Military Briefings and Training

Images of military personnel engaged in briefings and training sessions, featuring discussions around aircraft maintenance, refueling operations, and operational deployments.

The 149th Fighter Squadron, Virginia Air National Guard, welcomes Lt. Col. Lawrence Dietrich as the new commander during a change of command ceremony June 4, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Dietrich took command of the unit from Lt. Col. William J. Shnowske who served as the commander since Aug. 8, 2020.

011118-F-4406B-015. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

Members of the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron provide members of the Spanish military a tour of the B-52H Stratofortress at Morón Air Base, Spain, Mar. 13, 2023. Bomber missions demonstrate the credibility of our forces to address a global security environment that is more diverse and uncertain than at any other time in recent history.

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines (Aug. 11, 2022) - Capt. Hank Kim, mission commander of Pacific Partnership 2022 (PP22), center, and Capt. Charles Maynard of the Royal Navy, deputy mission commander of PP22, center right, pose for a photo with Commodore Rommel Supangan, Commander, Coast Guard District, Palawan, center left, and Philippine Coast Guard Captain Erwin Tolentino, commanding officer of the Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701), third from left, and PP22 personnel from the U.S. Navy and Australian Defence Force aboard BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) during PP22. Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific.

Troopers of the 3d Cavalry Regiment bid farewell as they board the plane to Korea. The fighting force in the United States Army is well diverse and will always be ready to train, fight, and Win. Army

040904-M-2697B-019. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Col. Scott P. Nicholas, commander of Task Force Mustang - 36th Combat Aviation Brigade (center), accompanied by Chief Warrant Officer 5 Rick Dillenbeck, command chief warrant officer of Task Force Mustang (right), receives a guided tour of Army aviation repair facilities from Lt. Col. Anthony L. Marston, commander of Task Force No Mercy (1-101st Attack Helicopter Battalion), at Erbil International Airport in Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, on Sept. 14, 2022. The command team of Task Force Mustang conducted an office visit with Task Force No Mercy to align leadership intent and values required as an aviation task force supporting Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve.

050903-F-9085B-002. Base: Keesler Air Force Base State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Todd Gurley, former National Football League running back, stands with members of Team Andersen during a tour of Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 10, 2022. During his time here Gurley got to tour some base facilities, meet members of Team Andersen, learn about Air Force assets, sign autographs and mentor youth groups during a two-day training camp.

U.S. Army Col. Travis McIntosh, 10th CAB Commander, finishes his final flight in his Army career on Fort Drum, Ny. July 15, 2022. CW5 Rolando Sanchez, 10th CAB Command Chief Warrant Officer, also conducted his last flight with the brigade.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing load a U.S. Army M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank into a U.S. C-17A Globemaster III aircraft assigned to the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Aug. 27, 2022. The 816th EAS conducts rapid global mobility operations vital to the multinational coalition effort dedicated to militarily defeating the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

US Army General Johnnie Wilson (Left), Commander, Army Materiel Command, is greeted by Major General James C. Riley (Shaking hands with Wilson), Commander, 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized), during his tour of the facilities at the US Army's Training Support Center, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Service members from the Peace Vanguard Republic of Singapore Air Force and the Arizona Army National Guard trained together July 21 through August 29, 2022 at the Idaho National Guards Orchard Combat Training Center, completing day and night AH-64 Apache aerial gunnery operations. While at the OCTC, Peace Vanguard pilots and crews trained on several ranges for air-to-ground and air-to-air qualifications, including the Digital Air Ground Integrated Range. The DAGIR is one of three in the U.S. Army and allows air and ground units to train together while receiving accurate and real-time feedback on their performance.

A group of Airmen assigned to the 157th Air Refueling Wing, pose for a photograph in front of a KC-46 Pegasus at Saipan International Airport. The group flew to Saipan aboard the KC-46 as part of the Super Sortie endurance exercise, Aug. 7, 2022.

