Military Aircraft Operations and Training

Air Force personnel engaged in loading weapons and maintaining aircraft, emphasizing teamwork and operational readiness in various training exercises across the U.S.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron load weapons into a B-1B Lancer during a weapons loading competition at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., July 22, 2022. Each team was given 25 minutes to load one inert GBU-38, one inert GBU-54, and one GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munitions.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron load weapons into a B-1B Lancer during a weapons loading competition at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., July 22, 2022. Each team was given 25 minutes to load one inert GBU-38, one inert GBU-54, and one GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munitions.

Guardsmen with the Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Main Air National Guard train on installing a Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure System (LAIRCM) on a KC-135 aircraft at the 171st Air Refueling Wing near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Sept. 8, 2022. The defensive system uses an infrared laser to protect against missile threats.

Virginia Army National Guard Spc. William Orange and Spc. Courtenay Grayson of the 3647th Maintenance Company, 529th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group, perform maintenance on a Modular Catastrophic Recovery System (MCRS) on July 14, 2022, during the eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) exercise at Fort Drum, New York. The 3647th Co. is supporting over 2,500 Soldiers from the New Jersey, Virginia, and Massachusetts Army National Guards at the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Teams XCTC, a training event which enables brigade combat teams to achieve the trained platoon readiness necessary to deploy, fight, and win.

Soldiers assigned to Alpha Company, 46th Aviation Support Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, operate a forward arming and refueling point at the Chehalis-Centralia Airport, Wash. on Jun. 22, 2022. The Soldiers were training U.S. Army Reserve and U.S. Air Force servicemembers on helicopter refueling procedures.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Reece Ecijan, a fighter aircraft integrated avionics technician assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron, conducts maintenance on an F-15E Strike Eagle at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Aug. 17, 2022. The Liberty Wing conducts routine training to enhance proficiency in flight line operations and maintain readiness.

Aerospace propulsion technicians assigned to the 910th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron install a propeller onto a 910th Airlift Wing C-130H Hercules aircraft, Jan. 17, 2023, at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. The C-130 was grounded by an Air Mobility Command time compliance technical order on Sept. 27, 2022, while conducting an aerial spray mission at MHAFB. The engine shop spearheaded a maintenance recovery team dispatched by the 910th Airlift Wing to inspect and repair the C-130 for its return to service and trip home.

A1C Cameron Price, 80th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons load crew member (center) and Airman 1st Class Kyle Schulze, 80th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons load crew member (right), guide a GBU-38 bomb during the 3rd Quarter Load Crew Competition at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 21, 2022. While fostering team spirit through friendly competition, the competition tested the weapons load crews ability to load munitions in a safe and effective manner.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Rodney Fodge, the 3rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron superintendent, inspects a F-22 Raptor while judging a quarterly competition to determine the best F-22 Raptor dedicated crew chiefs in the 3rd Maintenance Group at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 7, 2022. Dedicated crew chiefs are selected based on professionalism, dedication, leadership, initiative, expertise, and exuding U.S. Air Force core values.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Ray "Charlie" Smith, aviation mission survivability officer, headquarters and headquarters company, 1st General Support Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, points out a location on the joint battle command platform to Sgt. Jamal Brower, aviation operations specialist, headquarters and headquarters company, 1st General Support Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, before embarking on a man-portable air defense systems threat lane training at the Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, Sep.3, 2022. MANPADS prove to be a prolific threat for all peer and near-peer adversaries. The Hohenfels Training Area provides a unique terrain that allows the aircraft to conduct realistic nap of the earth flying. Saber Junction 22 provides a combat training center rotation for the U.S. Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade to assess the brigade's readiness to execute unified land operations in a joint, combined environment and to promot

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Cameron Elkins, 733rd Air Mobility Squadron air freight specialist, removes chains from an HH-60G Pave Hawk at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 22, 2024. During peacetime, the HH-60G's primary tasks include civil search and rescue, emergency aeromedical evacuation, disaster relief and international aid.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. David Mineau, 15th Air Force vice commander, speaks with Airmen from the 23rd Logistics Readiness Squadron Forward Area Refueling Point (FARP) team during his visit to Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, April 21, 2022. The FARP team explained the process and importance of the set-up for fueling systems when downrange or in austere locations. Mineau visited Team Moody to learn about the mission assets of the 23rd Wing and 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing.

