Military Aircraft Preparations

Photos of various military fighter jets being prepared for flight, highlighting the roles and equipment involved in air force operations.

Pilot Prepares to Launch F-16

A front view of a Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 321 (VMFA-321) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft armed with four LAU-68 2.75-inch rocket pods and a CATM-88 HARM captive air training missile. The reserve squadron is at Fallon for two weeks of active duty training at the Naval Air Warfare Center target complex. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Sammi Force Colombo, 35th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, gives the go ahead to remove the boarding ladder during preparations for a training sortie as part of the Red Flag 22-2 exercise at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 14, 2022. Known as the Pantons, the 35th FS performs air and space control and force application roles including counter air, strategic attack, interdiction, and close-air support missions. It employs a full range of precision ordnance, can operate day or night and in all weather conditions. The Red Flag Exercise was established in 1975 and serves as a two-week advanced aerial combat training exercise held multiple times a year by the USAF, alongside joint partner and allied air and ground forces.

Military Jets Fixed Wing Boeing Aviat Airplanes FA-18 Hornet grey ground crew runway

U.S. Air Force Airmen perform a pre-flight inspection on an F-15E Strike Eagle at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sep. 29, 2022. The F-15E Strike Eagle is capable of performing air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

DF-ST-87-11708. Subject Operation/Series: WILLIAM TELL '86 Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

011017-F-0308N-212. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Al Udeid Air Base, Doha Country: Qatar (QAT) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Fighter Wing returns from a flight during an exercise in Barranquilla, Colombia, Sept. 02, 2022. Relampago VII is a combined Colombian and U.S. exercise taking place in the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) theater that focuses on techniques, tactics and procedures to strengthen the longstanding partnership between our armed forces.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Steve Runger and Airman 1st Class Christian Cherven, 14th Aircraft Maintenance Unit avionics technicians, perform operations checks on various systems on an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Komatsu Air Base, Japan, Nov. 12, 2014. This F-16 is one of several from Misawa Air Base, Japan, participating in the Aviation Training Program at Komatsu. The ATR program directs U.S. Air Force units to conduct training away from their duty station to provide a noise respite for those living in the community surrounding their home station. During this ATR, more than 120 Airmen and pilots from Misawa relocated to Komatsu to practice and evaluate the coordination procedures and interoperability elements required to effectively and mutually respond to the defense of Japan, or to a regional crisis or contingency situation in the Asia-Pacific region, while also building bilateral confidences and working relationships.

Pilot Prepares to Launch F-16

A right side view of a Strike Fighter Squadron 147 (VFA-147) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft parked on the flight line. Base: Naval Air Facility, Andrews Afb State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Sailor with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, completes post-flight procedures on a F/A-18 Super Hornet as the pilots prepare to exit the aircraft during Weapons System Evaluation Program East-22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 12, 2022. WSEP is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

A flight deck crewman checks the catapult attachments of an F/A-18A Hornet aircraft of Fighter Attack Squadron 125 (VFA-125) during flight operations aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70). Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle taxis for takeoff at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 26, 2022. F-15 pilots employ Agile Combat Employment, an operating concept that leverages interoperability between joint forces to maintain the strategic initiative and present lethal, credible combat power.. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Raughton)

030221-F-3961R-008. Subject Operation/Series: COPE TIGER 2003 Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA)

A ground crewman makes final preflight checks on a 53rd Tactical Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle aircraft prior to a mission during Open Gate '89. Open Gate is a Joint Chiefs of STAFF/NATO exercise designed to simulate air and sea power tactics required to keep the Straits of Gibraltar open during a crisis. Subject Operation/Series: OPEN GATE '89 Base: Moron Air Base State: Sevilla Country: Spain (ESP)

Airman 1st Class Logan Turner, 555th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, prepares a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon for launch during exercise Falcon Strike 2022 at Amendola Air Base, Italy, Nov. 15, 2022. Falcon Strike 22 provided an opportunity to test fourth-generation airpower like the F-16 in ally roles as well as adversary roles alongside NATO allies and fifth-generation airpower.

