Military Aircraft Operations

Photos showcasing various military aircraft on airfields, highlighting logistics, airlift missions, and preparations for operations, with clear blue skies and operational settings.

A U.S. Air Force C-5M Super Galaxy taxis during Exercise Dragon Spark at Travis Air Force Base, California, Oct. 14, 2022. Exercise Dragon Spark provided units from the 60th Air Mobility Wing and the 621st Contingency Response Wing an opportunity to sync operations in preparation for a national disaster.

980517-F-4116M-010. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

At Dyess Air Force Base (AFB), Texas, a B-1B Lancer bomber from the 9th Bomb Squadron (BS), takes off on a deployment to Guam in support of our defensive posture in the Pacific region. Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airmen with the 182nd Maintenance Operations Flight, Illinois Air National Guard, pose for a group photo with a C-130H Hercules at the 182nd Airlift Wing, Peoria, Illinois, Nov. 6, 2022. The wing celebrated its 75th anniversary with a specialized Hercules tail flash.

U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotankers assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, sit on display at the Royal International Air Tattoo in Fairford, England, July 15, 2022. RIAT creates opportunities for U.S. Air Forces in Europe and our partners to work together and find ways to sharpen our competitive edge and be prepared to address global security challenges. (U.S. Air Force video by Staff Sgt. Gaspar Cortez)

Airmen with the 182nd Maintenance Group headquarters element, Illinois Air National Guard, pose for a group photo with a C-130H Hercules at the 182nd Airlift Wing, Peoria, Illinois, Nov. 6, 2022. The wing celebrated its 75th anniversary with a specialized Hercules tail flash.

US Air Force C-130 Hercules Transport planes from the 86th Air Wing, Ramstein Air Base, Germany wait for paratroopers (Not shown) to board for a coalition airborne assault in support of VENETO RESCUE 2000 at Aviano Air Base, Italy. Veneto Rescue is a simulated non-combatant evacuation operation (NEO) that simulates the extraction of American citizens and designated third-country nationals from a fictitious, politically troubled country. Subject Operation/Series: VENETO RESCUE Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

A US Air Force (USAF) NKC-135 "Big Crow" Multi-Service Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) aircraft takes off from a forward-deployed operating base, while a KC-135R Stratotanker refueling aircraft tops off its fuel tanks, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan, performs dirt strip operations at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, in support of RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2, June 17, 2022. This exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint, coalition and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases.

Aircrew from the 2nd Bomb Wing prepare to board a B-52H Stratofortress for a CONUS-to-CONUS (C2C) training mission, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, Sept. 29, 2022. The U.S. Air Force remains fully committed to the defense against and deterrence of any actors that would look to undermine or threaten our shared interests.

U.S. Marines with Marine Air Control Squadron 4 prepare to off-load ammunition from a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft during Resolute Dragon 22 on Camp Betsukai, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 8, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral 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.

041204-F-2034C-043. Base: Unknown

Two B-52H Stratofortresses fly over the flightline before coming in for landing Oct. 27, 2022, at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. In a conventional conflict, the B-52 can perform strategic attack, close-air support, air interdiction, offensive counter-air and maritime operations.

030312-F-4820A-001. Base: RAF Fairford State: Gloucestershire Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A KC-10 Extender parked inside a hangar during its final inspection at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., April 10, 2023. This final inspection marked a significant milestone in the 305th Air Mobility Wings history, as they have fully converted to the KC-46A Pegasus. This represents a new chapter in air-to-air refueling capabilities for the Joint Force.

An Army National Guard CH-47D Chinook helicopter from Detachment 1, Company F, 106th Aviation Davenport, Iowa is loaded into a 436th Airlift Wing, 3rd Airlift Squadron's C-5B Galaxy airlifter. The Chinook is on its way to Georgetown, Guyana in support of New Horizon '97, the first combined humanitarian and civic assistance exercise conducted between the United States and Guyana. Military personnel from the Air Force, Air Force Reserve & National Guard, Army, Army National Guard and Marine Corps participated in the exercise which included engineering and medical readiness training. Subject Operation/Series: NEW HORIZON '97 Base: Davenport State: Iowa (IA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

United States Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, with proprotors spinning, prepares to depart on a mission from Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan

030825-M-7837W-024. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Al Kut State: Wasit Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. service members board a KC-130J Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 252 during Exercise Trident 23-2 at Blackstone Army Airfield, Virginia, Nov. 16, 2022. VMGR-252 provided assault support to U.S. Navy SEALs during the training exercise to enhance combat readiness and improve naval integration. VMGR-252 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

A 36th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules sits on an airstrip at the Palau International Airport, Republic of Palau, Oct. 31, 2022. The aircraft transported lead wing personnel to a forward location in support of a Dynamic Force Employment operation which is designed as a way for Pacific Air Forces to exercise their ability to generate combat air power from dynamic force elements while continuing to move, maneuver and sustain these elements in geographically-separated and contested environments.