Spc. Jonathan Casson, an infantryman with Headquarters and Headquarters Hammer Company, 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry Regiment, Iowa National Guard, observes from the open doors of a UH-60 Black Hawk while testing as a Rappel Master at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Sept. 14, 2022. Nearly 30 Soldiers and Airmen participated in a Rappel Master course at Camp Dodge. The course was taught by a mobile training team from the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center in Fort Benning, Georgia.

Soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division load gear into a truck at Pohakuloa Training Grounds, Hawaii, Oct 28, 2022. JPMRC 23-1 is a regional combat training center (CTC) rotation that builds combat readiness in Americas Pacific Division and is a key way the Army forces engage in a joint environment with our regional allies and partners.

Master Sgt. Nate Owens, a crew chief with the 117th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, disconnects the tow bar from a KC-135R Stratotanker after the crew finished parking it on Nov. 5, 2022, at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama. The crew chiefs were returning the KC-135R to its spot on the flightline because they had finished fixing a landing gear issue.

Airmen from the 366th Fighter Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, board a C-130 from the 40th Airlift Squadron, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, May 25, 2022 after participating in the Raging Gunfighter exercise. Raging Gunfighter is an Air Combat Command exercise designed to simulate operating a Lead Wing from an Austere Environment. The purpose of the exercise is to prepare the 366th Fighter Wing and its Airmen for potential future operations in accordance with the National Defense Strategy.

Soldiers from the Idaho Army National Guards, 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion prepare their vehicles and equipment for annual training exercises on the Orchard Combat Training Center in preparation for deployment in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Field Artillery Brigade participates in the U.S. Air Force Weapons School Integration training. 3-27 FAR partnered with members of the U.S. Air Forces weapons school as part of its semi-annual training exercise.

Army aviation mechanic Sergeant Matthew Frederickson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, member of B Company 7/159, Gibelstadt, Germany, opens a shipping container for a T-700 engine of a Blackhawk helicopter, while deployed to Albania in Support of Task Force Hawk. This mission also is in direct support of NATO Operation Allied Force. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Base: Rinas State: Tirana Country: Albania (ALB)

A U.S. Sailor assigned to a Navy SEAL Team, climbs down a hatch during Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) training during exercise UNITAS LXIII in Rio de Janeiro, Sept. 15, 2022. UNITAS is the worlds longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral and amphibious operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the U.S. Southern Commands area of responsibility.

Tech. Sgt. William Wright, an aerospace propulsion technician with the 910th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, installs a propeller onto a 910th Airlift Wing C-130H Hercules aircraft, Jan. 17, 2023, at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. The C-130 was grounded by an Air Mobility Command time compliance technical order on Sept. 27, 2022, while flying an aerial spray mission over MHAFB. Wright was part of a maintenance recovery team dispatched by the 910th Airlift Wing to inspect and repair the C-130 for its return to service and trip home.

Soldiers from the Sandston-based Battery A, 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery Regiment, 116th Brigade Combat Team fire their howitzers Sept. 16 during annual training at Fort Pickett. The soldiers of the 116th BCT focused on both their federal missions and their support to civil authorities missions during the two-week annual training period.

Medium shot. Maintainers from the 352nd Maintenance Squadron, Royal Air Force, Mildenhall, move the gear box of an MH-53M Pave Low IV helicopter to its transpot box so it will fit on a C-5 for re-deployment from Air Force Base Hoedspruit, South Africa. The 352nd is deployed here in support of Operation Atlas Response, a humanitarian relief mission in southern Africa. Subject Operation/Series: ATLAS RESPONSE Base: Hoedspruit Air Force Base Country: South Africa (ZAF)

Airmen from the 89th Aerial Port Squadron load pallets onto a C-17 Globemaster III on March 12, 2011, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. Air transportation Airmen from the 89th APS created 14 pallets of technical search and rescue gear, to include inflatable swift-water rescue boats, generators, trench rescue and cutting equipment. The gear is being transported by C-17 to more than 80 Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue technicians, to provide assistance in the rescue effort after an earthquake and tsunami hit japan on March 11.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Erik Jimenez, 23rd Aircraft Maintenance unit apprentice, adjusts a component on a B-52 Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron prior to departure at RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, Sept. 21, 2022. Jimenez was part of a Bomber Task Force focused on detterring adversaries, assuring allies and partners, strengtheing interoperability and maintaining and demonstrating readiness and lethality across Europe.

Soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 60th Air Defense Artillery Regiment load various military vehicles into a Boeing C-17 in preparation for an Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise (EDRE) at the National Training Center (NTC).

Spc. Andres Vega with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 63rd Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division performs maintenance on a vehicle preparing to go into the box at Fort Irwin, California, August 3, 2022. Maintaining equipment while on rotation to the National Training Center helps to ensure a successful mission.

More than 600 Idaho Army National Guard Soldiers, joined by Soldiers from the Montana, Oregon, Ohio and South Carolina Army National Guards, have been training in Fort Bliss, Texas, since mobilizing from Gowen Field in early August. The task force, Task Force Rattler, will deploy to Southwest Asia later this month in support of Operation Spartan Shield, where they will rotate out with 250 Soldiers from the Idaho Army National Guard as well as Soldiers from the Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Florida Army National Guards. Each rotation is approximately 12 months. Soldiers from the 118th Infantry Regiment from South Carolina National Guard and the 285th Medical Company from the Ohio National Guard are also part of Task Force Rattler, which provide the task force the ability to execute combined arms maneuvers. The intense training at Fort Bliss consisted of long hours with day and night combined arms maneuver missions with the Idaho Army National Guard shooting 120mm mortar rounds from M113 A

220930-N-DK042-1219 KUSHIRO PORT, Japan (Sept. 30, 2022) Sailors attached to Navy Cargo Handling Battalion (NCHB) 1 hold a line steady while conducting a crane lift of an Improved Navy Lighterage System craft aboard USNS Dahl (T-AKR 312) in support of Operation Resolute Dragon 22, Sept. 30, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise between the Japan Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy. The exercise is taking place across eight geographically-separated training areas throughout Japan with a focus on distributed operations, coastal defense, and integrated live-fire training.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Marco Almanza, left, and Senior Airman Brendan Wu, 163rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMXS) remotely piloted aircraft crew chiefs, assigned to the California Air National Guard at March Air Reserve Base (ARB), Calif., perform post-flight maintenance from Portable Aircraft Control Station (PACS) codes on an MQ-9 Reaper assigned to March ARB at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Feb. 14, 2024. The MQ-9 landed at Shaw AFB for the first time while being flown by 25th Attack Group pilots (ATKG). The new Satellite Launch and Recovery capability and Portable Aircraft Control Station enables the 25th ATKG to maximize mission support with minimal resources, enabling them to complete missions in line with the Air Forces Agile Combat Employment initiative. Air Force

220510-N-PI330-1039 NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain- Construction Mechanic Constructionman Trenton Sandifer, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133, replaces a tailight for a MK-30 medium tactical vehicle replacement, May 10, 2022. NMCB 133 is currently forward deployed to provide an adaptable and scalable Naval Construction Force as a vital component of the U.S. Maritime strategy in executing quality construction in combat, humanitarian assistance or disaster recovery operations.

Avionics Electronic Warfare Systems (POD) specialists assigned to the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard, Duluth, Minn., perform maintenance on an electronic counter measure pod on October 7, 2022. POD specialists analyze performance, calibrate, maintain and isolate malfunctions of electronic warfare attack pods and automatic support equipment to support F-16 combat missions. (Air National Guard photo by Audra Flanagan)

030129-M-5972A-017. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Al Jaber Air Base Country: Kuwait (KWT)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Dominik Cochrane, a motor vehicle operator with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 373, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conducts immediate actions drills on his M16A4 service rifle during convoy operations training on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 24, 2022. MWSS-373 conducted training during a field exercise to sustain and prepare for Weapons and Tactics Instructor course, a course that provides standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Austin Fraley)

A group of Airmen from the Utah Air National Guard 151st Air Refueling Wing test the Micro Forward Area Refueling Equipment (FARE) Kit on the KC-135R Stratotanker on Sep. 14, 2022 on Roland R. Wright Air Base, Utah. The Micro FARE kit will assist the KC-135R with the Agile Combat Employment operating concept. Without the reliance on main operating bases refueling capabilities, this system will provide the ability to refuel anywhere in the world at any time.

