Military Aviation Preparations

Images show pilots and aircrew preparing aircraft for flight, emphasizing military operations, preflight checks, and tactical readiness.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Clayton Gard, commanding officer, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, Marine Aircraft Group 31, conducts preflight checks on an F/A-18 Hornet at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Sept. 19, 2022. VMFA-312 offered flights for Marines who reenlisted as a way to reward their dedication to the Marine Corps.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) commander, prepares a F-16CM Fighting Falcon for departure during Operation Agile Spartan III at an undisclosed location, September 7, 2022. Grynkewich flew an F-16 Fighting Falcon alongside coalition partners in support of Operation Inherent Resolve as part of Operation Agile Spartan III. OAS III tested rapid troop and equipment movement to and from dispersed locations around the region.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Clayton Gard, commanding officer, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, Marine Aircraft Group 31, conducts preflight checks on an F/A-18 Hornet at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Sept. 19, 2022. VMFA-312 offered flights for Marines who reenlisted as a way to reward their dedication to the Marine Corps.

Airman 1st Class Joseph Garcia gives a quick thumbs-up ahead of his flight in a T-38 Talon during Exercise Agile Tiger at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri April 5, 2022.

Tech. Sgt. Austin Schwier, 39th Rescue Squadron loadmaster, scans the sky during a turkey shoot competition off the coast of Florida, June 16, 2022. During the competition aircrew members competed on skills such as aircraft weapons employment, helicopter air to air refueling, degraded navigation, degraded search, and confined hoisting.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Megan A. Albright, an MV-22 Osprey pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 268 reinforced, Air Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, conducts preflight checks in Darwin, NT, Australia, April 12, 2022. Albright led a formation of Ospreys in large flight tactics to commence the MRF-D 22 iteration.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, 56th Fighter Wing commander, prepares to fly the F-35A Lightning II aircraft for his fini” flight July 25, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Flying any aircraft requires meticulous preparation, and the next generation F-35A is no different. The fini” flight can be a momentous occasion for any commander, symbolizing their dedication to their unit and their Airmen.

(31 Jan 1984) --- Astronaut Robert L. Gibson, one of five 41-B crewmembers, prepares to leave Houston's Ellington Base in a T-38 jet aircraft en route to Florida and the Kennedy Space Center, site of February 3s launch of the Challenger

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. James Whitaker, a pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112, watches an aerial gunnery target drop at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Jan. 26, 2022. Marines with VMFA-112 are performing unit-level training at Andersen Air Force Base as part of an Aviation Training Relocation Program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Booker T. Thomas III)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. William Bursaw, a weapons systems officer with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW))-533, conducts pre-flight checks at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Japan, May 9, 2022. The Marines with VMFA(AW)-533, based out of MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, are on a rotational unit deployment program at MCAS Iwakuni conducting training and operations in support of regional stability and a free and open Indo-Pacific.

US Air Force STAFF Sergeant Tim Barbour, a loadmaster with the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, Moffett Federal Field, watches the Air Refueling of a HH-60G Pavehawk helicopter (not shown) from the left troop door of an MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft 3,500 feet above the Pacific Ocean. The 129th is conducting a training rescue operation in the Pacific Ocean and is one of only three Rescue units in the ANG, and the only one on the west coast. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Senior Airman Collin Johnson, 80th Fighter Generation Squadron aerospace propulsion journeyman, performs maintenance procedures on an F-16 Fighting Falcon during hot pit refueling at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 17, 2023. Wolf Pack maintainers hone this capability to minimize the time aircraft spend on the ground, sustaining the 8th Fighter Wings F-16 presence across the Korean Peninsula.

030211-M-5266H-008. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Paul Keane, a loadmaster with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, looks out the back of the aircraft above Northern Territory, Australia, Aug. 29, 2022.Exercise Pitch Black is the Royal Australian Air Forces largest and most complex Large Force Employment exercise. Pitch Black 2022 is being conducted at RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal, and Amberley from 19 August to 8 September 2022. This Years exercise will host up to 2500 personnel and around 100 aircraft from 17 participating nations from around the globe.Activities such as Exercise Pitch Black recognize Australias strong relationships and the high value we place on regional security and fostering closer ties throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Exercise Pitch Black features a range of realistic, simulated threats which can be found in a modern battle-space environment and is an opportunity to test and improve our force integration utilizing one of the largest training airspace areas in the world. Exercise

A U.S. Air Force pilot with the 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron climbs into 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.

