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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

040301-F-6703G-001. Base: Laughlin Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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

F-15E Eagle aircraft of the 336th Tactical Fighter Squadron prepare to takeoff on a mission during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 336th Fighter Generation Squadron load munitions onto an aircraft during a quarterly load competition at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Jan. 12, 2024. The competition includes a knowledge test, toolkit inspection and weapons building and loading procedures in a competitive environment.

030401-F-9448S-027. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Air Force service members recover a B-1B Lancer at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., after a long-duration CONUS-to-CONUS (C2C) mission to the Indo-Pacific Aug. 20, 2022. C2C missions are designed to deter, deny, and dominate any influence or aggression from adversaries or competitors while enhancing readiness and demonstrating USAF long-range strike capabilities.

Israeli Air Force (IAF) F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft Crew Chiefs, MASTER Sergeant (MSGT) Omar Terezzi (left) and IAF MSGT Koby Hazizia, conduct a preflight inspection of their aircraft during Exercise RED FLAG 2003, on the flight line at Nellis Air Force Base (AFB), Nevada (NV). Red Flag is currently the most realistic simulated air-warfare training exercise held anywhere in the world. It regularly involves the air forces of the United States and its allies. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-87-00534. Base: USS Saratoga (CV 60) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

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.

A Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornet sits on the flight line during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 3, 2022. In addition to providing a unique opportunity for aircrew to train over the 77,000 square mile Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, RF-A also provides training for maintenance and support personnel in sustainment of large-force deployed air operations.

Ground crew members stand by as an F-15E Eagle aircraft of the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing, equipped with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, prepares to deploy to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Base: Seymour Johnson Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The 149th Fighter Wing's 182nd Fighter Squadron hosted a large force exercise with the 457th Fighter Squadron from Fort Worth here at JBSA-Lackland May 21, 2022. The competition incorporated modernized tactics of fourth and fifth generation aircraft in advanced aerial combat and will also provide a platform for enhanced cooperation between the two fighter units. The winner of the days events was the 457th FS, who was crowned The Greatest Fighter Squadron in the South. (Air National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Mancuso)

Lt. Col. Joseph Thomas, a Drill Status Guardsman F-16 instructor pilot with the 162nd Wing in Tucson, Ariz., prepares his jet for a training mission alongside his son, 1st Lt. Nathan Thomas, an active-duty F-16 student pilot.

000509-F-5697C-005. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD 2000 Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA) Scene Major Command Shown: Pacific Air Forces

F-16 with Crew Chief in Cockpit

Pilot Makes a Hang Loose Gesture Prior to Launch of an F-16

011008-F-3873G-022. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

AIM-9L Sidewinder missile and GBU-12 Laser-Guided Bomb loaded on a CF-18 Hornet.

040915-F-6701P-031. Base: Lask Air Base State: Lodzkie Country: Poland (POL)

A Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 135 (VAQ-135) EA-6B Prowler aircraft prepares to catch the arresting cable as it lands on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) while the vessel is underway off the coast of Chile during its circumnavigation of South America. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

010812-F-7910D-016. Base: Buckley Air Force Base State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air National Guard

Lance Corporal (LCpl) Arias of Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, washes a F/A 18C Hornet during a decontamination exercise during COMBINED ARMS EXERCISE (CAX) 2-01. LCpl Arias is in Mission-Oriented Protective Posture response level 4 (MOPP-4) gear, wearing the battledress overgarment (BDO), chemical protective footwear cover (CPFC), glove set, and the M40 Chemical-Biological Field Mask with protective hood. CAX is a two week course designed for practical experience in tactics, desert operations, and combined arms exercises. Lance Corporal (LCpl) Arias of Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, washes a F/A 18C Hornet during a decontamination exercise during COMBINED ARMS EXERCISE (CAX) 2-01. LCpl Arias is in Mission-Oriented Protective Posture response level 4 (MOPP-4) gear, wearing the battledress overgarment (BDO), chemical protective footwear cover (CPFC), glove set, and the M40 Chemical-Biological Field Mask with protective hood. CAX is a two week course designed for practical experie

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jett Wright, 367th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, performs pre-flight checks at Aviano Air Base, Italy, July 15, 2022. Wright had the opportunity to fly the same aircraft that his father flew in the 1990s.

070108-N-8907D-005. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 23rd Wing inspects an A-10C Thunderbolt II during a pre-flight check at Savannah Air National Guard Base, Georgia, July 22, 2022. Agile Flag 22-2 is Air Combat Command's first lead-wing certification event designed to demonstrate the 23rd Wing's capability to generate combat air power while continuing to move, maneuver, and sustain the Wing and subordinate force elements in a dynamic and contested environment.