Chief Master Sgt. Justin Stoltzfus, 39th Air Base Wing command chief, assists members of the United States Agency for International Developments Disaster Assistance Response Team with unloading equipment at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, Feb. 8, 2023. The DART is assigned to lead the U.S. government humanitarian response following a series of earthquakes that struck central-southern Türkiye on Feb. 6, 2023. The DART includes urban search and rescue teams from the Fairfax and Los Angeles County Fire Departments. The teams are traveling with 159 people, 12 rescue dogs, and 170,000 pounds of specialized equipment. As a fellow NATO ally, the U.S. Government mobilized personnel to assist in Türkiye in their response efforts.

U.S. Air Force Team Andersen Airmen with the 644th Combat Communication Squadron brief Col. Larry Fenner, Vice Commander, 36th Wing and Chief Master Sgt. John Payne, Command Chief Master Sgt., 36th Wing, at Andersen AFB, Guam, July 27, 2022. The 644th Combat Communication Squadron was briefing Fenner and Payne on the Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS), which is a router designed to fit inside of an F-35s travel pod that has the capability to connect to a hardline network or satellite internet, which allows them to transmit the F-35's data simultaneously to many remote bands and regions.

Airmen from the 44th Aerial Port Squadron at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, load supplies onto a C-130J for Operation Christmas Drop 2022, Dec. 5, 2022. Operation Christmas Drop is the longest running Department of Defense humanitarian mission that delivers critical aid to island communities throughout the western Pacific while also providing an opportunity for aircrew to hone important skills needed for future operations.

A U.S. Airman assigned to the 355th Component Maintenance Squadron transports two AN/ALQ-188 electronic warfare pods into the 355th CMS building at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Aug. 10, 2022. The 355th CMS is the only shop that can service AN/ALQ-188 pods in the continental United States and Europe.

Staff Sgt. Robert Johnson, right, 736th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron C-17 Globemaster III crew chief, explains the function of the left air conditioning pac to Chaplain (Capt.) William Guy, center, 436th Airlift Wing chaplain and Tech. Sgt. Eric Feliciano, left, 512th AW religious affairs airman, during a Friends on the Flight Line visit at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Oct. 11, 2022.The Holy Roller van delivered drinks, sandwiches and snacks provided by the United Service Organizations, to aircraft maintainers in various squadrons under the 436th Mission Generation Group.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Enrique Reynoso and Staff Sgt. Ralph Fleurant, 6th Air Refueling Squadron boom operators climb down to inspect the exterior of their KC-10 Extender during Exercise Agile Tiger on April 6, 2022, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. Our advantage is our teamwork, resiliency, and adaptability of Airmen. We are united by our mission to execute nuclear operations and global strike anytime anywhere, and are determined to stay on the leading edge.

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. David Snyder, left, an aircrew egress systems specialist, Tech Sgt. Rebecca Mertes and Master Sgt. William McNierney, tactical aircraft maintenance specialists, all with the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing, prepare to inflate an aircraft tire during a Weapon System Evaluation Program exercise February 15, 2024, at Tyndall Air force Base, Florida. The Combat Archer exercise was a formal evaluation of the unit's ability to conduct air-to-air live fire missions. Airmen were given the opportunity to train on tasks and skills that they don't perform at their home unit such as unrestricted takeoffs and loading live ammunition onto the airframe. Air National Guard

Students with the U.S. Navy Senior Amphibious Warfare Course (SAWOC) receive capability briefs on various technologies and vehicles from U.S. Marines with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 22-23, 2022. II Marine Expeditionary Force showcased its capabilities to SAWOC students in order to familiarize them with the landward environment, planning considerations and exposure to all elements of the Fleet Marine Force.