TRIPLE ACE

Members of the 165th Airlift Wing, Georgia Air National Guard, return to Savannah, Georgia from a deployment to Europe in a C-130 Hercules on April 5, 2022. The Airmen deployed in support of the U.S. Air Forces Europe and provided logistical support and a tactical airlift package supplying military aid.

Members of the Connecticut National Guard board a C-130 H aircraft enroute to Washington, D.C., January 15, 2021 at Bradley Air National Guard Base, Connecticut. The Guardsmen were mobilized in support of security operations in the days leading up to the United States presidential inauguration.

A view of the nose of a C-17 prior to take off as the crew pre-flights and prepares to depart for a flight to Pope AFB, N.C., and Howard AFB, Panama. Subject Operation/Series: SAFE HAVEN Base: Charleston Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A C17 Globemaster III Aircraft from 86AW/37th Airlift Squadron bearing Paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, departs from Aviano Air Base, in Pordenone, Italy Sept. 7, 2022 for an airborne operation onto Hohenfels Drop Zone, Germany as part of Exercise Saber Junction 22. Saber Junction 22 is a multinational rotational exercise designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Armys 173rd Airborne Brigade to execute unified land operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with more than 4,500 participants from the U.S. and Allied and partner nations at the U.S. Armys Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas from August 29 to September 20, 2022.

A C-130 Hercules transport aircraft from the West Virginia Air National Guard flies over the United Arab Emirates during a troop-carrying mission in support of Operation Desert Storm. The aircraft is assigned to the 1630th Tactical Airlift WIng.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force maintainer assigned to the 721st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron marshals a C-17 Globemaster III on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sept. 7, 2022. The 721st AMXS provides en route aircraft maintenance for Air Mobility Command strategic airlift missions through the base to enable Joint operations in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. Saber Junction is a multinational rotational exercise designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade to execute unified land operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with more than 4,500 participants from the U.S. and Allied and partner nations.

Airmen from the 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron combat mobility flight load a low-cost, low-altitude cargo bundle onto a C-130 Hercules at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 8, 2013. Airmen from the 374th LRS maintain and prepare aerial cargo delivery systems and equipment for use during training exercises and real-world deployments.

Alert crews from the 155th Operations Squadron respond to the aircraft when the klaxon alarm sounds as part of the Nuclear Operational Readiness Exercise, Nov. 5, 2022, at the Nebraska Air National Guard base in Lincoln. The 155th Air Refueling Wing mission supports USSTRATCOM's nuclear global strike and strategic deterrence missions through aerial refueling with the Stratotanker to deter regional and strategic threats from adversaries.

Visitors to The Great Texas Airshow climb the stairs of a C-5 Galaxy to see the flight its deck Apr. 23, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. The U.S. Air Force is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a The Great Texas Airshow as a key event. The airshow features the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds performing for people 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 Forces premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE (Sept. 28, 2022) The U.S. Naval Academys Training and Research in Oceanic and Atmospheric Processes in Tropical Cyclones (TROPIC) team joined the Hurricane Hunters of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron on a mission into Hurricane Ian. The purpose of the TROPIC program is to allow midshipmen and graduate students the opportunity to fly through storms in planes that drop airborne expendable bathythermograph (AXBT) sensors into the ocean, collecting data they produce to include the oceans temperature, salinity, and density changes underneath the storm, while also evaluating the waves themselves for future research.

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tilt-Rotor Squadron (VMM) 265 perform pre-flight procedures on an MV-22B Osprey during Marine Aviation Support Activities 22-2, July 18, 2022, Subic Bay, Philippines. MASA 22-2 is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at increasing interoperability and improving aviation-related capabilities in support of U.S.-Philippine mutual defense.