020920-F-4649H-021. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

US Air Force (USAF) 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMS) ground crews from Royal Air Force (RAF) Lakenheath, England, complete a preflight check as they launch an F-15E Strike Eagle. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

031005-M-3843B-007. Base: Crtc State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II flies over Bullhead City, Arizona, March 30, 2023. The A-10 Demonstration Team travels around the country to different airshows to showcase the abilities of the A-10 and its Airmen, as well as their contributions to the Air Force mission and national security.

U.S. Airmen and Marines refuel a Navy EA-18G Growler 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.

Left side front view medium shot as Turkish maintenance troops of the T-22 Maintenance Group prepare a Turkish F-16C for launch. Pilots and maintainers from Balikesir, Turkey are deployed to Aviano in support of the NATO operation Joint Forge. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT FORGE Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Matthew Finneran, left, and Maj. Jesse Simmermon, right, pilots with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115, climb into an F/A-18D Hornet prior to a flight at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, June 7, 2022. VMFA-115 supports the Marine Air-Ground Task Force by providing supporting-arms coordination, conducting multi-sensor imagery reconnaissance, and destroying surface targets and enemy aircraft, day or night, under all weather conditions, during expeditionary, joint, or combined operations. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Servante R. Coba)

U.S. Air Force Col. Chad Holesko, Maintenance Group Commander assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, discusses the 180FWs homeland defense mission with U.S. Senator Rob Portman during a visit to the wing, Oct. 7, 2022. Portman visited the 180FW as part of his Ohio defense tour aimed at increasing the range of capabilities for military installations throughout Ohio. The 180FW is the states only fighter unit, flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Beth Holliker.

040604-F-1698M-001. Base: Lajes Field State: Azores Country: Portugal (PRT)

020130-F-1631A-004. Base: Zaragosa Air Base Country: Spain (ESP) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

An F-15 Strike Eagle from the 334th Fighter Squadron Seymour Johnson, AFB, NC, sits on the ramp as the sunrise starts a new day at Roswell Industrial Air Center. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS 95 Base: Roswell State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Aaron Trent, commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), exchanges information with his plane captain, Sgt. Donald Hardiman, during preflight checks on Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, Arizona, Nov. 9, 2022. The squadron is departing MCAS Yuma to join the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) aboard amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) as the first full F-35B Lightning II squadron to deploy with a MEU. The 13th MEUs deployment with a 10-jet F-35B Lightning II squadron, and a composite squadron comprised of MV-22B Ospreys, CH-53E Super Stallions, AH-1Z Vipers and UH-1Y Venoms, gives the MEU commander unmatched operational flexibility.Trent is a native of Greenville, South Carolina. Hardiman is a native of Salmon, Idaho.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the Air Force Reserve Command Test Center arrives in support of ajoint force exercise on Sept. 8, 2022, at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. This joint force exercise incorporates more than seven military entities across three branches creating innovative operational concepts to allow quick response to an ever changing wartime horizon.

Several A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft rest on the flight line at Savannah Air National Guard Base, Georgia, during exercise Agile Flag 22-2, July 22, 2022. Agile Flag 22-2 is Air Combat Command's first lead-wing contributing certification event designed to demonstrate the 23rd Wing's capability to generate combat air power while continuing to move, maneuver, and sustain the Wing and subordinate force elements in a dynamic and contested environment.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Andrew Dunn, an F/A-18D Hornet pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 puts on his helmet during Vigilant Storm 23 at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, Nov. 3, 2022. Vigilant Storm is an annual training event designed to further reinforce the combat readiness and interoperability between Republic of Korea and U.S. airpower through exercising operational and tactical-level command and control on the Korean peninsula.

020211-F-9032T-006. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Brigadegeneral Frank Graefe, Abteilungsleiter Einsatz der Luftwaffe vor einem Eurofighter. Aufgenommen bei der Uebung Rapid Viking 2023.m Keflavik Island, 03.08.2023

020215-F-5422W-005. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Kelly Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Miranda Jones, 316th Fighter Squadron pilot, prepares a F-16 fighter jet from the South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Fighter Wing to depart Columbia Metropolitan Airport in West Columbia, South Carolina to an alternate airfield September 29, 2022. The temporary relocation is a safety precaution ahead of the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Ian. The aircraft will return to South Carolina and resume their normal flight training operations just as soon as conditions allow.

050215-N-6363M-001. Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

DF-ST-88-07170. Base: Palmdale State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 1st Fighter Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, sits with an open canopy as preflight operations are completed during Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 14, 2022. WSEP-E 22.12 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.

Ground crewmen remove the chocks from the rear wheels of a 57th Fighter Weapons Wing F-15E Eagle aircraft during cold weather testing of the aircraft. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Aaron Brewer, an aircraft maintenance crew chief assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing, Indiana Air National Guard, prepares an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft for take off during Red Flag 21-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Feb. 12, 2021. The event includes an array of aircraft in addition to the A-10C Thunderbolt II, including the F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, F-16 Fighting Falcon, EA-18G Growler, F-15E Strike Eagle, B-1B Lancer and the B-2 Spirit.