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- United States Air Force Airmen and Space Force Gaurdians load a Mobile Constellation Control Station aboard a C-17 at Peterson Space Force Base on Wednesday, Sept 14 2022. The unit is being transported to an operating location as part of the 4th Space Operations Squadron at Schriever Space Force Base's multi-day operation to provide proof of concept for missions outside of the United States returning the MCCS to Schriever Space Force Base. The 4th SOPS mission is to operate the U.S. Space Force's protected and wideband Military Satellite Communications systems. They provide warfighters global, secure, survivable, strategic and tactical communication during peacetime and throughout the full spectrum of conflict. ( U.S. Space Force Photo By: Tiana Williams)

040408-M-8096M-010. Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Caden Soper, 492nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit avionics technician and one of the 2022 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year, poses for a photo at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, July 28, 2022. This award recognises 12 outstanding enlisted personnel for superior leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements.

Spc. Lenny Kariemi, CH-47 helicopter repairer assigned to Delta Company, 2-227th General Support Aviation Battalion works on a CH-47 Chinook helicopter forward transmission section for a 160-hour phase maintenence inspection during Swift Response, Skopje, North Macedonia, May 16, 2022. Exercise Swift Response 2022 is an annual multinational training exercise, which takes place in Eastern Europe, the Arctic High North, Baltics, and Balkans from May 2-20, 2022. It aims to present combat credible Army forces in Europe and Africa and enhance readiness by building airborne interoperability with Allies and Partners and the integration of joint service partnerships.

Left to right Staff Sgt. Kaleb Julius and Tech Sgt. Chris Zermer , crew chiefs with the 924th Fighter Group, conduct pre-flight inspections of of an A-10 Thunderbolt II as part of pre-flight procedures prior to a flight out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 29, 2022. More than 200 Airmen and 10 A-10s from the 924th FG of the 944th Fighter Wing are working out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii July 21-Aug. 4, 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.

U.S. Army Pfc. Nolan Brewer and Pfc. Austin Robertson from the 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment performs routine maintenance on a HMMWV at Fort Bragg, N.C., Nov. 15, 2022. Maintaining the service of equipment is essential to mission readiness and enhanced combat capabilities.

PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 17, 2024) Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jeff Meyer from Elk City, Oklahoma, assigned to the Combat Logistics Battalion 31, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), retrieves a bag from a robotics platform during an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) demonstration in the vehicle storage area of the forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), while conducting routine operations in the Pacific Ocean, February 17. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navys largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Navy

Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers fly an RQ-11B Raven Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS) over drop zone Badger at Fort McCoy, Wis., Sept. 9, 2022. The training is part of a two-week skills course taught by instructors from the Wisconsin Military Academy. U.S. Army photo by Kevin W. Clark

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Utah Army National Guard, wait patiently for all the jumpers to board the plane while conducting a friendship airborne operation in Grier Labouihi, Morocco, during African Lion 22, June 19, 2022. African Lion 22 is U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, combined annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, June 6 - 30. More than 7,500 participants from 28 nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner-nation forces. AL22 is a joint all-domain, multi-component, and multinational exercise, employing a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants and set the theater for strategic access.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, disassembles and checks a part of an M1A2 Abrams tank engine at Oberlausitz Training Area, Germany, May 9, 2022. Defender Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises in Eastern Europe. The exercise demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters in support of NATO.

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Staff Sgt. Mychal Earl, 730th Air Mobility Squadron ramp services supervisor, directs the off-loading of a C-17 Globemaster III here March 29. The C-17 carried water pumps and hoses to help stabilize the nuclear power plant in Japan in support of Operation Tomodachi.

U.S. Army Staff. Sgt. Michael Witham, a flight medic with the 126th Aviation Regiment, Vermont Army National Guard, prepares a pressure infuser onboard a medical UH-60 Black Hawk during exercise Eagle Claw, a readiness exercise, June 11, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. Vermont Guardsmen conducted essential aeromedical evacuation training in conjunction with the 104FWs readiness exercise to simulate real-world evacuations to prepare both unit to face real-world operations and challenges.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ryan Guess, an avionics technician assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, prepares to work on the radar system of an F-16 Fighting Falcon, Jan. 24, 2022. The 180FW performs daily training, conducted in realistic environments under realistic circumstances, ensuring our forces maintain the highest levels of proficiency and readiness for worldwide deployment. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Beth Holliker.

Airmen assigned to the 335th Fighter Generation Squadron participate in a quarterly load crew competition at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, July 15, 2022. The 335th FGS was one of multiple units to compete in the competition.