The Rhode Island Army National Guard and approximately 400 loved ones, welcomed home more than 100 soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment after a ten-month deployment to Kosovo, Feb. 17, 2024, at Quonset Air National Guard Base, North Kingstown, RI. They were deployed in support of Operation Joint Guardian, a NATO peacekeeping mission under the Kosovo Force (KFOR). KFORs mission is to provide a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement in Kosovo in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1244. Army National Guard

040610-F-6356R-026. Base: Scott Air Force Base State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jonathan Schaafsma, executive officer, Marine Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 1, stands next to his wife during his retirement ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, April 22, 2022. Schaafsma is retiring after serving 20 years in the Marine Corps.

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade rehearse exiting CH-47 Chinooks of the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade in preparation for night air assault missions during exercise Swift Response 21, part of the DEFENDER-Europe 21 series of exercises at Chech Airfield, Bulgaria on May 11, 2021.

220527-N-KD414-2554 POINT MUGU, Calif. (May 27, 2022) Capt. Robert Barr Kimnach III, commanding officer, Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), reenlisted a dual-military couple, Aviation Electrician's Mate 1st Class Patrick Frazier, assigned to Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) and his wife, Yeoman 2nd Class Kaleigh Frazier assigned to NBVC, onboard Point Mugu, May 27. NBVC is comprised of three distinct facilities: Point Mugu, Port Hueneme, and San Nicolas Island. It is the largest employer in Ventura County and actively protects Californias largest coastal wetlands through its award-winning environmental programs.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII, discuss parachute operations with Brazilian Marines at Santa Cruz Air Force Base, Rio de Janeiro, Sept. 7, 2022. UNITAS develops and sustains relationships that improve the capacity of our reemerging and enduring maritime partners to achieve common objectives. Additionally, the military-to-military exchanges foster mutual cooperation and understanding among participating navies and marine corps.

KFOR multinational partners participate in Medical Evacuation training conducted by Task Force Pegasus Soldiers, at Camp Novo Selo July 13, 2022. Training like this builds interoperability between the Army and its multinational partners.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, D.O., is the Adjutant General and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, boards a 108th Wing KC-135R Stratotanker for a training flight on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, March 31, 2022. The Stratotankers assigned to the 141st Air Refueling Squadron "Tigers" allow the Wing to support Air Mobility Command with mid-air refueling and air bridge support to overseas contingency operations and homeland defense.

Members of the 311th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron from Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, pose in front of their F-16 Fighting Falcon during Accelerating the Legacy 2023 at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Feb. 18, 2023. Accelerating the Legacy is an aviation heritage event that honors the Tuskegee Airmens legacy, offers professional development and networking opportunities to Total Force Airmen, and inspires the next generation of aviation professionals.

From left, U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. James Porterfield, Command Senior Enlisted Leader, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Phelix Vazquez, Airfield Manager, 156th Wing, and Chief Master Sgt. Hector Garcia, Command Chief, 156th Wing, tour the airfield at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Sept. 14, 2022. During the visit, wing leadership presented Porterfield with the organization's mission sets, capabilities, future projects and a tour of the installations airfield.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Andrew Gebara, eighth Air Force commander, and U.S. Air Force CMSgt Steve Cenov, Eighth Air Force command chief, speak to Airman assigned to a bomber task force on Royal Air Force Base Fairford, England on Sept. 2, 2022. Through bomber task forces, the Mighty Eighth enhances our operational readiness and ensures that we are ready to fight tonight.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus, Continental U.S. NORAD Region commander, speaks with Col. Chad Holesko, commander of the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing and Lt. Col. Curtis Voltz, the 180FW operations group commander, during a visit to the 180FW in Swanton, Ohio, Feb. 1, 2024. Nordhaus, who commanded the 180FW from 2011 to 2013, received a tour of the wing's facilities and discussed the 180FWs role as an Aerospace Control Alert-trained unit during his visit. Air National Guard

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 525th and 90th Aircraft Maintenance Units participate in the 3rd Wing load competition at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 7, 2022. The load competition is held quarterly, and participants are rated based on quality and timeliness of their work.

Family and friends of deployed members of the 16th Airlift Squadron walk off the flight line after receiving their loved ones back home at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, May 3, 2022. Ever vigilant in sitting on continuous alert 24 hours, 7 days a week, the 16th routinely responds to short-notice National Command Authority taskings.