An F/A-18 Hornet shell is staged on USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) flight deck, June 15, 2022. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting a Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) assessment to report ship readiness and ensure all spaces and equipment meet Navy Standards.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jesse Safe, 25th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, salutes 1st Lt. James Summer, 25th Fighter Squadron pilot before a mission sortie at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 7, 2022. As part of the U.S. Air Forces evolution towards Combat Oriented Maintenance Organizations; large maintenance units are transitioning to smaller fighter generation squadrons to improve synchronization between maintenance and operations.

Captain Valentine S. Arbogast of the 23 Fighter Squadron (FS), Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, hands crew chief AIRMAN First Class Sean Keane his bag after a morning flight at the last ever exercise Green Flag, held here at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Green Flag is a large-force training exercise designed to sharpen aerial combat skills. (Duplicate image, see also DF-SD-01-01765 or search 000816-F-0751D-011). Subject Operation/Series: GREEN FLAG Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

ADRIATIC SEA (June 2, 2018) Airman Louis Calderon wipes down the window of an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the "Fighting Checkmates" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211 on the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman is operating in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of maritime security operations alongside allies.

010212-F-6655M-011. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

110131-N-7488A-217ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 31, 2011) Aviation Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Amanda Mondino, assigned to the Fighting Redcocks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, performs maintenance on an F/A-18F Super Hornet in the hangar bay aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is deployed supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Aimee "Rebel" Fiedler, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team pilot, prepares to exit her aircraft after a performance at the Titans of Flight Air Expo, Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, April 9, 2022. The airshow pays tribute to air power from the earliest U.S. military inventory to modern day aircraft.

A right side view of a Strike-Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106) 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)

040514-F-1698M-006. Base: Lajes Field Country: Azores (AZR) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

F-15 Eagle aircrafts from Kadena Air Base, Japan, and F-16 Fighting Falcon aircrafts from Misawa Air Base, Japan, arrive to compete in WILLIAM TELL '96, a biennial US Air Force air-to-air weapons competition. The PACAF team aircraft taxi to their parking area after arrival to Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. Subject Operation/Series: WILLIAM TELL '96 Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Donavan Reid, 435th Contingency Response Squadron aircraft maintenance flight chief, performs hot-pit refueling training on an F-15E Strike Eagle at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, July 27, 2022. This training helps enhance U.S. Air Forces in Europes employment capability of contingency response teams in support assets within the theater.

Members of the 114th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons shop, performs and integrated combat turn (ICT) at Joe Foss Field, S.D., Nov. 5 2022. During ICTs the 114th weapons shop aims to recover, reload and relaunch two aircraft with as few people as possible and get them back into the fight as quickly as possible.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 480th Fighter Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, sits on an apron after arriving at Łask Air Base, Poland, January 4, 2022. WING units routinely train for rapid response operations, keeping Airmen, equipment and capabilities ready for any contingency.

An F-111F aircraft of the 495th Tactical Fighter Squadron is guided out of its parking space to begin 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)

US Air Force AIRMAN First Class James Sheeder (right) and US Air Force SENIOR AIRMAN Juan Milian (left) from the 494th Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, launche an F-15 Eagle aircraft. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jonathan Schaafsma, executive officer, Marine Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 1, taxis to the flight line for takeoff in an F-5N Tiger II at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, April 21, 2022. This was Schaafsmas final flight after serving 20 years in the Marine Corps.

040812-F-0971G-030. Base: Jacksonville Iap State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A 79th Fighter Squadron Tigers’ pilot gets situated in the cockpit of his F-16 Fighting Falcon prior to takeoff during day one of Red Flag 13-3, Feb. 25, 2012 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The Tigers’ launched a total of 16 times during day and night time missions to kick off the exercise. The unit has approximately 15 F-16 Fighting Falcons on the ground at Nellis AFB and 35 pilots slated to fly throughout the three-week long exercise.

An AV-8B+ Harrier II jet aboard the Italian Navy Cavour aircraft carrier.

A United States Marine Corps F/A-18 fixed-wing aircraft mechanic prepares an F/A-18 Hornet assigned to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323 out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, for takeoff at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Sept. 20, 2022. During the flights they had opportunities to identify strengths, weaknesses and capabilities while also sharpening the skills and tactics shared between the 510th Fighter Squadron and the VMFA-323 Squadron.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 169th Fighter Wing at Columbia Metropolitan Airport, South Carolina, return from Sentry Savannah 2022, the U.S. Air National Guard's annual premiere fighter jet exercise at the Air Dominance Center in Georgia, May 12, 2022. The 169th Fighter Wing is temporarily using the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, Lexington County, South Carolina, while runway repairs occur at McEntire Joint National Guard Base.