Players from the Springfield Thunderbirds hockey team spent the afternoon touring the 104th Fighter Wing, Feb. 14, 2024, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. During the tour, the players saw the wing's F-15 Eagles take off, learned about the wing's mission, and spoke with pilots as part of the community outreach event. Air National Guard

Spc. Brandon Delgado, a U.S. Army Trooper assigned to Apex Battery, 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, loads a round into an M109 Paladin during a Table XVIII combined-arms live-fire exercise, Jan. 17 on Fort Cavazos, Texas. Paladin crews are responsible for supporting the movement of ground forces through artillery fire.

U.S. Army Sgt. Eric Segura, and U.S. Army Sgt. Chrystian Shaner, both assigned to Alpha Battery, 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, perform a systems check for the firing mechanism of the M109 Paladin howitzer as part of the qualification training at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, July 1, 2022. The 3/4 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Feb. 7, 2024) Sailors assigned to Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron (VP) 30 use an aviation tractor to move a High Altitude Anti-submarine Warfare Capability (HAAWC) weapon system toward a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft on the VP-30 flight line, Feb. 7. VP-30s mission is to provide P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and MQ-4C UAS specific training to pilots, Naval flight officers, and enlisted aircrew prior to reporting to the fleet. Navy

U.S. Army soldier, assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, replace a headlight on their Joint Light Tactical Vehicle during Motorpool Monday. Motorpool Monday is conducted weekly to ensure all vehicles are working efficiently.

U.S. Air Force field response team members, with the 378th Expeditionary Medical Squadron, and firefighters, with the 378th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, transport a simulated casualty into a medical tent at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, May 13, 2022. The 378th Air Expeditionary Wing held an airborne missile attack exercise that included a simulated mass casualty incident.

U.S. Air Force Loadmasters and Aerial Porters assigned to the 115th Airlift Squadron load a U.S. Forest Service Modular Airborne Firefighting System (MAFFS) inside a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, Port Hueneme, California, Sept. 7, 2022. MAFFS is a portable fire retardant delivery system inserted into an aircraft, temporarily converting it into a fire fighting airtanker that provides a critical surge” capability to bolster wildfire suppression efforts when commercial airtankers are fully committed or not readily available.

Aircraft Armament Systems specialists assigned to the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard, Duluth, Minn., remove the handling set of a M61A1. Aircraft Armament Systems specialists ensure that explosive devices can be accurately delivered from F-16 Fighting Falcons on October 7, 2022. From testing and evaluating new weapons systems to loading ordnance, these professionals make sure when a pilot pulls the trigger, the devices successfully launch away from the aircraft toward the target.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to 541st Division Sustainment Support Battalion, 1st Sustainment Brigade, 1st Infantry Division installs Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) onto a M1083 Medium Tactical Vehicle (MTV) during Decisive Action Rotation 22-09 at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., Aug. 4, 2022.

Senior Airman Benjamin Rivera, 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron load crew member, loads an inert AGM-158 Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) onto a B-52H Stratofortress during the 2024 annual weapons load competition at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Jan. 19, 2024. Riveras team was judged on how quickly and efficiently they could load an inert missile onto a B-52H Stratofortress.

Civilian technicians assist Soldiers assigned to to 65th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division install and validate Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) equipment on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Oct. 25, 2022. Utilization of the MILES system is one aspect of the realistic training the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center(JPMRC) training rotation 23-01 provides to Indo-Pacific land forces. JPMRC strengthens defense relationships, fosters multinational interoperability, increases readiness, and reinforces the unified regional land power network of the Joint Force.

U.S. Airmen from the 169th Force Support Squadron Services Flight serve lunch from the Single Pallet Expeditionary Kitchen (SPEK) during the May Regularly Scheduled Drill at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina, May 13, 2022. The purpose of the SPEK exercise is to provide valuable training to the 169FSS Airmen while utilizing the mobile kitchen that can be operated in a deployed environment. U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Stephen Hudson, 169 Fighter Wing Public Affairs).