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Generation Squadron, conducts pre-flight inspections prior to a sortie from, Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oct. 22, 2022. In order to maintain a sufficient and sustainable presence in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Airmen assigned to the 77th Fighter Squadron and 77th Fighter Generation Squadron Gamblers safely deployed to Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

F18 F18 die Seitenansicht. Copyright: xZoonar.com/Photographer:xAndrexHamannx 1682158

U.S. Navy Lt. Ryan Ballester, Electronic Attack Squadron 131 naval aviator, poses for a photo with community members near an EA-18G Growler during the Wings Over Solano air show at Travis Air Force Base, California, May 14, 2022. The Wings Over Solano open house and air show provided an opportunity for the local community to interact directly with the base and its Airmen and see capabilities on full display at Travis AFB.

020807-F-1789V-003. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-16C Falcon, armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and 2,000 lb. Mark 84 bombs, is ready for taxiing to the runway. Base: Mcentire Ang Station State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Robert Harper (left), and Staff Sgt. Kyle Matern (right), F-16 Viper Demonstration Team dedicated crew chiefs, prepare an F-16D Fighting Falcon at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Aug. 18, 2022. The Viper Demo Team travels to roughly 20 air shows across the United States each year where they engage with local media and members of the community in which they are performing.

German Air Force Mig-29 Fulcrum with ground crew members prepare the aircraft for a night mission at sunset Red Flag exercise Nellis AFB NV

A member of the 390th Fighter Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho marshals an F-15 Eagle to a stop on the flightline in a simulated wartime environment. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: CRISIS REACH 95-02NORTHERN PIKE Base: Cold Lake State: Alberta (AB) Country: Canada (CAN)

011017-F-0308N-435. Complete Scene Caption: An F-15E Strike Eagle from the 366th Air Expeditionary Wing, 391st Fighter Squadron, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, prepared at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, to fly its first bombing mission in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM into Afghanistan. The crewchief under the aircraft performs systems checks while in constant communication with the pilot. The F-15E is equipped with the LANTRIN Navigation and Targeting System pod and carries two racks of GBU-12 500-pound bombs with CCG MAU-169 guidance system, AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and AIM-9 Sidewinders, and 600-gallon drop tanks. The 366th AEW is one of the Air Force's "on-call 911" fighter wings, ready to deploy at a moments notice. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Al Udeid Air Base, Doha Country: Qatar (QAT) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

Close-up of the DB-110 reconnaissance pod on a F-16D aircraft.

DN-ST-89-05696. Base: Unknown

020211-F-9032T-001. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Two F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 64th Aggressor Squadron take off for a mission during Red Flag-Nellis 22-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 26, 2022. Red Forces will drive static, dynamic and adaptive threats to challenge participants in ways they have never been before. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Trevor Bell)

A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet assigned to Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, taxis the flight line during Checkered Flag 23-1 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Nov. 1, 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.

Members of the 8th Security Police Squadron, clad in chemical warfare gear, prepare to perform F-4 Phantom II aircraft decontamination maintenance during exercise Team Spirit '81. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '81 Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

020205-F-1631A-023. Base: Zaragosa Air Base Country: Spain (ESP) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Trevor J. Felter, the AV-8B Harrier Detachment officer in charge with the Aviation Combat Element, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts preflight checks in his aircraft aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) in the Atlantic Ocean, June 27, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied and Partner interests.

040629-F-4338B-011. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

US Air Force Captain Dough Downey, 555th Fighter Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy, performs a prefilght check of his F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft before launch at Sidi Slimane Air Base, Morocco. The 555th Fighter Squadron is Flying 90 sorties in supoprt of Exercise AFRICAN EAGLE a bi-annual exercise designed to practice dissimilar air to air training with the Royal Moroccan Air Force. Subject Operation/Series: AFRICAN EAGLE Base: Sidi Slimane Air Base Country: Morocco (MAR)

U.S. Air Force maintenance personnel assigned to the 3rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron conduct recovery procedures on an F-22 Raptor assigned to the 525th Fighter Squadron as it arrives for a temporary deployment to Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 8, 2022. The Raptors, hailing from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, will work in conjunction with local Kadena-based assets to enhance U.S. operational readiness to defend Japan and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

031005-M-3843B-006. Base: Crtc State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533 enter an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 22, 2022. Marines with VMFA(AW)-533 received an opportunity to fly aboard an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft to reward those who excelled at their duties and embodied the Marine Corps spirit.