DF-ST-86-09650. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD 85 Country: Unknown

The pilot of an A-10A Thunderbolt II attack aircraft from the 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing of England Air Force Base, La., communicates with his crew chief following a mission during Operation Desert Storm.

020520-F-2902B-006. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Bagram Air Base State: Parwan Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

April 11, 2006 - An F-15E Strike Eagle is refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker over Southwest Asia.

971016-F-0024F-006. Base: RAF Mildenhall Country: Great Britain / England (GBR)

Aftermath and Relief - 26-HK-295-166. Clearwater Crew. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Ryan Waterman, a pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232, performs preflight inspections during Cope North 24 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 20, 2024. Allies and partners train together during the multilateral exercise, Cope North 24, to improve shared tactics and multilateral defense capabilities. Waterman is a native of California. Marine Corps

A United States Marine Corps Aviation aircraft maintainer inspects the cockpit of an F/A-18D Hornet at Kuantan Air Base, Malaysia.

US Air Force STAFF Sergeant Strong a crewmember on an MH-53 Pave Low Helicopter from the 100th Special Operations Group, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, United Kingdom, looks for possible missed aircraft pieces through the crew door of the aircraft. The crash site of the two F-15C fighter aircraft belonging to the 493rd Fighter Squadron based out of RAF Lakenheath, UK was found in the Scottish Highlands. Base: Raf Kinloss, Scotland Country: Great Britain / England (GBR)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jeremy Nolting, a pilot from the 79th Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., puts on his helmet in the cockpit of a F-16 Fighting Falcon before departing on a training mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., during exercise Green Flag West 11-6, 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 missions such as close air support and aerial reconnaissance.

Captain Jeff Daniels, USAF, a C-5 Galaxy pilot with the 312th Airlift Squadron from Travis AFB, California, resets the instrument panel after landing at Biggs Army Air Field at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. The C-5 landed at Biggs Army Air Field to pick up troops and equipment for transport to Southwest Asia. Base: Fort Bliss, El Paso State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 1, 2022) Capt. Michael Langbehn, left, outgoing commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, congratulates Capt. Lewis Callaway, incoming commander, Carrier Air Wing CVW-9, on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) after an in-flight change of command. 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.

1st Lt. Kelsey Flannery, an F-35A Lightning II pilot assigned to the 134th Fighter Squadron of the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing, prepares to take off for a training mission from South Burlington Air National Guard Base, Vermont, Sept. 7, 2022. Flannery, who is the Air National Guard's first female F-35 pilot, made her first flight with the 158th after returning from three years of flight training.

CPT Larry Swatner, a C-5 Galaxy co-pilot, enters data into the new Inertial Navitation System (INS) aboard the aircraft. Base: Travis Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A plane captain works in the cockpit of an F-14A Tomcat aircraft aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) during FLEET EX '90. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EX '90 Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Braden Mileski, a crew chief with the Aviation Combat Element, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires a .50-Cal machine gun in the back of an MV-22 Osprey during a live-fire exercise over the Atlantic Ocean, June 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Margarito Casarez Jr., Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 101 (VMFAT-101) avionics chief, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, completes post-flight maintenance checks 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.

020108-F-5872L-006. Subject Operation/Series: COPE TIGER 02 Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

Captain Adrian Spain, left, 27th Fighter Squadron F-15 Pilot, assists Lieutenant Colonel (ret) Francis Horne with his helmet prior to their flight. Horne is one of the original Tuskegee AIRMAN. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Brandon Taylor, UH-1Y Huey aviation mechanic, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 167, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, conducts routine maintenance on a UH-1Y Huey on Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Sept. 14, 2022. HMLA-167 aviation maintenance Marines conduct routine preventative maintenance on the AH-1Z Vipers and UH-1Y Hueys to ensure a constant state of readiness. MCAS New River provides aviation support, force protection, infrastructure, and community services to promote the readiness, sustainment and quality of life for II Marine Expeditionary Force and other military forces, tenant commands, personnel and their families.