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. James Novobilsky and Sgt. Vincent Cicala, assigned to Delta Co., 104th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, make adjustments on the AAI RQ-7 Shadow unmanned aerial vehicle on McGregor Base Camp, New Mexico, Feb. 19, 2024. The 44th IBCT is conducting training exercises at multiple sites on Fort Bliss, Texas in preparation for deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Army National Guard

A Soldier assigned to 16th Combat Aviation Brigade prepares to fold a helicopter into shipping configuration at the Port of Tacoma, Washington, on May 11, 2022. The aircraft were being shipped to Indonesia to participate in Exercise Super Garuda Shield 22.

POLAND-- Soldiers from 1-6 ACS, Task Force Saber conduct scheduled maintenance on an Apache Helicopter. This detailed preventative maintenance service is conducted every 14 days or 25 flight hours to ensure the aircraft is ready to fly.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Melanie Morgan and Airman 1st Class Wyatt Sparks, 63rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit maintainers, load a GBU-12 Paveway II bomb onto an F-35 Lightning II at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, July 22, 2022. For quarterly awards, 56th Maintenance Group maintainers were tested on various subjects, such as the upkeep of their toolbox, their dress and appearance, and a 25-question knowledge test.

220420-N-PG340-1092 PORT HUENEME, Calif. (April 20, 2022) Construction Electrician Constructionman Tristan Williams, with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, sets up a generator for the battalions second Command Post Exercise (CPX-2) onboard Naval Base Ventura County Port Hueneme, California. The U.S. Navy Seabees with NMCB-5 are homeported out of Port Hueneme. They train on high-quality construction, expeditionary logistics, and combat operations to execute construction and engineering projects for major combat operations, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance.

040428-F-1279W-007. Base: Jacksonville Iap State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force maintenance Airmen from the 733rd, 735th and 730th Air Mobility Squadrons participate in a C-5M Super Galaxy tire and brake change training at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 29, 2022. The training event emphasized the Multi-Capable Airman initiative by introducing Airmen to tasks that are outside of their typical day-to-day duties.

030123-M-5266H-009. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Mike Butler, a loadmaster assigned to the 71st Rescue Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, performs pre-flight checks before a sortie during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 17, 2022. This exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint, coalition and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases.

An Indiana Air National Guardsman, assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing, searches for tools inside a box while being observed by a member of the wing inspection team July 14, 2022, at the Fort Wayne Air National Guard base, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Members of the 122nd FW dressed in level four mission-oriented protective posture gear to test their readiness during a large-scale exercise.

Alaska Army National Guard Soldiers, Pfc. Harlan Hartman of the 297th Military Police Company ensures gear and necessary equipment are loaded into a National Guard Humvee at the Fairbanks National Guard Armory in preparation to travel to Manley Hot Springs, Alaska, May 12, 2022, to support flood recovery operations. . The Guardsmen will assist with cleanup and flood recovery efforts at the request of the State of Alaska Emergency Operations Center

051123-A-5560L-001. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Tyler Wagner (left) and Cpl. Austin Meixner, both bulk fuel specialists with Bulk Fuel Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, attach a hose to a water pump during tactical bulk fuel operations aboard the Ocean Valor on May 3, 2022. Demonstrations of both existing and new bulk liquid distribution systems were utilized to aid development of fuel distribution in contested littoral environments.

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, adjust their combat equipment at Aviano Air Base, in Pordenone, Italy Sept. 7, 2022 in preparation 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.

011212-F-1789V-019. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. John Bianchi, an aerial porter with the 88th Aerial Port Squadron, 514th Air Mobility Wing, guides a 10K All-Terrain Forklift during a squadron competition at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, July 22, 2022. The 35th and 88th Aerial Port Squadrons held a competition to test the skills of their Airmen and demonstrate proficiency operating various vehicles.

Chief Master Sgt. James Tritle conducts his fini-fuel at Gowen Field, Nov. 4, 2022. Tritle, having begun his career with the 354th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base chose to end his career in a similar fashion, refueling an aircraft with the 124th LRS.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Michael Imler, 628th Logistics Readiness Squadron Ground Transportation section chief, gives instruction to Airman 1st Class Jaron Stamper, 628th LRS Individual Protective Equipment journeyman, on how to direct Staff Sgt. Zachary Jones, 437th Operation Support Squadron Flight Line Operations craftsman, during forklift training at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, June 2, 2022. The 628th LRS Plans to keep their multi-capable Airmen training available for the foreseeable future with classes twice a month to keep Joint Base Charleston ready at a moments notice.