Final checks are made on a Royal Air Force Typhoon prior to takeoff.

A low level view (Left to right) of an AIM-120 AMRAAM Missile, AIM-9 Sidewinder Missile and a AGM-88 HARM Anti-radar Missile that's attached to the wing of a F-16 Falcon, Block 52 aircraft (the only such aircraft in the Air National Guard) from the 157th Fighter Squadron and assigned to the 169th Fighter Wing at McEntire ANG Station South Carolina. Lans Stout, a visiting free-lance photographer from Atlantic Beach, Florida, captures pure beauty in flight (OCT 97). This photo was used for a picture story in the popular "Code One" magazine. Base: Mcentire Ang Station State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Timothy McCarron, a crew chief with the 142nd Fighter Wing, Oregon Air National Guard, climbs the ladder of an F-15 C Eagle the second to last day of Sentry Savannah 2021 at the Air Dominance Center, Savannah Air National Guard base, Ga., April 22, 2021. More than 10 units and over 60 aircraft are participating in Sentry Savannah 2021, the Air National Guards largest air-to-air, 4th and 5th generation fighter exercise, to showcase the nation's combat aircraft readiness.

DF-ST-86-08102. Base: Inshas Country: Egypt (EGY)

040823-F-3968C-026. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

F3222-SPT-95-0014-089. Subject Operation/Series: PROVIDE COMFORT Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

U.S. Air Force 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, performs pre-flight checks on an F-16 Fighting Falcon belonging to the 18th Aggressor Squadron as part of the Red Flag 22-2 exercise at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 16, 2022. Pilots rely on the exceptional efforts of their ground crews and maintenance teams to keep their aircraft flying reliably due to the high-stress demands of constant flying. Red Flag-Alaska is the only exercise of its kind that provides allied nations and joint-partner forces the opportunity to see mock combat and high operational working tempo in a simulated deployed environment.

December 14, 2010 - A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft waits to take part in a training mission at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina.

An F-22 Raptor is refueled during Valiant Shield 2010 Sept. 14, 2010, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

U.S. Navy Lt. S. A. McKay, a Navy EA-18G Growler pilot, gives a hand and arm signal on Palau in support of Valiant Shield 22, June 13, 2022. Exercises such as Valiant Shield allow the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

220728-N-DW158-1011 SOUTH CHINA SEA (July 28, 2022) Cmdr. Joshua Menks, from Graves Mill, Virginia, and Lt. Scott Crowder, from Livermore, California, prepare for launch in an EA-18G Growler attached to the Shadowhawks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141, on the flight deck of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). The primary role of EA-18G Growlers is to disrupt the ability to communicate between units in combat through the use of electronic warfare. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 389th Fighter Squadron (FS) taxi an F-15E Strike Eagle at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sep. 29, 2022. The F-15E is operated by a pilot and weapons system officer in tandem.

040407-F-2922M-002. Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

From left, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dagon Edwards and Staff Sgt. Nicholas Powell, 727th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chiefs, conduct repairs on a CV-22 Osprey at Hurlburt Field, Fla., March 23, 2023. The CV-22 is an American tilt-rotor aircraft capable of both vertical takeoff and landing as well as short takeoff and landing capabilities.

220621-N-DW158-1034 PHILIPPINE SEA (June 21, 2022) An EA-18G Growler attached to the Shadowhawks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141, prepares to launch from the flight deck of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). The primary role of EA-18G Growlers is to disrupt the ability to communicate between units in combat through the use of electronic warfare. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

A T-38A Talon assigned to the 2d Fighter Training Squadron and an F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 61st Fighter Squadron sit on the ramp at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sept. 12, 2022. Both units traveled cross-country for temporary duty with the focus of training F-35A student pilots on air-to-air combat.

U.S. Air Force F-15Es from the 366th Fighter Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, arrive at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, May 18, 2022 to participate 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

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon pilot, from the 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard, prepares for a night flying training mission Dec. 1, 2022, at the Atlantic City International Airport runway, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. The night flying was conducted to train pilots for safe and effective night operations.