Col. Helphinstine, 4th Fighter Wing commander, returns from his final flight at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, May 2, 2022. This was Helphinstines final flight before leaving the 4th FW.

A Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile pilot discusses the training plan with a fellow pilot prior to a training flight in preparation for storm response operations Sept. 28, 2022 in Mobile, Alabama. Coast Guard assets are being staged outside of the predicted path of Hurricane Ian at Aviation Training Center Mobile Alabama.

CAPT. Joe Simile, an OA-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft pilot from the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron, looks out from the cockpit of his plane prior to a mission. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

U.S. Air Force Capt. James Barnard, 384th Air Refueling Squadron pilot from Fairchild Air Force Base, conducts his preflight inspections during Operation Noble Defender at Moses Lake, Washington, Sept. 14, 2022. This Noble Defender operation demonstrates the ability to launch at a moments notice from dispersed air and maritime locations to defend Northern approaches in multiple regions of the continent across all domains, displaying resilience in the face of multiple and complex threats.

010621-F-2902B-007. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT RESCUE IX Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060507-A-6365W-055. Base: Forward Operating Base Remagen State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

As part of Operation NOBLE EAGLE, STAFF Sergeant Roy S. Bunting, crew chief with the 188th Fighter Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard, Fort Smith, Arkansas, prepares the cockpit and ejection seat of a F-16C Fighting Falcon for its next launch. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Fort Smith State: Arkansas (AR) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Col. Henry Jeffress, 51st Fighter Wing vice commander, prepares to deplane after completing his final flight as the 51st FW VC in an F-16 Fighting Falcon, May 12, 2022, at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. Also known as a fini-flight, the tradition of celebrating a pilots last flight dates back to World War II.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 11, 2013) Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Sajitha Gunawardena, a plane captain assigned to the Gunslingers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105, readies an F/A-18E Super Hornet for launch aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman is underway conducting a sustainment exercise in preparation for its upcoming deployment.

1st Lt. Brice Weathers, a student pilot assigned to the 149th Fighter Wing, Air National Guard, presents the Gunfighter salute prior to launch during Coronet Cactus, Apr. 4, 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.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Justin Geers, 23rd Wing command chief, left, inspects the cockpit of an A-10C Thunderbolt II during a quarterly Top Tiger competition at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, June 24, 2022. Wing and group leadership graded dedicated and assistant dedicated crew chiefs on aircraft cleanliness, appearance, forms and binder, and aircraft maintenance knowledge.

220922-N-XN177-1156 PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 22, 2022) - Lt. Curt Knoll pilots an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 Sept 22, 2022. HSC-23 is embarked aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7). Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The pilot of an A-6E Intruder aircraft checks last minute details with another pilot on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) during PACEX '89. Subject Operation/Series: PACEX '89 Base: USS Constellation (CV 64)

110326-F-NW323-145U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Anthony Jecker, a CH-46 Sea Knight crew chief from the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron, Futenma Marine Air Station, Japan, scans the sky as his aircraft transports supplies to forward deployed military members at Sendai, Japan during Operation Tomodachi March 26, 2011. As part of Operation Tomodachi, the U.S. military has humanitarian assistance capabilities positioned in the affected region that are supporting emergency relief efforts at the request of the Japanese government.

040705-F-5043B-011. Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF

221202-N-BR419-1250 PHILIPPINE SEA (Dec. 2, 2022) Capt. Daryle Cardone, commanding officer of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), disembarks from an E-2D Hawkeye, attached to the Tiger Tails of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125, on the flight deck in the Philippine Sea, Dec. 2. E-2D Hawkeyes perform tactical airborne, early warning missions to provide valuable information to Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5 as it plans and executes operations. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of CSG 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports Alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

Coast Guard Air Station - Clearwater, Florida - Katrina Relief - 26-HK-217-4. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Matthew Holcomb, 73rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load crew chief, secures AGM-114 Hellfire missiles to an AC-130 Whiskey training aircraft simulating an AC-130J Ghostrider during a quarterly load crew competition at Hurlburt Field, Florida, July 8, 2022. The 73rd AMU participated in the event to maintain the skill sets required for global special operations mission readiness.