Airman 1st Class Spencer Kans, 36th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, bumps fists with a local area aviation enthusiast during a tour at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Aug. 31, 2022. The tour showcased the importance of the 374th Airlift Wing mission helping build a stronger relationship within the community.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Mark D. Camerer, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander, is doused with water for completing his fini flight on May 18, 2022, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. Camerer is a Command Pilot with more than 3,800 total flight hours and more than 745 combat and combat support flight hours in the C-17A and KC-135A/R/Q aircraft. The fini flight is an Air Force tradition marking pilots' departure from a unit, or their final flight prior to departing a flying unit, separating or retiring from the Air Force.

The 1/135th Assault Helicopter Battalion conducted a change of command ceremony at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, on June 12, 2022. Lt. Col. Fin Carey officially handed command to Lt. Col. Seth Everett.

Todd Gurley, former National Football League running back, watches an aircraft take-off during a tour of Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 10, 2022. During his time here Gurley got to tour some base facilities, meet members of Team Andersen, learn about Air Force assets, sign autographs and mentor youth groups during a two-day training camp.

Col. Chad Holesko's name is placed on his jet following the 180th Fighter Wing change of command ceremony in Swanton, Ohio on Oct. 15, 2022. Col. Chad Holesko assumed command of the 180th Fighter Wing from Col. Michael DiDio.

The 173rd Fighter Wing Honor Guard performs the ceremonial posting of the colors during a wing change of command ceremony at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Ore., May 15, 2022. Command of the wing was passed from Col. Jeffrey Edwards to Col. Lee Bouma during the traditional ceremony, which was last passed in 2019 when Edwards assumed the position.

Brig. Gen. John C. Nipp, commander of the 184th Sustainment Command, addresses the audience during a promotion ceremony at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Tupelo, Mississippi, June 4, 2022.

Ambassador Reuben E. Brigety II, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa, walks around the U.S. section of the Africa Aersopace and Defence Exhibition 2022, Sept. 21, 2022, at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Centurion, South Africa. Support to the AAD is the embodiment if U.S. Africa Commands dedication to its African partners.

Night scene, medium shot, front view, a twelve member Security Force team coming down passenger stairs, from C-5 second deck, redeployment from Ali al Salem Air Base, Kuwait. Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, 22 February 2000. Base: Dover Air Force Base State: Delaware (DE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Family is everything to us. It’s what makes us do what we do,” said Master Sgt. Raul Basurto, Jr., left. Basurto and his son, Raul Basurto III, right, work on the F-16s that their cousin, 1st Lt. Alyssa Majuta, flies at the Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Sept. 23, 2022) - Sailors assigned to Naval Support Activity Souda Bay; Capt. Odin J. Klug, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay, Greece; and Cmdr. Michael Mosi, executive officer, NSA Souda Bay, Greece, pose together after completing Dog Bite Training on Sept. 23, 2022. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

030929-F-2409C-002. Base: Travis Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

U.S. Air Force Capt. Dustin Remmenga, 20th Attack Squadron pilot and executive assistant to the squadron commander, receives a tour of an MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft from Airmen assigned to the 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, Feb. 1, 2024. The 20th ATKS participated in Red Flag 24-1, integrating with joint and coalition combat air forces, culminating in certification to return to combat operations. Air Force

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Stephen P. Case, deputy commanding general for Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, greets U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, as he arrives at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Aug. 28, 2022. The visit came as part of a four-day trip to Djibouti, Somalia, and Manda Bay, Kenya, from August 28-31, 2022, to meet with host nation leaders, senior interagency officials, and deployed troops to better understand the political and military situation in East Africa, discuss shared concerns and priorities, and see ongoing operations firsthand.(Department of Defense photo by U.S. Navy Mass Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Previc)

Members of the United States Agency for International Developments Disaster Assistance Response Team wait to deplane at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, Feb. 8, 2023. The DART is assigned to lead the U.S. government humanitarian response following a series of earthquakes that struck central-southern Türkiye on Feb. 6, 2023. The DART includes urban search and rescue teams from the Fairfax and Los Angeles County Fire Departments. The teams are traveling with 159 people, 12 rescue dogs, and 170,000 pounds of specialized equipment. As a fellow NATO ally, the U.S. Government mobilized personnel to assist in Türkiye in their response efforts.

