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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

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ryan Gaffaney and U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Scott Ebert, both Wisconsin Air National Guardsmen assigned to the 115th Fighter Wing, Madison, Wisconsin shake hands during the final departure of the F-16 Fighting Falcon Oct. 5, 2022. The F-16 first arrived at Truax Field in 1992 as the eighth primary airframe since the unit's inception in 1948 and is scheduled to be replaced by the F-35 Lightning II aircraft in the Spring of 2023.

SUBIC BAY, Republic of Philippines (Oct. 7, 2012) Sgt. Lauren Colantropo, left, and Cpl. Andrew Allen re-install a forward-looking infrared radar sensor on an AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 542 aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). Bonhomme Richard is in Subic Bay for Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX), an annual bilateral exercise with the Armed Forces of the Philippines designed to improve interoperability, increase readiness and develop professional and personal relationships. The U.S. Navy is reliable, flexible, and ready to respond worldwide on, above, and below the sea. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting.

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. - U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Harris, the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds advance crew chief and native of Salt Lake City, Utah, assists U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Justin Elliot, Thunderbirds commander and leader, after landing at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, May 23, 2022. Flying the No. 1 jet, Elliot and the Thunderbirds later performed a fly-over during the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation ceremony on May 25, 2022.

F/A-18F Super Hornet USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) US Navy

A 511th Tactical Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II Aircraft is displayed on the flight line. Base: Zaragosa Air Base Country: Spain (ESP)

An EA-6B Prowler aircraft from Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron One Three Zero (VAQ-130) towers over US Navy AIRMAN Larry Goodwin as he prepares to huff the engines of the aircraft on the flight deck of USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75). Tractors are used to supply air to the turbines on aircraft to start them; this is often called "huffing the engines." Truman is on station in the Persian Gulf in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. An EA-6B Prowler aircraft from Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron One Three Zero (VAQ-130) towers over US Navy Airman Larry Goodwin as he prepares to huff the engines of the aircraft on the flight deck of USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75). Tractors are used to supply air to the turbines on aircraft to start them; this is often called "huffing the engines." Truman is on station in the Persian Gulf in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH.

A Pilot and Weapons System Officer assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron conduct the Panther Chop” after being marshalled for takeoff during exercise Point Blank at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Aug 24, 2022. Point Blank is a multilateral exercise that increases interoperability and collective readiness, deters potential adversaries and ensures the skies within the European theater remain sovereign.

220905-N-SH953-1122Virginia Beach, Va. (Sept. 5, 2022) - The Red Rippers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11 returned home to Naval Air Station Ocean, September 5. VFA-11, part of Carrier Air Wing 1, embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), returns to Naval Station Norfolk after a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Timarra Roth, an 18th Aggressor Squadron crew chief, unveils Lt. Col. Albert Ropers, the incoming 18th AGRS commander, name on an F-16 Fighting Falcon during an 18th AGRS change of command ceremony on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, April 22, 2022. The 18th Blue Fox Aggressors support the execution of Pacific Air Forces commander-priority exercises to include RED FLAG-Alaska, COPE NORTH and Northern Edge while providing adversary air support to the Combat Air Force.

A Super Etendard aircraft of the Argentine Navy passes the landing signal officers station as it prepares to briefly touch down on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). The plane is taking part in touch-and-go landings aboard the LINCOLN during the vessel's circumnavigation of South America. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Senior Airman Thomas Purdy, 80th Fighter Generation Squadron dedicated crew chief, performs preflight procedures for an F-16 Fighting Falcon during Cobra Gold 24 exercise at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, Feb. 29, 2024. Cobra Gold is the largest joint exercise in mainland Asia and exemplifies the U.S.s long-standing alliance with the Kingdom of Thailand. Air Force

DF-ST-88-05703. Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. William Norton, an AV-8B Harrier II jet pilot with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 231, takes off in an AV-8B Harrier II jet from the flight deck aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), Dec. 6, 2022. VMA-231 trained with U.S. Sailors to strengthen interoperability and conduct carrier qualifications prior to their upcoming deployment with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. VMA-231 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Joseph Martin, 355th Training Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, climbs into an A-10 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, May 25, 2022. The 355th TRS meets Air Force training requirements for over 100 students annually and provides quality assurance for aircrew training contracts.