Brig. Gen. Daniel Hibner, South Atlantic Division Commander, discusses damages during an overflight of areas impacted by Hurricane Ian Sept. 30, 2022 in Fort Myers, Florida. Coast Guard assets are conducting search and rescue operations in response to the damages caused by Hurricane Ian at Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater.

980625-F-6655M-005. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Cody N. Kimbley, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, briefs the platoon during a helicopter boarding drill aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 30, 2024. Boarding drills refine the Marines ability to board and offload helicopters quickly and efficiently during time critical mission sets. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Nolan Lahmon from Yorba Linda, California, an MV-22B Osprey crew chief assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, coordinates landing procedures with pilots over the radio during a Noncombatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) exercise as part of Assault Support Tactics 3 (AST-3), Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23 at Twentynine Palms, California, Oct. 21, 2022. AST-3 is a multi-mission evolution consisting of a NEO as well as Foreign Humanitarian Assistance operations. This evolution allows the prospective WTIs to plan, brief and execute both missions while shifting their focus towards an in-depth review and dissection of rules of engagement, military authorities and civil considerations.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor pilot assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron climbs into his jet in preparation for take-off, Oct. 17, 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.

060329-N-4772B-051. Base: USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49)

050123-F-3252P-007. Base: Camp Victory Country: Iraq (IRQ)

030717-F-6701P-019. Base: Lungi Country: Sierra Leone (SLE) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

040306-F-2902B-001. Base: Balad Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Capt. Matthew Miller, a student pilot assigned to the 149th Fighter Wing, Air National Guard, conducts preflight checks prior to launch during Coronet Cactus, Mar. 30, 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.

221005-N-ZV473-1476 NORFOLK, Va. (Oct. 05, 2022) Philanthropist and former Mayor of New York City, Mike Bloomberg, rides in an F/A-18 Hornet, taking off from USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN-78) flight deck and landing on Naval Station Norfolk. The flight was performed by Strike Fighter Squadron 213 Blacklions. (US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Emily Casavant)

JSC2010-E-119573 (25 Aug. 2010) --- European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, STS-134 mission specialist, is pictured in the rear station of a NASA T-38 trainer jet prior to a familiarization flight at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center.

DN-SC-89-02806. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM WORK 88 Base: USS Forrestal (CV 59) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

111214-N-BT887-251 ARABIAN GULF (Dec. 14, 2011) Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Matthew Cardenas talks to the pilot of an F/A-18C hornet assigned to the Warhawks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 97 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and support missions as part of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Jan. 27, 2022) Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro talks with Sgt. Jacob Deegan, of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, on a CH-53K King Stallion, assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 (HMH-461), during a demonstration of Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO). EABO is a form of expeditionary warfare that involves the employment of mobile, low-signature, operationally relevant, and relatively easy to maintain and sustain naval expeditionary forces from a series of challenging environments. Del Toro is visiting Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune to meet with II Marine Expeditionary Force and its tenant commands to learn more about Marine Corps capabilities. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class T. Logan Keown/Released)

136th Texas Air National Guard Loadmaster, Staff Sergeant Henry Saucedo-Gomez waits to close doors after paratroopers static line exit for airdrop onto Hechtselse Heide Drop Zone Sep. 13, 2022 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. Exercise Falcon Leap 2022 is a part of the remembrance ceremonies for Operation Market Gardens anniversary and is currently NATOs largest technical airborne exercise.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kyle Agnor, 32nd Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, and Master Sgt. Kevin Simon, 32nd ARS instructor boom operator, refuels an F-22 Raptor assigned to Langley AFB during a readiness exercise over the Atlantic Ocean , Apr. 5, 2022. Training exercises reinforce Airmen readiness and deliberately strengthen Air Mobility Commands warfighting culture in order to provide unrivaled Rapid Global Mobility capable of protecting and sustaining the Joint Force.

