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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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds line up on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The aerial demonstration squadron is performing for the World Space Expo being held from Nov. 1 to Nov. 4 at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Other aircraft participating in the salute include U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet, 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 Mercury Program celebration

80th Flying Training Wing Airmen from Sheppard Air Force Base landed their T-38 Talon at Minot Air Force Base to refuel before taking off again to fly to an airshow in Canada on July 14, 2022, at Minot AFB, North Dakota. The 80 FTW is the world's only internationally manned and managed pilot training program, with the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program delivering more than 7,500 trained combat pilots to NATO allies in its 37 years of existence.

040720-F-0017C-058. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A row of US Air Force (USAF) F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft assigned to the 4th Fighter Wing (FW), Seymour Johnson Air Force Base (AFB), North Carolina, spotted on the flight line during a snow storm. All flights were cancelled due to the inclement weather conditions. (Duplicate image, see also DFSD0414210 or search 030123F2929A005). Base: Seymour Johnson Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon jets from the 169th Fighter Wing, South Carolina Air National Guard, are parked on the flight line of the Air Dominance Center, a Combat Readiness Training Center, located in Savannah, Georgia on May 4, 2022 during a training exercise. Sentry Savannah is a total force integrated exercise that showcases the nation's combat aircraft readiness, tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a near-peer environment and trains our next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

Military pilot in the cockpit of a jet aircraft Military pilot in the cockpit of a jet aircraft. Copyright: xZoonar.com/AlexanderxStrelax 10775142

230405-N-XK462-2114 EAST CHINA SEA (April 5, 2023) A U.S. Sailor performs routine inspections on aircraft on 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.

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II taxis at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, May 19, 2022. The A-10 Demonstration Teams jet has a heritage paint job to pay tribute to the 355th Tactical Fighter Wings contributions in the Vietnam War, including special dedication to personnel who were killed in action or became prisoners of war.

Airmen assigned to the 175th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 175th Maintenance Squadron, Maryland Air National Guard, inspect an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft after arrival at Lielvārde Air Base, located in the Vidzeme region of Latvia, May 14, 2022, for support and training while participating in DEFENDER-Europe 22. DEFENDER-Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises within U.S. European Command's Large Global Scale Exercise construct taking place in Eastern Europe. DEFENDER-Europe 22 demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africa's ability to conduct large scale ground combat operations across multiple theatres in support of NATO and the National Defense Strategy.

U.S. Air Force Crew CHIEF SSGT Donny Trostle cleans the canopee of an A-10 Thunderbolt II, April 5,1999. Trostle of Duncan, Oklahoma, assigned to the 81st Fighter Squadron, Spandahelm Air Base, Germany is deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy in support of NATO Operation Allied Force. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

970412-F-6217S-012. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS Base: Kirtland Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC & AFMC

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" perform their demonstration at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida, March 31 - April 2, 2023. The Thunderbirds headlined the Wings Over Homestead Air Show with the mission to recruit, retain, and inspire American communities.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, prepare for a Bomber Task Force mission at Andersen AFB, Guam, Oct. 24, 2022. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command routinely and visibly demonstrates commitment to Allies and partners through the employment of military forces, demonstrating strategic predictability, while becoming more operationally unpredictable to adversaries.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 taxis from the fuel pits at Ie Shima Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 24, 2022. III Marine Expeditionary Force hosted a media workshop event for Okinawan media representatives to provide a better understanding of what III MEF does in order to enhance relationships with their host nation. The media representatives had the opportunity to fly on military aircraft, observe live-fire ranges, and visit the Jungle Warfare Training Center.

An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Squadron 154, an F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 148th Fighter Squadron flown by Royal Netherlands Air Force pilots, and an F-16 assigned to the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing sit on the flight line at Naval Air Station Key West May 11, 2022. Approximately 150 Airmen from the 115th FW and its co-located active duty counterpart, the 378th Fighter Squadron, were at NAS Key West participating in dissimilar air combat training with the U.S. Navy, Arizona Air National Guard and Royal Netherlands Air Force.

Maj. Lauren Schlichting, U. S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron right wing pilot, signals to her crew during Montana's Military Open House "Flight over the Falls" at Montana Air National Guard Base, Great Falls, Montana, July 23, 2022. The "Thunderbirds" perform approximately 75 demonstrations each year.