A left rear view of two F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft taxiing out during exercise Boarder Star '81. The aircraft are assigned to the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing. Subject Operation/Series: BORDER STAR '81 Base: Holloman Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 14th Fighting Squadron, Misawa Air Base, Japan, receive fuel from the 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Management Flight during a week-long Agile Combat Employment training exercise aimed at enhancing multi-capable Airmens skillset, May 10, 2022, on Yokota Air Base, Japan. Through ACE, the 35th Fighter Wing trained alongside the 374th Airlift Wing to maintain a competitive edge over adversaries; and execute their mission - to protect U.S. interests in the Pacific, defend Japan, and deter adversaries through presence, readiness, and ability to project agile combat air power.

The F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team performs a preflight routine during Wings Over Solano at Travis Air Force Base, California, May 15, 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 Tech. Sgt. Andrew Bongiovi, a Crew Chief from 124th Fighter Wing, Gowen Field Air National Guard Base, Boise, Idaho, prepares the A-10 Thunderbolt II for a mission on the flightline during Agile Rage 22 at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Mich., June 13, 2022. Agile Rage 22 is a National Guard Bureau-led exercise that provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

DF-ST-89-00148. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Ground crew personnel service the aircraft as US Air Force (USAF) Captain (CPT), Pete Fesler, 19th Fighter Squadron (FS) exits the cockpit of his USAF F-15 Eagle aircraft at Korat AB, Thailand, during Exercise COPE TIGER '02. Cope Tiger is an annual, multinational exercise in the Asia-Pacific region which promotes closer relations and enables air force units in the region to sharpen air combat skills and practice interoperability with US Forces. Subject Operation/Series: COPE TIGER '02 Base: Korat Air Base Country: Thailand (THA)

Maj. Ryan Corrigan sits in the cockpit of an F-16 Fighting Falcon during sunrise, Sept. 9, 2013, at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C. Members of the 169th Fighter Wing are conducting a certified readiness evaluation, which assesses their ability to operate safely and efficiently in a deployed chemical combat environment. Corrigan is with the 157th Fighter Squadron, South Carolina Air National Guard.

PHILIPPINE SEA (May 14, 2022) Lt. Cmdr. Chad Fortin, assigned to the Vigilantes of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, enters an F/A-18E Super Hornet on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

220824-N-JR318-3094 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Aug. 24, 2022) An F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to the Red Rippers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, prepares to take off from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), Aug. 24, 2022. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group 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.

A ground crewman performs maintenance on the APQ-126 radar equipment located in the nose of an A-7 Corsair II aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 6 (CVW-6). Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

050110-F-0138C-001. Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Denver Coblentz, (right) a pilot with the South Carolina Air National Guards 157th Fighter Squadron and Colombian Air Force pilot, Maj. Kristian Romero get ready to fly in a KFIR fighter jet 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.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt Luke Markle and Senior Airmen Kyle Alexander and Brandon Marshall, weapons load crew members assigned to the 90th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, compete in a weapons load competition during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 31, 2022. This biennial event hosted by JBER is one of the largest in the state and one of the premier aerial demonstrations in the world. The event features multiple performers to include the JBER Joint Forces Demonstration Team, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, Pacific Air Forces C-17 Demonstration Team and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team.

A U.S. Sailor with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, walks around an an F/A-18 Super Hornet for post-flight recovery during Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 12, 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.

Senior Airman Matthew Persson, 80th Fighter Generation Squadron dedicated crew chief, marshals in Lt. Gen. Scott Rolls Pleus, 7th Air Force commander after a flight at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 5, 2022. Gen. Pleus is a command pilot with more than 2,500 flight hours. (U.S. Air Force photos by Tech. Sgt. Timothy Dischinat)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ian OConnor, 104th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, signals to the pilot of an F-15C Eagle during Checkered Flag 22-2 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 12, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise held at Tyndall which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th- and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 22-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-20, 2022.