A C-130 Hercules, C-141B Starlifter and a C-5 Galaxy aircraft are parked on the Military Airlift Command flight line during Exercise Team Spirit '86. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '86 Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, assigned to the 86th Airlift Wing, and a German Air Forces A400M Atlas are parked at the 33rd Air Base, Powidz, Poland, as part of Aviation Detachment Rotation 22-4 (ADR 22-4) training, Sept. 14, 2022. Participation in training events like ADR 22-4 enhances professional relationships and improves overall coordination with allies and partner militaries.

An MC-130H from the 7th Special Operations Squadron and members of the 321st Special Tactics Squadron demonstrate an exfiltration at RAF Mildenhall during a practice for the base's Annual Air Fete for 2001. Hosted by the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Air Fete is Europe's largest military sponsored air show. This year's theme is "Silver Wings," as the show celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year. More than 550,000 people visited the base for the show. Base: Raf Mildenhall Country: Great Britain / England (GBR)

Members of the US Air Force 86th Airlift Wing Honor Guard carry the remains of fallen sailors from USS COLE (DDG 67) from a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on October 13, 2000. The sailors were caught in the explosion during the bombing of Cole in the Yemen port city of Aden. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

C-17A's from the 437th Airlift Wing, Charleston AFB, South Carolina, wait to be de-iced and loaded with equipment and supplies in Rhein-Main AB, Germany in support of Operation Joint Endeavor. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Rhein-Main Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

050109-F-9429S-003. Base: Karshni-Khanabad Air Base Country: Uzbekistan (UZB)

Members of Joint Task Force - Alaska off load equipment and supplies after arriving in Bethel for disaster relief response Sept. 21, 2022, via a HC-130J Combat King II aircraft from the 176th Wings 211th Rescue Squadron. Approximately 100 service members from the Alaska National Guard, Alaska State Defense Force and Alaska Naval Militia were activated following a disaster declaration issued Sept. 17 after the remnants of Typhoon Merbok caused dramatic flooding across more than 1,000 miles of Alaskan coastline. A JTF in Nome is standing up concurrently as part of Operation Merbok Response. (Alaska National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Balinda ONeal)

Utah Air National Guard KC-135Rs taxi as they prepare to transport AIM 120 Missile Coffins during Exercise Perses at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base on 03 Feb. 24. Exercise PERSES is a joint exercise that challenges the tactics, techniques, and procedures of both Utah Air and Army National Guard units along with other component units, while testing innovative ideas and communication practices. (Utah Air National Guard

A US Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft taxies down the runway at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, during Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. The RC-135 is a part of the coalition forces of the 363rd Air Expeditionary Wing, Prince Sultan AB, SAU, that enforces the no-fly and no-drive zone in Southern Iraq to protect and defend against Iraqi aggression. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: Prince Sultan Air Base Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

U.S. Air Force Senior Jorge Hernandez-Perez, a crew chief assigned to the 75th Fighter Generation Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, prepares to launch an A-10C Thunderbolt II for a Green Flag-West 23-02 mission at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, November 9, 2022. In an effort to modernize and strengthen our military for strategic competition, the 549th Combat Training Squadron used Green Flag-West 23-02 to focus on facilitating air operations in maritime surface warfare missions, air-to-surface.

A C-130J Hercules assigned to the 374th Airlift Wing from Yokota Air Base, Japan lands on Angaur Island, Republic of Palau, Nov. 4, 2022. While on Angaur, members from the 36th Contingency Response Squadron performed landing zone operations and helped establish the airfield before aircraft could land on the austere location.

C-130 Hercules aircraft taxi in the rain as they take part in Exercise Volant Cape, designed to test the capabilities of the 314th Tactical Airlift Wing's War Readiness Spare Parts Kit. Wing members must use only the parts provided in the kit to keep a squadron of 16 C-130s operational over a 30-day period. Subject Operation/Series: VOLANT CAPE Base: Little Rock Air Force Base State: Arkansas (AR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A B-52H from the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale AFB silently awaits munitions personnel to finish loading pylons fitted with AGM-129 Advanced Cruise Missiles in support of the joint military exercise GLOBAL GUARDIAN '98. Subject Operation/Series: GLOBAL GUARDIAN '98 Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An E-3 Sentry from the 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron sits on the ramp before a flying mission during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 9, 2022. The 961st AACS is from Kadena Air Force Base, Japan. RF-A is designed to provide realistic training in a simulated combat environment.