Service members, assigned to 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, talk prior to boarding a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to support a Bomber Task Force mission, July 1. Bomber Task Force missions provide opportunities to train alongside our allies and partners to build interoperability and bolster our collective ability to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.

SRA Dwight T. Tipton, an avionics sensor system specialist with the 363rd Aircraft Generation Squadron, loads film into the forward KS-87B forward camera aboard an RF-4C Phantom II aircraft during Exercise Salty Bee. Subject Operation/Series: SALTY BEE Base: Raf Alconburg Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

MAJ. Thomas A. Sweet, instructor navigator in a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 380th Air Refueling Wing (ARW), 310th Air Refueling Squadron (AREFS), Plattsburgh AFB, NY, navigates the aircraft to a designated refueling track where they will refuel a C-5 aircraft during Operation Restore Hope II. The primary mission of the 380th ARW (Deployed) is to provide air refueling support over the Atlantic to in-bound (going into Mogadishu, Somalia) and homeward-bound C-5 aircraft, which are ferrying supplies, troops and equipment. A total of 332 personnel and 12 KC-135R Stratotankers (from Plattsburgh, Griffiss AFB, NY, and Loring AFB, Maine) are deployed to Moron.(Exact date unknown). Subject Operation/Series: RESTORE HOPE II Base: Moron Air Base State: Sevilla Country: Spain (ESP)

CW3 Kris Hunt, a CH-47 standardization pilot from Detachment 1, Company G, 140th Aviation, Nevada Army National Guard, returns to base after completing hoisting operations at the A-10 crash site. Base: Gold Dust Peak State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041116-F-9629J-006. Base: Biggs Army Airfield State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Daxlee S. Cole, 47th Student Squadron mobility pilot, prepares to embark in a T-6 Texan II at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, on June 1, 2022. The Texan II features a backup canopy breaker system built into the top of the ejection seat to penetrate the canopy upon emergency ejection.

041025-F-2161S-016. Subject Operation/Series: EXERCISE RED FLAG 05-01 Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Col. Justin Spears, 49th Wing commander, conducts a pre-flight check on an F-16 Viper, Aug. 16, 2022, on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. This was Spears first flight in an F-16 since he arrived on Holloman.

San Pedro, Calif. (May 29, 2022) - Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Brandon Shepard, from Abilene, Texas, assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303, helps Sebastian Medina in the helicopter cockpit as part of a Make-A-Wish visit during (LAFW) in San Pedro, Calif., May 29, 2022. LAFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Negron)

jsc2018e043361 (May 8, 2018) -- View taken of U.S. Navy Test Pilots School (USNTP) during WB-57 Flight Preparations and Takeoff/Landing operations. Photo of suited WB-57 pilots being integrated into aircraft.

Senior Master Sgt. William Geary, a boom operator with the 328th Air Refueling Squadron, New York, refuels a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon, with the Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, August 28, 2022 in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Area of Responsibility. The Poseidon is multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft, specializing in anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and search and rescue.

Guy Hagi, weather man for Hawaii News Now, poses for a photo in an F/A-18 Super Hornet assigned to The Blue Angels, U.S. Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron, as part of the Media Rider Program, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 10, 2022. The Media Rider Program reports on their experience in the aircraft as well as tell the story of the Key Influencer rider. Marine Corps Base Hawaii hosted the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Blues on the Bay, on Aug. 13-14.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Gunner Gatewood, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 225 powerline mechanic, looks away from an F-35B Lightning II during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 3, 2022. RF-A is a premier training event for joint units to bolster interoperability while simultaneously honing combat skills to provide joint forces the opportunity to exercise combat capabilities through shared tactics, techniques, and procedures under a simulated war-time environment.