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 22, 2022) A U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet,. assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 41 (VFA-41), undergoes system checks during a Sinking Exercise (SINKEX) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. RIMPAC military forces fired upon and sunk the decommissioned ex-USS Denver (LPD 9), July 22, during a SINKEX to gain proficiency in tactics, targeting and live firing against a surface target at sea. SINKEX vessels are put through a certified cleaning process, including removing all environmentally harmful material including trash, floatable material, mercury, fluorocarbon and petroleum. 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 world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participa

A U.S. Air Force maintainer assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron works with an F-22 Raptor pilot to prepare for takeoff, Oct. 18, 2022 at Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands. The 90th EFS conducted agile combat employment (ACE) and integrated with Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs and U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing in RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom. Continued collaboration and integration on ACE alongside our RNLAF counterparts and other NATO Allies improves the resilience and survivability of coalition airpower.

031009-F-0704A-010. Base: Ellsworth Air Force Base State: South Dakota (SD) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

DF-ST-85-13427. Base: Seymour Johnson Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A T-38C Talon prepares for take off on the flightline at Vance Air Force Base, Okla., Sept. 30. The T-38C Talon is a high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer for Team Vances UPT 2.5 student pilots. (U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Kathy Duran)

A U.S. Soldier with 3rd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Fires Brigade, unloads an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) from a C-130 attached to the 352nd Special Operations Wing, at Liepāja International Airport in Liepāja, Latvia Sept. 26, 2022. The 3-321st FAR is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

040512-F-4800M-001. Base: Dover Air Force Base State: Delaware (DE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An O-2 observation aircraft is guided onto the runway during Exercise Quick Thrust '83-1. Subject Operation/Series: QUICK THRUST '83 Base: Travis Field, Savannah State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An Israeli Defense Forces Heron 1 Shoval UAV with maritime radar.

US Air Force Technical Sergeant Dionne, 1ST Equipment Maintenance Squadron, connects a rope used as a support line, to an US Air Force F-15 Eagle aircraft during an aircraft lift scenario for the 1ST Fighter Wing's Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI) at Langley AFB, Virginia. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060703-N-2659P-006. Base: USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)

U.S. Air Force Col. Quaid Quadri, right, commander of South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Fighter Wing, gives a familiarization flight in a U.S. Air Force F-16D Fighting Falcon fighter jet to Colombian Air Force Air Combat Commander, Col. Pedro Vega. The 60 FPS video includes runway operations, step to the jet, taxi, flyover, and U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Ernest Rogers, a crew chief with the South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. return from a flight in an F-16 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.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds line up on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The aerial demonstration squadron is performing for the World Space Expo being held from Nov. 1 to Nov. 4 at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Other aircraft participating in the salute include U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet, 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 Mercury Program celebration

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II sits on the ramp in Tyler, Texas, July 1, 2022. The A-10 Demonstration Team travels to shows around the country, as well as internationally, to highlight the combat capabilities of the A-10. The A-10 is the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support.

The F-16 Demo Team stands by for an aerial performance at the Friendship Festival 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 21, 2022. The two-day festival was an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the U.S. and Japan bilateral partnership, while strengthening the bonds between Yokota and the local communities. Yokota was able to host the event with the support of Japan Self-Defense Force, sister services and the local community.

General Dynamics F-16A.

A crew chief assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing Maintenance Group prepares to taxi out an F-35A Lightning II aircraft prior to takeoff for a training mission from the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, April 3, 2023. The training mission is an Agile Combat Employment training exercise.

PACIFIC OCEAN (April 4, 2023) - U.S. Sailors inspect an F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the Vigilantes of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), April 4, 2023. Theodore Roosevelt is conducting a flight deck certification with the Black Aces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, the Tophatters of VFA-14, the Rough Raiders of VFA-125, the Vigilantes of VFA-151, and the Eightballers of Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) 8 ahead of an upcoming deployment workup cycle. The ship recently completed an 18-month maintenance availability, receiving extensive restorations and upgrades.

Airmen from the 366th Fighter Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, participate in simulated events at a forward operating location at Wendover Air Force Base, Utah, May 21, 2022 while participating in the Raging Gunfighter exercise. Raging Gunfighter is an Air Combat Command exercise designed to simulate operating a Lead Wing from an Austere Environment. The purpose of the exercise is to prepare the 366th Fighter Wing and its Airmen for potential future operations in accordance with the National Defense Strategy.