Soldiers with the 104th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, load equipment onto a Light Medium Tactical Vehicle (LMTV), on July 11, 2022 at the eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) exercise at Fort Drum, New York. More than 2,000 Soldiers are participating in the training event, which enables brigade combat teams to achieve the trained platoon readiness necessary to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Benjamin Martinez)

030806-F-1342R-022. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Ashlyn Martin, 628th Logistics Readiness Squadron Supply apprentice, performs a safety check during forklift training at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, June 2, 2022. During the three-day course, students first attended two hours of classroom teaching while the rest of the instruction was hands-on training.

OPA-LOCKA, FLORIDA , FLORIDA (2 September 2019) -- Florida National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, from the CBRN Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP), load equipment and prepare for potential missions responding to Hurricane Dorian.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kenneth Sutherland III, an in-flight controls avionics specialist with the 461st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 461st Air Control Wing, uses a jet engine calibration tester for maintenance on an E-8C Joint STARS engine cowling at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Sept. 22, 2022. Sutherland and fellow Airmen performed a temperature test on the aircraft engines.

A U.S. Army jumpmaster assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade inspects a jumpers parachute harness during an airborne operation between U.S. and allied paratroopers at the Cherbourg-Manche Airport, France, on June 5, 2022, as part of the 78th D-Day Anniversary. On June 6, 1944, more than 150,000 troops of the Allied Forces invaded Normandy, France, by sea and air. More than 23,000 paratroopers participated in the invasion. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Matthew Anderson, a satellite transmissions systems operator with 9th Communication Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group and Lance Cpl. Kolin Azar, a satellite transmissions systems operator with 9th Communication Battalion, I MIG conducts an operations test on the Viasat Multi Mission Terminal 1350 on Camp Pendleton, California, May 4, 2022. The 9th Communication Battalion provides task organized expeditionary forces capable of operating, defending, and preserving information networks that enable command and control for a commander in all domains, and support and conduct MAGTF operations in the information environment.

A U.S. Airman with the 366th Munitions Squadron prepares to transport munitions to an F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft from the 366th Fighter Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, during Exercise Rainier War 22B at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, Oct. 20, 2022. Rainier War 22B is a full-scale readiness exercise with an Air Force Force Generation prioritization; demonstrating the ability to generate, employ and sustain a combat force during a rigorous wartime scenario.

Soldiers from the 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion, Utah National Guard, were dispatched in support of the Utah County Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue efforts to find a missing 65-year-old motorcyclist in and around Mapleton Canyon, May 9, 2022. A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and crew members transported search and rescue volunteers up Mapleton Canyon where they were dropped off to begin their search efforts and later returned back to the incident command center. The Black Hawk crew also conducted search efforts from the air. Local search and rescue support demonstrates Utah National Guard readiness and strengthens partnerships with local civilian agencies.

Airmen from the 420th Munitions Squadron build pallets for airlift transport at RAF Fairford, England, Feb. 13, 2024. Operations like this allow the 501st Combat Support Wing to fulfill higher-headquarter directed taskings faster than the standard process and enable a larger quantity of munitions to be shipped. A single airlift mission can save over seven weeks worth of work as well as highlight the agile combat employment capabilities that the 501st offers. Air Force

Staff Sgt. Nolan Smith, 35th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons load crew team chief inspects a munition on an F-16 Fighting Falcon during the 2nd Quarter Load Crew Competition at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 9, 2022. The competitions test weapons load crews ability to load munitions in a safe, reliable, timely and effective manner while fostering team spirit through friendly competition.

Spc. Matthew Aurit of B battery, 2-2 FAR, Fort Sill's Salute Battery, sanding the tow lunette of one of their World War II era M101 howitzer.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Eric Antonucci, 356th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons load crew member, loads munitions onto a U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II during a weapons load competition at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 11, 2024. The quarterly competition tests the knowledge and proficiency of the Airmen and identifies the load crew of the quarter.

070131-A-5332O-140. Subject Operation/Series: OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Logistic Support Area Anaconda Country: Iraq (IRQ)

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