DF-ST-88-09609. Subject Operation/Series: RED STAR Base: Royal Air Force Alconbury Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

Brig. General George Gray, Director of Mobility Forces at Port-au-Prince International Airport, Haiti, stands in front of a C-141 Starlifter and talks with an officer on the flightline during Operation Uphold Democracy on September 30, 1994. Subject Operation/Series: UPHOLD DEMOCRACY Base: Port Au Prince Country: Haiti (HTI)

051007-A-5563H-023. Base: New Orleans State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: B Btry 1/160th FA

011119-F-4406B-007. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds prepare for their performance during The Great Texas Airshow, Apr. 22, 2022, at JBSA-Randolph, Texas. The Great Texas Airshow, featuring the Thunderbirds, is scheduled for April 23 thru 24 at JBSA-Randolph. The Thunderbirds perform for people all around the world to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Force's premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" train in Edwards Air Force Base, California, Jan. 22 - Feb. 5, 2024. This marked the third annual Thunderbirds winter training trip, which allows the team to rehearse the show prior to kickstarting the season in March. Air Force

DF-ST-87-13420. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '85 Base: Suwon Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A pilot assigned to the 815th Airlift Squadron, flies a C-130J Super Hercules over Guatemala, in support of Resolute Sentinel 22, June 11, 2022. Resolute Sentinel 22 is a multi-national training opportunity that offers real-world benefits to U.S. and partner nation military personnel and the people of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador by promoting well-being and readiness in addition to building long-term partnerships.

230220-N-MH015-1035 PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 20, 2023) A U.S. Navy Sailor taxis an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Blue Diamonds of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146 across 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. Air Force Maj. Richard Margerison, left, 21st Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III pilot, fist bumps Capt. Hunter Gillon, 21st AS C-17 pilot, during exercise Steel Knight at Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 2, 2022. The 21st AS transported 15 Marines and approximately 68,000 pounds of equipment during their annual exercise which included live-fire training in controlled environments.

United States Air Force AIRMAN First Class Robert Quenzler, a Loadmaster assigned to the 50th Airlift Squadron, out of Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, looks out the troop door window of an Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft. A1C Bishop is looking for possible threats against the aircraft, as it flies over Bosnia and Herzegovina airspace. The aircraft is carrying supplies to Tuzla Air Base in Bosnia in support of Operation Joint Guard. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT GUARD Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Patrick Pearson, a crew chief weapons and tactics instructor with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron-466, flies in a CH-53E Super Stallion above the flight line during the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration of the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The MAGTF Demo displays the coordinated use of close-air support, artillery and infantry forces, and provides a visual representation of how the Marine Corps operates. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joshua Higgins, 122nd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron commander, sits in an F-15C Eagle at Muniz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico in support of North American Aerospace Defense Commands (NORAD) Operation Noble Defender (OND),July 1, 2022. As a part of OND, which is a recurring operation, the Continental U.S. NORAD Region coordinated and conducted joint operations with the U.S. Navy while concurrently launching jets from different locations across the United States' gulf coast and Puerto Rico. OND, is an integrated air and missile defense operation designed to ensure the defense and security of the northern and southern approaches to North America. This particular OND allowed NORAD units to exercise maneuvers designed to defend the southern approach to the United States from simulated cruise missile threats. NORAD is a bi-national Canadian and American command that employs a network of aerial, ground-based, and space-based sensors, air-to-air refueling tankers

CAPT. William B. Hayden, commanding officer of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72), looks down from the cockpit of a Fighter Squadron 114 (VF-114) F-14A Tomcat aircraft on the LINCOLN's flight deck. Country: Caribbean Sea

1ST LT. Jeannie Flynn, the first F-15E female pilot, sits in the cockpit with the 555th Fighter Squadron patch visible on her right shoulder. 1ST LT. Flynn is assigned to the 555th for six months for F-15E tactical training. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220708-M-WC972-1208 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII (July 8, 2022) A U.S. Marine assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 (HMH 462), Marine Air-Ground Task Force 7, inspects a landing zone during flight operations aboard a CH-53E Super Stallion as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC 2022 from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC 2022 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.

220811-N-UL352-1098 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 11, 2022) Lt. Matthew Smutny, attached to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 48, conducts pre-flight checks on an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter aboard the flight deck of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119), Aug. 11, 2022. Delbert D. Black is part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group, an integrated combat weapons system that delivers superior combat capability to deter, and if necessary, defeat Americas adversaries in support of national security.

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