010924-F-4177H-002. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

DF-ST-89-05666. Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Former classmates Philippine Air Force Major Dennis Marzo (Left) and U.S. Air Force Major Dan Jackson exchange sit in an A-29 Super Tucano during exercise Balikatan at Clark Air Base, Pampanga, Philippines, April 5, 2022. Marzo is a A-29 Super Tucano pilot and Jackson is a Combat Aviation Advisor with the 6th Special Operations Squadron. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. Balikatan 22 is the 37th iteration of the exercise and coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation.

DF-ST-85-12498. Base: Palmdale State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An A-10 Thunderbolt II with the 442d Fighter Wing taxis during Exercise Agile Tiger on April 5, 2022, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. Exercise Agile Tiger is designed to communicate, collaborate, and operate with our joint service partners.

220823-N-EJ843-1013 KLAIPEDA, Lithuania (Aug. 23, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Alexis Espinoza, a fixed wing aircraft airframe mechanic assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) assists with maneuvering a AV-8B Harrier , aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Aug. 23, 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.

PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 13, 2016) An F-35B Lightning II aircraft is secured to the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during flight operations. The F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) variant is the worlds first supersonic STOVL stealth aircraft. America, with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1), Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 (VMFA-211) and Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23) embarked, are underway conducting operational testing and the third phase of developmental testing for the F-35B Lightning II aircraft, respectively. The tests will evaluate the full spectrum of joint strike fighter measures of suitability and effectiveness in an at-sea environment.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - An F-4 jet aircraft lands at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It will join the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels and other aircraft for demonstrations at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. The Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron will take to the skies in military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F/A-18 Super Hornet jets for the second annual Space & Air Show at Kennedy. This years show brings together the best in military aircraft, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event includes military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing.

Captain-kite W.J. Sneek steps into a General Dynamics F-16A.

A B-52 Stratofortress pilot sits in the cockpit prior to takeoff at RAF Fairford, United Kingdom , Sept. 21, 2022. Strategic bombers contribute to stability in the European theater, they provide a critical role in strategic deterrence. If called upon, U.S. bombers offer a rapid response capability.

A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet is staged to be transported onto the harbor at Marine Corp Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 12, 2022. MCAS Iwakuni is uniquely positioned to support the dynamic transportation of various military assets between sea and shore through use of its co-located harbor and airfield.

030315-F8993B-009. Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, takes off for a nighttime training flight in Swanton, Ohio, Aug. 22, 2022. The 180FW conducts training, rain or snow, day and night to enhance mission readiness to ensuring combat power can be delivered to combatant commanders, anytime, anywhere.

US Marine Corps (USMC) Major (MAJ) Watkins, Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 (MWSS-373) conducts the official opening for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held at Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base (AB), Kuwait, during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. A USMC F/A-18C Hornet aircraft is parked in the background. Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT)

U.S. Air Force Col. Amy Meier, 355th Wing acting deputy commander, exits a P-51 Mustang aircraft after her incentive flight during the Heritage Flight Training Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Feb. 29, 2024. Heritage flights were flown with past and current U.S. Air Force aircraft to honor the past, present and future of American air power. Air Force

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet, takes off for an incentive flight at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Sept. 19, 2022. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 offered flights for Marines who reenlisted as a way to reward their dedication to the Marine Corps.

A maintenance technician conducts a preflight cockpit check of an A-10A Thunderbolt aircraft during Gunsmoke '89, the Tactical Air Command's biennial air-to-ground tactical fighter gunnery competition. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: GUNSMOKE '89 Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds” perform during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 30, 2022. The Thunderbirds are slated to perform nearly 70 air shows in almost three dozen different locations this year.

The Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team from Misawa Air Base, Japan, performs a landing during Friendship Festival 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 22. The demonstration was one of many events during the weekend that showcased U.S. military capabilities.

F-35A Lightning IIs from the 388th Fighter Wing's 421st Fighter Squadron taxi down the runway at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 28, 2022. The 388th is currently serving as the lead wing in Red Flag, the Air Force's premier large-force combat exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Barley)

DF-ST-87-09816. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Air Force Academy

A U.S. Air Force T-38A Talon assigned to the 2d Fighter Training Squadron prepares for a flight at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sept. 13, 2022. The 2d FTS traveled from Florida to MHAFB in support of the F-35A Lightning II basic course capstone.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron (FS) taxis to the runway prior to flying a night sortie at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 13, 2022. The 36th FS conducted night sorties to train pilots on nighttime tactical air-to-air and air-to-ground combat techniques.

