conducting defensive counter-air and personnel recovery exercises.

A-10 Thunderbolts perform a demonstration during the Frontiers in Flight Air Show at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, Sept. 25, 2022. The air show featured 12 performers including Tora Tora Tora, an A-10 demonstration, and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds to name a few. An air show, also known as an open house, is a way for military members and installations to show appreciation to local communities as well as showcase Department of Defense and Air Force capabilities. Wichita, home to McConnell AFB, is known as the Air Capital of the World, the birthplace of some very famous airframes.

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. - A B-2 bomber takes off early morning at full throttle June 29, while another B-2 waits at the other end of the runway. The B-2 StealthÕs are participating in day to day operations at Whiteman Air Force Base.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jet from the South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Fighter Wing lands on the runway while participating in Relampago VII, an exercise in Barranquilla, Colombia, Aug. 30, 2022. The purpose of this exercise is to provide the Colombian Air Force with requested realistic interoperability training as allied countries, under NATO standards. The U.S. is providing provide eight F-16s and two KC-135s to support this training. South Carolina is Colombias State Partner in the State Partnership Program.

A view of AV-8B Harrier aircraft from Marine Light Attack Squadron 231 (VMA-231) on the flight line prior to flight operations. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

B-52 Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron que on the flightline prior to takeoff at RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, Sept. 21, 2022. The aircraft were part of a Bomber Task Forcewhich is the global employment of U.S. strategic bombers, that provide strategic military advantage to achieve national and combatant commander objectives.

Captain Lee Spechler, a pilot from the 81st Fighter Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, takes off from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom, in an A-10 Thunderbolt II during a phase II exercise 24 July 2001. Personnel from the 52d Fighter Wing are currently deployed to Lakenheath in preparation for the NATO Tactical Evaluation in October. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

DF-SC-02-02364. Base: Whiteman Air Force Base State: Missouri (MO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Fighter Squadron 74 (VF-74) F-14B Tomcat aircraft taxis to the runway prior to an air combat maneuvers training mission against Strike Fighter Squadron 127 (VFA-127) F-5E Tiger II aircraft. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Four A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 104th Fighter Squadron, Maryland Air National Guard, arrive at Amari Air Base, ready to conduct Agile Combat Employment training in support of the DEFENDER-Europe 22 exercise, May 16, 2022, in Harjumaa, Estonia. DEFENDER-Europe 22 is a multinational training exercise designed to demonstrate USAREUR-AFs ability to aggregate US-based combat power quickly in Eastern Europe across multiple theaters in support of NATO and the National Defense Strategy as well as to leverage host national capabilities to increase USAREUR-AFs operational reach.

A USAF A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft (background), a F-16 Falcon aircraft (foreground) and a C-130 Hercules aircraft (right) represent the type of aircraft that make up Air Combat Command's third and newest Composite Wing, the 347th Airlift Wing, Moody AFB, Georgia. From AIRMAN Magazine July 1995 issue "Moody's on the Move". Base: Moody Air Force Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-87-11673. Subject Operation/Series: WILLIAM TELL '86 Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040311-F-2021H-005. Base: Ellsworth Air Force Base State: South Dakota (SD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A B-1B Lancer takes off at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., for a CONUS-to-CONUS mission into the Indo-Pacific, Sept. 10, 2022. Bomber missions to the Indo-Pacific contribute to joint-force lethality and deter aggression by demonstrating USAF ability to operate anywhere in the globe at any time.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor launches during the joint forces demonstration during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 29, 2022. The joint forces demonstration brings together teams across the U.S. Air Force, Army and Alaska National Guard to showcase teamwork and coordination through a simulated combat scenario.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon Demonstration Team from Misawa Air Base, Japan, takes off during Friendship Festival 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 21. The two-day festival was an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the U.S. and Japan bilateral partnership, while strengthening the bonds between Yokota and the local communities. Yokota was able to host the event with the support of Japane Self-Defense Force, sister services and the local community.

220522-N-EV253-1027 HILLSBORO, Ore. (May 22, 2022) - Visitors interact with U.S. Navy aircraft at the 2022 Oregon International Air Show in Hillsboro, Oregon, May 22. During the show, more than 100,000 attendees were able to observe and interact with an all-women team of U.S. Navy aviators and crew, and view Navy aircraft including the F-35C Lightning II, CMV-22 Osprey, EA-18G Growler, F/A-18E Super Hornet, C-2A Greyhound, EP-3E Aries II, and MH-60S and MH-60R Seahawk helicopters.

The 412th Test Wing unveiled two F-16s assigned to the 416th Flight Test Squadron adorned with special tail flashes to celebrate the Fighting Falcon's 50 years of service.

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