061209-N-1121F-002. Base: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the "Thunderbirds", perform at the 2022 Sun N' Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, April 8, 2022. Sun N' Fun was the Thunderbirds' third show of the season and first civillian show of the year.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jacob Adams, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team safety observer, performs pre-flight inspections in San Marcos, Texas, May 29, 2022. Adams is a safety observer on the team and is responsible for ensuring the demonstration team pilots altitude, air speed and other factors are within regulations during airshow performances.

020419-F-3488S-012. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH 2002 Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

DF-ST-89-10416. Base: Bergstrom Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Daniel Wynn, 36th Fighter Generation Squadron director of operations, and Dr. Victoria Coleman, USAF Chief Scientist, prepare for a familiarization flight in an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 23, 2022. Coleman provides assessments on a wide range of scientific and technical issues affecting the departments mission.

An A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft pilot assigned to the 163rd Fighter Squadron, Indiana Air National Guard, taxis down the runway before takeoff during Guardian Blitz at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 25, 2023. Guardian Blitz is the 122nd Fighter Wings final training exercise with the A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft before converting to the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.

U.S. Air Force crew chiefs assigned to the 67th Aircraft Maintenance Unit prepare to remove chocks from the tires of an F-15C Eagle at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 5, 2022. Nighttime flying exercises provide fighter squadron aircrew and support personnel the experience needed to maintain a ready force capable of defending a free and open Indo-Pacific, day and night.

A 44th Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle is parked in a hangar at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 14, 2022. Kadena Air Base's strategic position makes it a vital staging location for forces to deter regional adversaries and project U.S. airpower throughout the Indo-Pacific.

031030-F-0629H-005. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Marines attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 112, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct pre-flight checks on an F/A-18C Hornet at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, Sept. 15, 2022. VMFA-112 is participating in a joint long-range strike exercise with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 234, VMFA-225, Marine Fighter Training Squadron (VMFT) 401 and U.S. Air Force 513th Operations Support Squadron. This large force exercise demonstrates MAG-41's ability to project long-range strike capability and integrate with the Marine Corps' active component 5th generation aircraft in contested environments.

U.S. Air Force F-15Es from the 366th Fighter Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, arrive at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, May 18, 2022 to participate 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

U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Ferrario, Commander, 169th Operations Group, taxi during Relampago VII, an exercise in Barranquilla, Colombia, Sept. 2, 2022. The purpose of this exercise is to provide the Colombian Air Force with requested realistic interoperability training as allied countries, under NATO standards. South Carolina is Colombias State Partner in the State Partnership Program.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron taxis to park after a training flight, Sept. 7, 2022 at Łask Air Base, Poland. The 90th EFS forward deployed to support NATOs Air Shielding mission.

030306-M-0175R-025. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: USS Nassau (LAH 4)

Members of the Turkish Air Force perform routine maintenance on an F-16 Fighting Falcon during Exercise Poggio Dart at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Nov. 7, 2022. Poggio Dart tested the Deployable Air Command Control Centres tactical control capabilities for multinational operation that include fighter aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, surface based air defenses and tanker aircraft.

57th Maintenance Group Aircraft Armament Systems specialists load weapons on an F-35A Lightning II during the third quarter Load Crew Competition at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Oct. 14, 2022. This quarterly competition requires Airmen to work in teams in order to load weapons onto their aircraft as quickly and safely as possible.

Crew chiefs with the 124th Fighter Wing, Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, service and launch an A-10 Thunderbolt II from the Combat Readiness Training Center, Alpena, Michigan, June 13, 2022. The 124th FW, along with a number of other guard units, is participating in Agile Rage 22, a National Guard Bureau-led effort to train on the Air Forces agile combat employment mission.

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon maintenance Airmen from the 480th Aircraft Maintenance Unit receive a 480th Fighter Squadron F-16CM fighter jet after its redeployment to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, April 10, 2023, after a three-month deployment to Kadena AB, Japan. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that provides a relatively low-cost, high-performance weapon system for the United States and allied nations.