Leadership with the 51st Maintenance Group take a group photo with the load crew team with the 36th Fighter Generation Squadron during a weapons load crew of the quarter competition at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 5, 2024. The competition is an opportunity to evaluate two load crews on their efficiency, teamwork, and attention to detail while loading munitions onto an F-16 Fighting Falcon and an A-10C Thunderbolt II.

A U.S. Marine assigned to Task Force 61/2 (TF 61/2), takes note of all the aid (tents) that is being transported to the U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, Feb. 18, 2023. 1AD CAB provides a dynamic lift capability in direct support of USAID and Turkish relief efforts. 1AD CAB is one of several U.S. military units supporting TF 61/2, operating under U.S. Sixth Fleet, U.S. Naval Forces Europe (NAVEUR) and U.S. European Commanders part of the International Turkish disaster relief efforts.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Donavan Reid, 435th Contingency Response Squadron aircraft maintenance flight chief, and a 48th Maintenance Group quality assurance inspector, perform hot-pit refueling training on a F-15E Strike Eagle at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, July 27, 2022. This training helps enhance U.S. Air Forces in Europes employment capability of contingency response teams in support assets within the theater.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Justin Cousineau, a Massachusetts Air National Guard recruiter, speaks to students from Westfield Intermediate School during a tour of the 104th Fighter Wing June 3, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. Tours provide the public the unique opportunity to experience and interact with 104FW personnel and equipment.

030205-F-0558K-036. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Michael Wyrsch, commanding officer, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 greets Sgt. Maj. Carlos Lopez, sergeant major, VMFA-242 after his final flight at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 15, 2022. Lt. Col. Wyrsch conducted his final flight with VMFA-242 after serving 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Five Pincince siblings are all current members of the 157th Air Refueling Wing at Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire April 1, 2023. The Airmen have left their own unique legacy in each group on base and they continue to motivate and support one another as siblings, wingmen and fellow brothers and sisters in arms.

Florida Civil Air Patrol cadets pose for a photo with aircrew members at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 2, 2022. Several CAP cadets flew on a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft to get a first-hand look at how pilots and aircrew operate aircraft. The CAP cadet program aims to develop youth into dynamic Americans and aerospace leaders through a curriculum that focuses on leadership, aerospace, fitness and character.

U.S. Air Force Col. Brian Filler, right, 501st Combat Support Wing commander, briefs Gen. James B. Hecker, center, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, about base construction and plans at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, July, 18, 2022. During his first visit to the 501st CSW as the USAFE-AFAFRICA commander, Hecker met with several Airmen and received briefings about the wings mission and capabilities.

NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (Sep. 23, 2022) Sailors and Airmen stationed at Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota line up for a foreign object debris (FOD) walkdown at the flightline on NAVSTA Rota, Spain, Sep. 23, 2022. Naval Station Rota sustains the fleet, enables the fighter and supports the family by conducting air operations, port operations, ensuring security and safety, assuring quality of life and providing the core services of power, water, fuel and information technology.

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (July 28, 2022) U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Terrelle Thomas, 29th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron production superintendent, explains general MQ-9 Reaper specifications and maintenance procedures to U.S. Air Force Col. Patrick Miller, Director, U.S. Pacific Air Forces Command Directorate of Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 28, at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Unmanned and remotely operated vessels extend the capability of interconnected manned platform sensors to enhance the warfighting capacity of multinational joint task forces. 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 re

U.S. Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force members, assigned to the 35th Fighter Wing and the 3rd Air Wing respectively, pose for a group photo during a ceremony to commemorate the completion of a bilateral Rapid Airfield Damage Recovery (RADR) pad at Draughon Range near Misawa Air Base, Japan, Nov. 29, 2022. The 35th Civil Engineer Squadron and the Northern Air Civil Engineering Group worked together to construct the pad to enhance bilateral training and increase interoperability.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Lee A. Hoffmeier, aircraft armament systems specialist, left, and Master Sgt. Joshua S. Pulfer, munitions systems specialist, pose in front of the heritage A-10C Thunderbolt aircraft assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing, Indiana Air National Guard, May 15, 2022. Hoffmeier and Pulfer were awarded as honorees in the Forty Under 40 Class of 2022.