Morning quarters at 0700 hours; the A Division, Repair Divisions and S-2 Division muster on the hangar bay on board the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70). Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Eli Zamora, a 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron 18th Aircraft Maintenance Unit (AMU) F-16 avionics journeyman, poses for a photo in front of an F-16 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, July 27, 2022. During RED FLAG-Alaska, Airmen assigned to the 18th AMU support the 18th Aggressor Squadron, ensuring the jets are always mission ready.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Teagan McArthur, 154th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, launches an F-22 Raptor at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Northern Territory, Australia, Aug. 30, 2022. Pacific Air Forces trains alongside Allies and partners to enhance interoperability and bolster the collective ability to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Air show spectators enjoy the static displays during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing efforts to modernize the force for future conflicts.

010905-F-1351S-001. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR) Scene Major Command Shown: Combined Task Force - ONW

An Israeli Air Force F-16D Barak in hangar.

030503-M-0431C-002. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The U. S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, headline Montana's Military Open House "Flight over the Falls" at Montana Air National Guard Base, Great Falls, Montana, July 24, 2022. The pilots perform approximately 30 maneuvers in a demonstration.

Members of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform pre-flight procedures prior to an aerial demonstration at the Titans of Flight Air Expo, Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, April 10, 2022. The airshow showcases more than 50 aerial demonstration performances and static aircraft displays.

F-15C Eagles take off as part of a training exercise Nov. 4, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. The 104th Fighter Wing is trained to provide around-the-clock Aerospace Control Alert, providing armed F-15 fighters ready to scramble in a moments notice to protect the northeast United States from any airborne threat.

110212-N-6208N-004SAN DIEGO (Feb. 12, 2011) An F/A-18 Hornet painted with a Navy Working Uniform color scheme is one of several naval aircraft static displays at the Centennial of Naval Aviation Open House and Parade of Flight at Naval Air Station North Island. The Navy is observing the Centennial of Naval Aviation with a series of nationwide events celebrating 100 years of heritage, progress and achievement in naval aviation.

New ceremonial outfit, introduced at the KLU in 1991. The uniform is worn by corporal van Doorn. In the background an F-16 of 306 Squadron.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry walks away from F/A-18 fighter jets used by the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration team, as he stopped at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on July 27, 2016, for an aircraft re-fueling while the team was in town to perform at the upcoming Arctic Thunder air show.

An Airman in full hazmat attire waves at visitors during the 2022 Ellsworth Air and Space show May 15, 2022 at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota. Attendees enjoyed a variety of aerial acts and static displays showcasing the skills and technology of the U.S. military.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jeffrey Furnary, 36th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron director of operations, communicates by radio with C-130 pilots at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 10, 2022, during Operation Christmas Drop 2022. Seven C-130 aircraft from the U.S. Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Republic of Korea Air Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force delivered 209 bundles weighing a total of more than 71,000 pounds as part of Operation Christmas Drop, an event meant to assist remote island communities in the Federated States of Micronesia and Republic of Palau.

U.S. Air Force aircrafts from across Europe participate in the Royal International Air Tattoo in Fairford, England, July 16, 2022. RIAT provides an opportunity for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Air Forces in Europe to strengthen relationships and display interoperability with partner nations from around the globe.

A F/A-18 Super Hornet with the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron taxis on the flightline at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Nov. 30, 2022. The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the teamwork and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps through flight demonstrations and community outreach while inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country.

A U.S. Air Force F-100 Super Sabre on the ramp at the Iowa Air National Guards 185th Air Refueling Wing has been repaired and repainted in preparation to be placed back on static display. The Iowa Air National Guard unit flew the F-100 for 16 years between 1961 and 1977.U.S. Air National Guard photo Senior Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot

Employers of 148th Fighter Wing members and community partners pose for a group photo in front of a 148th Fighter Wing F-16 Fighting Falcon, September 9, 2022. Attendees received a mission brief and toured facilities after watching an aerial refueling mission from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 128th Air Refueling Wing, Wisconsin air National Guard.

Airshow attendees fill the flightline to watch aerial acts take flight during the Fairchild Skyfest 2022 at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, May 14, 2022. Team Fairchild is committed to strengthening relationships within the Inland Northwest and Fairchild or supporting the Inland Northwest to the Inland Northwest and Fairchild Skyfest 2022 offered a chance to give back to the community and build upon their partnership. (U.S. Air Force photo Staff Sgt. Lawrence Sena)

USA, Kentucky, Middlesboro: The Lost Squadron, Restored WW2 P, 38 Fighter Plane found under ice in Greenland, salvaged and restored in Kentucky

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