Airmen assigned to the 4th Fighter Wing participate in a quarterly load crew competition at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, July 15, 2022. The competition was held to build morale and test the load crews loading capabilities.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jefte Reyes-Salinas, 13th Fighter Generation Squadron dedicated crew chief, conducts a final pre-flight inspection on an F-16 Fighting Falcon before it takes off to reach its 10,000 flight hour milestone at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 27, 2022. Misawas crew chiefs are responsible for ensuring every F-16 meets standards through inspections and maintenance measures.

From left, U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Christopher Einflat, a student pilot, and Maj. Caleb Cienski, an instructor pilot, both assigned to the 149th Fighter Wing, Air National Guard, walk out to an F-16 Fighting Falcon during Coronet Cactus, March 29, 2023, at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. The annual training event deploys members of the 149th Fighter Wing, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, to another environment in order to familiarize them with accomplishing mission objectives in an unfamiliar location.

June 28, 2007 - Three F-16 Fighting Falcons prepare to taxi for departure from Hill Air Force Base, Utah.

Medium shot, left front view, low angle, F-15E Strike Eagle, red safety flags on aircraft, parked on flight line, sun, blue sky and white clouds in background. Aircraft is assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom. The Air Force F-15 Strike Eagle is a tactical fighter equipped with a mixture of maneuverability, range, weapons, acceleration, and avionics which enables the F-15 to be the superior fighter of air to air combat. (Duplicate image, see also DF-SD-01-06161 or search 000816-F-4177H-002). Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

Flight deck crewmen stand beside A-7 Corsair II aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63). Country: Philippines (PHL)

Ohio Air National Guards 121st Air Refueling Wing welcomes an A-10C Thunderbolt II from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Sept. 1, 2016. A-10s were relocated in preparation for Tropical Storm Hermine.

Maintenance crewmen gather in front of a row of Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) F-14A Tomcat aircraft as the two center aircraft wait to taxi onto the flight line. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220124-N-EE352-1429 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 24, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the Golden Dragons” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 192, prepares to launch off the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Jan. 24, 2022. Dual Carrier Operations with the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group and Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group demonstrates the U.S. Navy’s capability to rapidly aggregate to deliver overwhelming maritime force and increase collective war-fighting readiness in support of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Leon Vonguyen)

030217-F-3961R-012. Subject Operation/Series: COPE TIGER 2003 Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA)

Airman 1st Class Austin Letz, 43rd Fighter Generation Squadron, marshals his F-22A Raptor out for a mission March 24 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The 325th Fighter Wings Raptor aircraft has been at Eglin since 2018 after Hurricane Michael destroyed the Tyndall AFB facilities. The Raptors will soon depart Eglin for their new home, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

A U.S. Navy E/A-18G Growler aircraft pilot assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 138 prepare to depart a hangar operated by Marine Wing Liaison Kadena (MWLK) for joint force training at Kadena Air Force base, Okinawa, Japan, June 13, 2022. MWLK provides comprehensive operational and logistical support to local and deployed U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy squadrons operating at Kadena Air Base.

990422-M-2889C-011. Subject Operation/Series: KERNEL BLITZ Base: Uss Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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. Air Force pilot assigned to the 55th Fighter Squadron performs final checks before taxiing during the first day of exercise Red Flag-Nellis (RF-N) 23-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, March 13, 2023. Through dedicated training opportunities like RFN 23-2, Wild Weasels ensure combat readiness and the tactical proficiency needed to maintain a ready force, capable of ensuring the collective defense of the United States and their partners and allies.

A crew chief assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing, prepares an F-35A Lightning II fifth generation aircraft, assigned to the wing, for a launch at the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, May 2, 2022. The aircraft departed to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, to continue NATOs Enhanced Air Policing mission along the Eastern Flank.