030716-D-5011J-008. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of the 69th Bomber Squadron pose in front of a B-52H Stratofortress at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Sept. 3, 2022. The aircraft participated in a flyover to help promote recruitment and highlight Air Force Global Strikes Project Tuskegee.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 6th and 9th Air Refueling Squadrons stand in front of a KC-10 Extender at Travis Air Force Base, California, Oct. 13, 2022. To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, the 6th and 9th ARS launched a heritage flight. During the flight, KC-10 pilots, engineers and boom operators were able to complete air refueling training with a C-5M Super Galaxy.

U.S. Airmen and personnel assigned to the 354th Air Expeditionary Wing pose for a group photo in front of two F-35A Lightning IIs and two F-22 Raptors at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 23, 2022. Operating under the 354th AEW, the 199th and the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadrons are at Iwakuni to refine fifth generation integration tactics, techniques and procedures.

U.S. Marine Corps. Gen. Leonard Anderson, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing commander, speaks to an audience as part of a change of command ceremony on July 16, 2022 at Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst. The change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one officer to another. The mission of MAG 49 is to organize, train, and equip combat ready squadrons to augment and reinforce the active Marine forces in time of war, national emergency, or contingency operations, and to provide personnel and assault support capabilities to relieve operational tempo for active duty forces.

U.S. Army Col. Travis McIntosh, 10th CAB Commander, and Falcon Soldiers, welcomed Col. Michael Babin, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Commander, and Canadian Troops to Fort Drum, NY June 21, 2022. The RCAF 1 Wing Troops flew to Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield on their CH-147F, the equivalent to our CH-47F Chinook helicopter.

Maj. Gen. David Iverson, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces Director of Air and Cyberspace Operations, Chief Master Sgt Jacinta Migo, 613 Air Operations Center chief enlisted manager, outgoing 613 AOC commander, Col. Nicholas Evans and incoming 613 AOC commander, Col. Chris McFarland prepare to transfer leadership during a ceremony at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, on August 10, 2022. The 613th AOC provides command and control of joint operations through detailed planning, target development, sortie allocation, air tasking order production, mission execution management, and operational-level assessment functions.

U.S. Army Soldiers from Delta Battery, 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Multi-Domain Task Force stand in formation behind a Mid-Range Capability (MRC) Launcher at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, January 10, 2024. Delta Battery is the second battery activated as part of the 1st Long-Range Fires Battalion in support of Multi-Domain Operations. The MRC Launcher can fire the Standard Missile - 6 (SM-6) and Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM). These missiles allow the Army to prosecute maritime and land targets in support of multi-domain operations.

Airmen with the 6th Aur Refeuling Wing greet friends returning from deployment at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, April 6, 2023. The Airmen had just returned from a deployment in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Daniel Renner (right), a pilot with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 2, and Canadian soldiers with the 4th Artillery Regiment (General Support) examine an RQ-21 Blackjack at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Dec. 8, 2022. VMU-2 trained with the Canadian Army to increase collective proficiency in the Viper software program. VMU-2 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

Soldiers who participated in the Region VII Best Warrior Competition pose for a photo together on the island of Guam, May 26, 2022. This annual competition featured the best noncommissioned officer and Soldier from eight different states and territories including Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. Testing competitors skills and knowledge and pushing them to their limits, the competition graded each participant in key areas such as basic Soldier skills, marksmanship under stress, land-navigation, and physical fitness.

Chief Master Sgt. James Pace, 193rd Special Operations Group senior enlisted leader poses for a portrait in front of an EC-130J Commando Solo Sept. 28, 2022 in Middletown, Pa. Pace served in the military for 27 years, 24 of which spent with the 193rd Special Operations wing.

U.S. Air Force tactical air control party specialists with the 169th Air Support Operations Squadron, Illinois Air National Guard, after performing air drop maneuvers at the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, Illinois on Sept. 10, 2022. The airdrop demonstration was conducted in conjunction with Family Day at the 182nd Airlift Wing.

U.S. Air Force tactical air control party specialists with the 169th Air Support Operations Squadron, Illinois Air National Guard, after performing air drop maneuvers at the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, Illinois on Sept. 10, 2022. The airdrop demonstration was conducted in conjunction with Family Day at the 182nd Airlift Wing.