DF-ST-87-13443. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '85 Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A right side view of a Strike Fighter Squadron 204 (VFA-204) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft parked on the flight line. Base: Naval Air Facility, Andrews Afb State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft maintainers assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron perform pre-flight inspections on an aircraft at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Nov. 2, 2022. The Liberty Wing has been performing night flying operations in order to maintain readiness and showcase operational capabilities.

U.S. Sailors with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, go to complete a foreign object debris check on an F/A-18 Super Hornet during Weapons System Evaluation Program East-22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 12, 2022. WSEP is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

TECH. SGT. Burton performs his End of Runway Inspection on an F-16 Fighting Falcon just prior to launch during the 169th Fighter Wing Operational Readiness Inspection. Base: Mcentire Ang Station State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Megan Atkinson, crew chief with the 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard, marshals an F-16D Fighting Falcon before launch at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Jan. 25, 2023. F-16 pilots, maintainers and support staff from the 177th FW traveled to Tyndall for the Weapons System Evaluation Program, also known as Combat Archer training.

040307-F-9105A-002. Country: Unknown

Maintainers assigned to the 36th Fighter Generation Squadron perform pre-flight checks on an F-16 Fighting Falcon during a base-wide training event at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 15, 2022. Maintainers serviced, recovered and launched aircraft under simulated combat conditions. The training event assessed Osans ability to defend, sustain and execute contingency operations.

F-16 Fighting Falcon maintenance personnel from the 162nd Fighter Wing work on an aircraft between missions in Tucson, Arizona.

An F-16C assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron takes off during Black Flag 22-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, May 10, 2022. The F-16 is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack.

A United States Marine Corps aviator, wearing the JHMCS, or Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System helmet, climbs into the cockpit of an F/A-18D Hornet at Kuantan Air Base, Malaysia.

The Air Force CHIEF of STAFF, General Ronald R. Fogelman sits in the front seat of a New Mexico Air National Guard F-16. CAPT. Thomas M. (Wheels) Wheeler sits behind. Base: Kirtland Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020625-F-4177H-003. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

Aviation Electrician's Mate 1st Class Makayla Wilks, from Gentry, Arkansas, assigned to the "Golden Warriors" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87, conducts routine maintenance on an F/A-18E Super Hornet in the hangar bay of the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Oct. 7, 2022. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) is deployed in the Atlantic Ocean, conducting training and operations alongside NATO Allies and partners to enhance integration for future operations and demonstrate the U.S. Navys commitment to a peaceful, stable and conflict-free Atlantic region.

A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot assigned to Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, exits the cockpit after arriving for Checkered Flag 22-2 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 6, 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.

030306-F-1443F-035. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

An F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, prepares to park in an overhang, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Nov. 14, 2022. Known as the "Gamblers" the 77th EFS plays a key role in the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing's mission to project combat air power in partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to deter Iran, compete strategically and counter violent extremist organizations.

DF-ST-85-11903. Base: Palmdale State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220512-N-MJ302-1036 PACIFIC OCEAN (May 12, 2022) Sailors participate in a firefighting drill on the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is underway for Tailored Ship's Training Availability/Final Evaluation Problem (TSTA/FEP). TSTA/FEP is a multi-phase training evolution designed to give the crew a solid foundation of unit-level operating proficiency and to enhance the ship's ability to self-train. Nimitz is conducting operations at sea.

040603-F-1740G-001. Base: Paya Lebar Air Base Country: Singapore (SGP)

220617-N-OL632-1027 ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 17, 2022) A sailor assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), tows an F/A-18E Super Hornet Aircraft attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, June 17, 2022. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is underway completing a certification exercise to increase U.S. and allied interoperability and warfighting capability before a future deployment. The George H.W. Bush CSG is an integrated combat weapons system that delivers superior combat capability to deter, and if necessary, defeat America's adversaries in support of national security. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of CSG-10 and the George H.W. Bush CSG. The squadrons of CVW-7 are VFA-143, VFA-103, VFA-86, VFA-136, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, HSC-5, and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

A ground crewman signals to the pilot of an Air Force Reserve's 944th Tactical Fighter Group F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft prior to takeoff. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 525th Fighter Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, banks over Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 18, 2022, during Weapons System Evaluation Program East-22.08. WSEP is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

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