Tech. Sgt. Bill Conant, Master Sgt. Justin Orrick, and Tech. Sgt. Tom Moore, 131st Maintenance Group phase technicians, scrub down an F-15 Eagle static display at the 131st Bomb Wing Heritage Park, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, May 6, 2022, in preparation for new paint later this year. The 131st flew F-15s as its primary mission aircraft from 1991 to 2008.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 335th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron prepare to receive an F-15E Strike Eagle, assigned to the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, during a routine agile combat employment exercise at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Aug. 15, 2022. The U.S. maintains a resilient and flexible logistics network capable of supporting rapid deployment operations in support of regional security.

040914-F-1448M-002. Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

NAVAL AIR STATION LEMOORE, Calif., (09 Aug. 2022) -- F/A-18E Super Hornets from the "Vigilantes" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151 taxi after returning to Naval Air Station Lemoore. VFA-151, as part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, embarked aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and returned to Naval Air Station Lemoore, Aug. 09, 2022, following a seven-month deployment to U.S. 3rd Fleet and 7th Fleet areas of operations. CVW-9 deployed with a combination of fourth and fifth-generation platforms that predominantly represent the Airwing of the Future,” executing more than 21,307 fixed-wing and helicopter flight hours comprising of 10,250 sorties, 8,437 launches and 8,487 aircraft arrestments.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airmen Anwar Allen, Tory Decuir and Collin McCoy, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration team crew chiefs, tow an A-10 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, March 26, 2023. The A-10 Demo Team travels to shows around the country, as well as internationally, to highlight the combat capabilities of the A-10.

A 31st Fighter Wing F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot prepares his jet for de-arming after landing at Graf Ignatievo Air Force Base, Bulgaria, April 17, 2012. Graf Ignatievo is now host to more than two dozen F-16s and more than 500 U.S. Airmen in support of Thracian Star 2012. Thracian Star is a month-long joint training exercise focused on building partnerships and increasing interoperability with the Bulgarian pilots, maintainers, joint terminal air controllers, firefighters and security forces airmen.

This F-16A Fighting Falcon, tail No. 80-0504, was last assigned to the 174th Attack Wing at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, N.Y., as a ground maintenance trainer before it was retired from service and disassembled Nov. 5, 2015. The aircraft is set to be reassembled and placed at the main entrance of the New York National Guard headquarters in Latham.

DF-ST-85-11490. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH 84-3 Base: Chitose Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

American and British fighter jet pilots have a friendly chat on apron

Three U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons prepare for takeoff at Buckley Space Force Base, Colo., Sep. 22, 2022 during readiness exercise, Operation Thundercat. This four-day exercise provides a simulated combat environment that allows Airmen to practice real-world warfighting capabilities.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon sits under an overhang before a routine flight Dec. 15, 2010, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah.

020122-F-1851B-033. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: Prince Sultan Air Base Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

021115-F-4177H-001. Base: RAF Lakenheath Country: United Kingdom (GBR)

Technical Sergeant Jon Livingston, USAF, a Crewchief for the 148th Aircraft Generation Squadron, Minnesota Air National Guard, conducts pre-launch checks of one of the Wing's F-16 Fighting Falcons on September 27, 2001. The aircraft once, "hot cocked" (fully loaded and ready to go and ready to fire) was placed on alert in support of Operation NOBLE EAGLE. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Duluth International Airport State: Minnesota (MN) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