DF-ST-85-12974. Subject Operation/Series: KINDLE LIBERTY Base: Howard Air Force Base Country: Panama (PAN)

A C-130 Hercules aircraft from Little Rock Air Force Base taxis before takeoff at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, May 12, 2022. C-130s from the Republic of Korea Air Force, Little Rock Air Force Base, and Dyess AFB were attending the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Centers Advanced Tactics Aircrew Course.

A C-130J Super Hercules Aircraft assigned to the 815th Airlift Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., departs for an exercise Aug. 8, 2022. The 815th AS provides airlift and airdrop support as well as cargo and personnel transport in an array of environments.

A C-130 Hercules from Dyess Air Force Base sits on the runway in the snow and ice. Dyess maintainers were not accustomed to the magnitude of the snow and ice. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

An air-to-air right side view of a C-130E Hercules aircraft of the 36th Tactical Airlift Squadron, foreground, and C-141B of the 8th Military Airlift Squadron in-flight over McChord Air Force Base and the Mount St. Helens area. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A C17 Globemaster III Aircraft from 86AW/37th Airlift Squadron, bearing paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, prepares to depart Aviano Air Base, in Pordenone, Italy Sept. 7, 2022 for an airborne operation onto Hohenfels Drop Zone, Germany as part of Exercise Saber Junction 22. Saber Junction 22 is a multinational rotational exercise designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Armys 173rd Airborne Brigade to execute unified land operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with more than 4,500 participants from the U.S. and Allied and partner nations at the U.S. Armys Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas from August 29 to September 20, 2022.

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, takes off from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska during Operation Noble Defender 22-4.2, Sept. 13, 2022. Noble Defender is an air defense operation designed to demonstrate the United States and Canada's ability to defend the approaches of North America from current and future cruise missile threats while integrating across domains with partners and allies.

U.S. Soldiers prepare to load a M142 High Mobility Arillery Rocket System onto a C-17 Globemaster III during Exercise Golden Bee at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 25, 2022. Exercise Golden Bee is a joint readiness exercise designed to provide training integration and rehearse strategic and operational objectives in the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

September 13, 2011 - An Air Force C-130E Hercules goes through a fire arch after landing from its final student flight, Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas.

Two C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 182nd Airlift Wing make a stop at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, on June 28, 2022. The aircraft and crew from the Illinois Air National Guard picked up cargo and personnel to deliver to K.I. Sawyer International Airport in Michigans Upper Peninsula as part of exercise Northern Agility 22-1. NA 22-1 exercises Agile Combat Employment, a universal application to U.S. Air Force operations that enables Airmen to deliver air power anytime, anywhere to complicate an adversarys decision making.

DF-ST-86-08022. Base: Cairo West Country: Egypt (EGY)

050217-N-3122S-002. Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

Airmen from 146th Airlift Wing, California Air National Guard and the 302nd Airlift Wing, Colorado Springs Air Force Reserve, conduct firefighting operations at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, April 27, 2011. The Airmen maintain and operate the Modular Airborne Firefighting System housed aboard a C-130 Hercules which is capable of dispensing 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant in less than five seconds. The wildfires have spread across various parts of Texas and have burned more than 1,000 square miles of land.

A HC-130P Combat King of the 71st RQS at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia.

An MC-130J Commando II aircraft assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, prepares to take off of a dirt strip while a C-130 assigned to the Australian Royal Air Force flies overhead at DTA during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3, August 3, 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.

Soldiers from the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School board a C-27 aircraft prior to taking part in free fall training at Camp Mackall, North Carolina September 22, 2022. The military free fall parachutists jumped from 7,000 feet and landed on Luzon Drop Zone.

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 374th Airlift Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan, places a chalk in front of the wheel of a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Feb. 9, 2024. Hosted by the U.S. Army, JPMRC is an annual exercise that prepares forces for deployment operations in an Arctic environment. It includes situational training and live-fire exercises in an effort to refine the large-scale combat capabilities needed in cold-weather conditions. Air Force

041119-M-3668O-019. Base: Al Asad State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A B-52 Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, taxis on the runway prior to takeoff at RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, Sept. 21, 2022. Strategic bombers contribute to stability in the European theater, they provide a critical role in strategic deterrence. If called upon, U.S. bombers offer a rapid response capability.