United States Air Force F-15C Eagle fighters on the ready line at Moron Air Base, Spain in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Moron Air Base State: Sevilla Country: Spain (ESP) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

F-15E Eagle aircraft of the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing stand on the flight line prior to a mission during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

A U.S. Navy Sailor with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, signals an F/A-18 Super Hornet during Weapons System Evaluation Program East-22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 12, 2022. WSEPs are formal, two-week evaluation exercises designed to test a squadrons capability to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Nov. 02, 2022) Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Lauren Gagliano, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, salutes a U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor pilot during the jet launch as part of her reenlistment ceremony. F-22 Raptors from 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron arrived in Souda Bay, Crete on Oct. 20, 2022 to conduct an Agile Combat Employment exercise, which is part of routine training for U.S. Airmen to operate from different locations with varying levels of capacity and support to strengthen the ability to deploy, survive, operate, and successfully maneuver. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

The 323 Squadron General Dynamics F-16A Fighting Falcon in the special color scheme on the occasion of the 85th anniversary of the Royal Netherlands Air Force, implementation is on port side 'starry sky' and the "cloudy sky" not visible here. The location is probably the Leeuwarden airbase.

A close-up view of the engine exhaust nozzles of the F110 engines of a Fighter Squadron 31 (VF-31) F-14D Tomcat aircraft. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California(CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team washes an A-10 Thunderbolt II at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 6, 2022. The A-10 demonstration team includes nine maintenance personnel that are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the jets to ensure their ability to perform in over 20 airshows per year.

011212-F-4816B-038. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

US Navy AIRMAN perform pre-flight checks on an F/A-18 Hornet aircraft from Strike Fighter Squadron One Zero Five (VFA-105) on the flight deck of USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) as the aircraft carrier prepares to get underway after a port visit in Rhodes, Greece. US Navy Airman perform pre-flight checks on an F/A-18 Hornet aircraft from Strike Fighter Squadron One Zero Five (VFA-105) on the flight deck of USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) as the aircraft carrier prepares to get underway after a port visit in Rhodes, Greece.

The Blue Angel Pilots arrive to the F/A-18 Super Hornets as part of the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 12, 2022. As the U.S. Navys Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels is comprised of six F/A-18 Super Hornets and one C-130J Hercules who perform aerobatics around the United States. 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.

030315-F8993B-010. Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040811-F-5544L-013. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030221-F-3961R-011. Subject Operation/Series: COPE TIGER 2003 Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA)

A U.S. Sailor with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, performs post-flight maintenance 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Josef Grangaard, a fixed wing aircraft mechanic with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533, directs an F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attach Squadron (VMFA) 121 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 13, 2022. U.S. Marines with VMFA-121 are conducting Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations from the amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) in support of exercise Valiant Shield 2022. Exercise Valiant Shield gives units like VMFA-121 the opportunity to integrate with forces across the Indo-Pacific to train in successful employment and operations that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force.

230405-N-XK462-2131 EAST CHINA SEA (April 5, 2023) A U.S. Sailor transits the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is in U.S. 7th Fleet conducting routine operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. James Campbell, left, a pilot, and Maj. Patrick Baum, a weapons system officer, both with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232 fist bump as they exit the flightline at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Jan. 19, 2024. Nicknamed the Red Devils, VMFA-232 traveled from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan to Guam as a part of their Aviation Training Relocation Program deployment to train multilaterally with allies and partners, and enhance the squadrons combat readiness.

Community members examine the cockpit of a U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle 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.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Joshua Jaws” Epley, 79th Fighter Squadron pilot, performs pre-flight checks before taking off at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., March 8, 2023. Training exercise Red Flag-Nellis 23-2 integrates and strengthens the interoperability of air forces and airframes from around the world, ensuring combat airpower is delivered in defense of the United States and its allies anytime, anywhere.

DF-ST-85-11783. Subject Operation/Series: OPPORTUNE JOURNEY 84 Base: Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force pilot and weapons systems officer from the 48th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England prepare to exit an F-15E Strike Eagle April 6, 2022, at Andravida Air Base, Greece. The 492nd Fighter Squadron assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing participated in INIOCHOS 22, a Hellenic air force-led exercise designed to enhance the interoperability and skills of allied and partner forces in the accomplishment of joint operations and air defenses.

040719-F-2902B-012. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft from the 23rd Fighter Group at Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, rolls into place on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina's, flightline while their runway is temporarily under construction. Base: Seymour Johnson Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15s are prepped for take-off in support of Exercise Southern Beach at Naha Air Base, Japan, Sept. 16, 2022. Exercises like Southern Beach allow U.S. and Japanese Airmen to routinely train together to enhance bilateral interoperability in support of the defense of Japan while securing a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

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