An A-10C Thunderbolt II taxis at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Oct. 23, 2022. This aircraft flew from Moody AFB, Georgia, to take part in a Dynamic Force Employment operation which is designed as a way for Pacific Air Forces to exercise their ability to generate combat air power from dynamic force elements while continuing to move, maneuver, and sustain these elements in geographically-separated and contested environments.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet is parked on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Several of the planes are participating in the World Space Expo being held from Nov. 1 to Nov. 4 at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Other aircraft joining in the salute include U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Aerial Demonstration Squadron , U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle, the P-51 Mustang Heritage Flight and the U.S. Air Force 920th Rescue Wing, which was responsible for Mercury and Gemini capsule recovery. The U.S. Army Golden Knights also will demonstrate precision skydiving. The World Space Expo is an event to commemorate humanity's first 50 years in space while looking forward to returning people to the moon and exploring beyond. The expo will showcase various panels, presentations and educational programs. It also is a part of NASA's 50th anniversary celebrations, highlighting the 45th Anniversary of the Mercur

AIRMAN First Class Wesley Haley, 31st Communications Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy, waves to the camera as Captain Michael Cowan begins taxiing an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft to the runway. The 31st Communicaitons Squadron's Commander recommended A1C Wesley for an incentive flight because of his outstanding performance working in the post office. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

An F-15E Strike Eagle lands during Red Flag 14-3 July 15, 2014, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Red Flag exercises involve a variety of attack, fighter, bomber, reconnaissance, electronic warfare aircraft, air superiority aircraft, airlift support, search and rescue aircraft, and aerial refueling aircraft. The F-15E is assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England.

Members of the 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron perform preflight checks on a F-16 Fighting Falcon at 86th Air Base, Romania, July 12, 2022. The 510th EFS is deployed from the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy to support NATOs Enhanced Air Policing operations.

U.S. Navy aircrew assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, taxi in an F/A-18 Super Hornet during Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 12, 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.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cody Polzin, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team crew chief, and Staff Sgt. Tryston Salyers, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team avionics specialist, perform pre-flight inspections in Klamath Falls, Oregon, June 24, 2022. The A-10 Demonstration Team is made up of 11 personnel, including a pilot, nine maintenance personnel and a public affairs specialist. The mission of the A-10 Demonstration Team is to recruit, retain and inspire.

STAFF SGT. Rowe (in silver) carefully lowers the pilot down out of his F-16 to firefighter, SENIOR AIRMAN Ericson. Six members of the Albanian Military visited as part of the Military to Military Contact Program with former East-bloc countries. Firefighters from the 86th Civil Engineering Squadron treated the visitors to a demonstration of emergency pilot extraction from an F-16 aircraft. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, headline the OC Air Show in Ocean City, Maryland, June 10, 2022. The Thunderbirds are slated to perform nearly seventy air shows in almost three dozen different locations this year.

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds land after practicing for Skyfest 2022 at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington May 12, 2022. Team Fairchild will hold the Fairchild Skyfest 2022 airshow as a means of thanking the local community for their support and partnerships, as well as to inspire future generations of Airmen with a showcase of U.S. Air Force assets and their capabilities.

U.S. Marine Corps aviation ordnance technicians assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), conduct routine maintenance on an AV-8B Harrier II, during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, April 12, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

Two members of the 37th Equipment Maintenance Squadron paint an F-4E Phantom II aircraft in the squadron's corrosion control shop. Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

On day 27 of NATO attacks against Yugoslavian military targets, the B-2 "Spirit of Mississippi" poses while waiting for weapons to be be loaded during NATO Operation Allied Force. Mk 84, 2000 pound bombs, are on a trailer in the right foreground of the frame. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Base: Whiteman Air Force Base State: Missouri (MO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Flight deck crewmen use compressed air from an MD-3A tow tractor to start the engines of an EA-6B Prowler aircraft on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) during the ship's shakedown cruise. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

More than 200 Airmen and 10 A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthogs from the 924th Fighter Group of the 944th Fighter Wing are working out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 27, 2022, during the units participation in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

A view of an FB-111A aircraft of the 509th Bomb Wing and some of the ordnance that it may carry. On its wing pylons are 20 BDU-50 500-pound practice bombs. In the front row are, from left: an M-117D 750-pound high-drag bomb, 12 Mark 106 5-pound practice bombs and a Mark 82 500-pound high drag bomb. In the second row are, from left: a B-83 nuclear bomb trainer, a B-61 nuclear bomb trainer and two AGM-69A SRAM missiles. Base: Pease Air Force Base State: New Hampshire (NH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A squadron member photographs the pilot and radar intercept officer of a Fighter Squadron 74 (VF-74) F-14A Tomcat aircraft before they depart on a mission from the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

040712-F-3488S-004. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER 04-01. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Airman 1st Class William Sanphy, 77th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, conducts launching procedures on an F-16C Fighting Falcon during Checkered Flag 22-2 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 12, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise held at Tyndall which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th- and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 22-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-20, 2022.