United States Marine Corps MV-22 in expeditionary hangar for maintenance, Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan

Nine LC130s with the 109th Airlift Wing conducted the units first ever Elephant Walk on September 10th 2022. An elephant walk is a United States Air Force term for thetaxiing of military aircraft in close formation; often employed to project air power through the rapid deployment of multiple aircraft at once.

011010-F-8063B-006. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, returns from a forward arming and refueling point during Assault Support Tactics (AST-4), Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23, at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Oct. 25, 2022. AST-4 provides prospective WTIs the opportunity to plan, brief, and execute a night, long range battalion air assault to multiple objectives simultaneously in a medium threat environment while conducting five of the six functions of Marine Aviation.

Various aircrews attended the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Centers Advanced Tactics Aircrew Course in Fort Huachuca, Arizona, from April 11-15, 2022 including the U.S. Air Force Reserve Commands 302nd Airlift Wing, Rhode Island Air National Guards 143rd Airlift Wing, New York ANGs 105th Airlift Wing, the Royal Danish Air Forces 721 Squadron, and the U.S. Air Forces 517th Airlift Squadron. During ATAC, students spend their first week at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base in St. Joseph, Missouri, and their second week at Fort Huachuca.

An Alaska Air National Guard C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 176th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska delivers cargo to Nome Airport, Alaska, Sept. 21, 2022. Approximately 100 members of the AKOM, which includes members of the Alaska National Guard, Alaska State Defense Force and Alaska Naval Militia, were activated following a disaster declaration issued Sept. 17 after the remnants of Typhoon Merbok caused dramatic flooding across more than 1,000 miles of Alaskan coastline.

German Air Force A400M tanker plane during Exercise Air Defender 2023, Wunstorf, Germany.

U.S. Airmen with the 353rd Special Operations Wing load a U.S. Army High Mobility Artillery Rocket System assigned to 17th Field Artillery Brigade onto an MC-130J Commando II during Balikatan 22 at Subic Bay Airport, Subic Bay, Philippines, March 30, 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, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, is a long-standing bilateral exercise between the Philippines and the United States highlighting the deep-rooted partnership between both countries. Balikatan 22 is the 37th iteration of the exercise and coincides with the 75th anniversary of the U.S.-Philippine security cooperation.

A C-17 Globemaster III from the Tennessee Air National Guards 164th Airlift Wing lands at Grayling Army Airfield in Grayling, Mich. Aug. 1, 2022. The 164th Airlift Wing is transporting soldiers from the Tennessee Army National Guards 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion to take part in Northern Strike 22-2. Northern Strike tests multi-component and coalition forces through a challenging, realistic and detailed scenario based on relevant real-world security challenges and future conflicts (Michigan Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. Chris Estrada).

A Russian IL-76 transport from Tver Military Transportation Air Base, Moscow touches down at Scott AFB, Ill. to visit HQ Air Mobility Command. The Russians are participating in Peacekeeper '95, the first time that Russian troops have trained on American soil. Subject Operation/Series: PEACEKEEPER '95 Base: Scott Air Force Base State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Airmen with the simulated 7th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron fuel a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft during Exercise Rainier War 22B at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Oct. 17, 2022. Airmen from multiple Team McChord units came together to form the 7th EAS during Rainier War 22B; which is a full-scale readiness exercise simulating a deployment in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific areas of responsibility.

Soldiers from the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School board a C-27 aircraft prior to taking part in free fall training at Camp Mackall, North Carolina September 22, 2022. The military free fall parachutists jumped from 7,000 feet and landed on Luzon Drop Zone.

A U.S. Marine Corps TX51-19MD forklift loads a pallet of ammunition into a C-17 Globemaster aircraft, 16th Strategic Airlift Squadron, United Arab Emirates Air Force, at the Strategic Expeditionary Landing Field during an ammunition retrograde on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 25, 2022. The U.S. Marine Corps and UAE maintain a close relationship through persistent bilateral training engagements and programs, enhancing each others ability to conduct counterterrorism operations, protect critical infrastructure, and support national defense.

021117-F-2751G-006. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

Sixteen KC-46 Pegasus and five KC-135 Stratotankers perform an elephant walk during Exercise Lethal Pride at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, March 27, 2023. After the elephant walk the aircraft participated in an aircraft flush where they all took off in rapid succession.