970417-F-6217S-002. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS Base: Kirtland Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

F-15E crew chief SENIOR AIRMAN Bennie Vaughn, helps pilot MAJ Alan Barys with his equipment after a mission exercise "Roving Sands 99". Both are from the 60th Fighter Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and are temporarily at Davis Mothan Air Force Base Arizona, for the exercise. Roving Sands is a one-of-a-kind event that is the world's largest Joint Tactical Air Operations exercise. It melds the Command, Control, Communications, and Computer Elements; Air Defense Artillery; and Aircraft; of the Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, and Multinational Forces, into a Joint Integrated Air Defense System (IADs). Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS '90 Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

021217-F-3356N-001. Base: Whiteman Air Force Base State: Missouri (MO) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Acc

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

The 149th Fighter Wing and the 502nd Air Base Wing, 902nd Civil Engineer Squadron participate in a joint exercise allowing the firefighters to get F-16 familiarization and egress training in the event of an emergency at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, August 18, 2022. These exercises build trust and experience between units in order to operate as efficient and effective as possible at a moments notice. (Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Mancuso)

Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Dane Metz, right, from Jeannette, Pennsylvania, signals Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Daniel Valencia, from Lake Forest, California, both assigned to the "Tomcatters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31, to initiate release and control component checks on an F/A-18E Super Hornet in the ships hangar bay, April 21, 2022. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications and strike group integration prior to operational deployment.

Aviation technicians inspect an F/A-18A Hornet aircraft secured at the edge of the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Unknown

The Thunderbirdshave the honor of representing nearly 700,000 active duty, Air Force Reserve,Air National Guard, and civilian Airmen across America and deployed around the world.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Stephen Long, crew chief, 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., walks around a F-16 Fighting Falcon during Green Flag West 11-6 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., April 20, 2011. Green Flag West replicates irregular warfare conditions currently found in Southwest Asia. Aircrews, work closely with Air Force joint terminal attack controllers. Pilots train for a mission such as close air support, and aerial reconnaissance.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, watch as an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft prepares to taxi at Łask Air Base, Poland, January 5 2022. The ability to perform Agile Combat Employment through enhanced Air Policing for various durations of time allows us to demonstrate the flexible and scalable response enhanced Air Policing provides in an evolving security situation.

DF-ST-87-11709. Subject Operation/Series: WILLIAM TELL '86 Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airman 1st Class Carly Selitto, 3rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, marshals a 525th Fighter Squadron F-22 Raptor 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.

French Air Force Rafale pilots in cockpit.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle from the 391st Fighter Squadron is refueled by an R-11 Fuels Truck offloaded from a C-17 Globemaster III at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, Oct. 20, 2022. Exercise Rainier War is a major exercise for the 62d Airlift Wing..

U.S. Air Force Col. Andrew Bishop Jacob, the 104th Operations Group commander, addresses the audience during a change of command ceremony for the 131st Fighter Squadron June 12, 2022, at Barnes Air National Base, Massachusetts. A change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility of a unit from one commanding officer to another.

DF-ST-85-11955. Subject Operation/Series: SALTY BEE Base: Zweibrucken Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron takes off during night flying operations at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Aug 17, 2022. Through Daily training, the 48th Fighter Wing is committed to staying ready to deliver combat air power when called upon.

U.S. Marine Corps aircraft maintainers work on one of two engines of an MV-22 Osprey at dawn, Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

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