Families sit under the shade of a static display at the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 12, 2022. The air show was hosted in order for the local community, service members and residents of MCBH to interact during a world-class event. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to express MCBHs appreciation to the residents of Hawaii and their continued support of the installation.

021005-F-7823A-005. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar (J-Star) aircraft on static display in support of the Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic (SACLANT) Seminar held at Langley AFB, Virginia. The SACLANT Seminar was attended by 100 delegates from 18 countries, the purpose was to bring NATO leaders together to discuss issues from a Maritime and North American perspective and give leaders a hands on opportunity. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Crewmembers from the 39th, 40th, and 314th Airlift Squadrons, Little Rock Field, Little Rock, AR, exit their C-130. Subject Operation/Series: UPHOLD/MAINTAIN DEMOCRACY Base: Mcdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

KANGERLUSSUAQ, GREENLAND -- Staff Sgt. Kayla Ludivig, crew chief with the 109th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, marshalls an LC-130 Skibird before it takes off for Raven Camp, Greenland, on July 27, 2017. The 109th AW is currently in its fifth rotation of the Greenland season which started in April and will run through September. Four LC-130s and about 100 Airmen are deployed here from Stratton Air National Guard Base, Scotia, New York, during the current rotation.

P-3M Orion of the Spanish Air Force.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 354th Fighter Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base lands at Naval Auxiliary Landing Field Fentress, Virginia, during Bushwhacker 22-07 Nov. 3, 2022. For this iteration of Bushwhacker, Airmen were spread across multiple locations in Virginia and displayed DMs ability to accomplish the Lead Wing concept.

981016-F-1894K-002. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT FORGE Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

The 155th Air Refueling Wing exercised an Alert Aircraft Repositioning Plan with the 55th Wing, Offutt AFB, May 14, 2022, at the Lincoln Air Force Base, Neb. The plan was to practice a total force movement to show the integrated partnership of our airpowers essential role in national defense and global security.

010621-F-3405C-002. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two KC-135 Stratotankers assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing stand on display as a Royal Air Force Boeing Chinook HC6A performs tactical maneuvers at the Royal International Air Tattoo in Fairford, England, July 17, 2022. RIAT creates opportunities for U.S. Air Forces in Europe and its partners to work together and find ways to sharpen their competitive edge and be prepared to address global security challenges.

A B-52H Stratofortress prepares to take off from Barksdale Air Force Base in support of RIMPAC 2022, Aug. 1, 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.

041202-F-9126G-080. Base: Unknown

Senior Airman DeMarcus Evans and Airman 1st Class Millan Owens, 15th Operations Support Squadron airfield management journeymen, inspect a parked Royal Australian Air Force C-130 Hercules during Rim of the Pacific Exercise 2022 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, June 25, 2022. The flights workload of creating flight and parking plans is increased with the addition of nearly 25,000 additional personnel participating in the exercises.

U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, conduct post-flight checks on a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, Aug. 29, 2022.Exercise Pitch Black is the Royal Australian Air Forces largest and most complex Large Force Employment exercise. Pitch Black 2022 is being conducted at RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal, and Amberley from 19 August to 8 September 2022. This Years exercise will host up to 2500 personnel and around 100 aircraft from 17 participating nations from around the globe.Activities such as Exercise Pitch Black recognize Australias strong relationships and the high value we place on regional security and fostering closer ties throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Exercise Pitch Black features a range of realistic, simulated threats which can be found in a modern battle-space environment and is an opportunity to test and improve our force integration utilizing one of the largest training airspace areas in t

Three U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotankers remain dormant on the flightline at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Oct 1, 2022. The aircraft and their crews returned to the base after being evacuated for Hurricane Ian.

An EC-130E Volant Solo aircraft of the 193rd Special Operations Group (Pennsylvania Air National Guard) taxis on the runway. The unit's primary mission is to broadcast tactical psychological operations messages over radio frequencies and standard television channels during contingencies or engagements. Base: Middletown State: Pennsylvania (PA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 93rd Air Refueling Squadron, Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, taxis on the flightline upon arrival at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska in support of Operation Noble Defender 22-4.2, Sept. 12, 2022. The operation demonstrates the ability to launch at a moments notice from dispersed air and maritime locations to defend Northern approaches in multiple regions of the continent across all domains, displaying resilience in the face of multiple and complex threats.

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