U.S. Army Capt. Brittany Pearson and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Damon Lappe are HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter pilots with Company C, 1st Battalion, 189th Aviation Regiment, South Dakota Army National Guard, at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Rapid City, S.D., Nov. 5, 2016. Pearson and Lappe made their dream of flying a reality by serving in the SDARNG.

An airman from the Hawaii Air National Guard's 203rd Air Refueling Squadron greets his family upon his returning from deployment Jun. 16, 2016, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. More than 50 service members, three KC-135 Stratotankers, flight and maintenance crews, and other support personnel were deployed for four months as part of an Air Expeditionary Force rotation.

U.S. Army air crew from Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion, attached to the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, "Task Force Mustang," meets with U.S. Air Force dog handlers from the Military Working Dog Section of the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, as part of training preparations for a UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter familiarization exercise for military working dogs conducted at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Oct. 20, 2022. Task Force Mustang provides full-spectrum Army aviation operations for the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve mission to advise, assist, and enable partnered forces in the enduring defeat of ISIS.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 104th Fighter Wing, Massachusetts Air National Guard pose for a wing group photo on the flightline June 12, 2022 at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. The mission of the 104FW is to prepare and deploy in support of domestic, humanitarian and combat operations anywhere in the world.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Two Kelse Gilliard, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, Air Traffic Service and Airspace Management 150A, poses with children with the Box4Kids charity on the AH-64E Apache Guardian during the Singapore Airshow 2024 at the Changi Exhibition Center, Republic of Singapore, Feb. 24, 2024. This organization provides a safe and relaxing environment for children and most importantly the opportunity to be treated like a VIP for the day. Air Force

Airman 1st Class Aaron Emsley, 56th Air Refueling Squadron (ARS) Squadron Aviation Resource Management (SARM) journeyman, and Senior Airman Avion Mickens, 56th ARS SARM non-commissioned officer in charge, pose for a photo at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Nov. 3, 2022.SARM Airmen train to be multi disciplined, including scheduling, use of military radios and other aircrew responsibilities, to perform their duties at home station and on deployments.

U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker crew members stand in front of their aircraft for a group photo during the Singapore Airshpw 2024 at the Changi Airbase East, Republic of Singapore Feb. 20. The event showcased various U.S. military aircraft, giving them the opportunity to demonstrate flexible aircraft capability, enable engagement with foreign partners, and expand power projection capabilities. Air Force

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry chats with U.S. Airmen at Yokota Air Base in Japan on July 3, 2013, while making a refueling stop en route to Washington, D.C., during the final legs of a 12-day, around-the-world trip.

Capt. Dean Logan, KC-135 Instructor Pilot and Wing Executive Officer, 117th Air Refueling Wing, gives a tour of the KC-135 to Southern Museum of Flight members during May UTA at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Ala. May 14, 2022.

040918-F-0758D-001. Base: Selfridge Air Natl Guard Base State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief, National Guard Bureau, left, talks with Staff Sgt. Jeremy Hubbard, a crewmember flight instructor and Black Hawk mechanic, about the equipment the Colorado National Guard uses during airlift rescues on a visit to the Colorado National Guard's High-altitude Army National Guard Aviation Training Site, or HAATS, in Gypsum, Colorado, Oct. 16, 2022. HAATS is facilitated by Colorado Guardsmen and designed to train military pilots from any branch in power management and operating in high-altitude environments.

U.S. Army Col. Phillip Brown, incoming Joint Task Force-Bravo commander, assumes command from U.S. Army Col. Steven Gventer, outgoing JTF-Bravo commander, June 30, 2022, at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras. The ceremony was presided over by U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, U.S. Southern Command commander, who was joined by U.S. Ambassador to Honduras Laura Dogu and local Honduran government and military officials.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Christopher Alfonso, incoming 14th Fighter Generation Squadron (FGS) commander, renders his first salute to the newly activated 14th FGS during a squadron activation ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 13, 2022. The 14th FGS will work closely with the 14th Fighter Squadron, producing an agile squadron of F-16 Fighting Falcons for the defense of Japan and U.S. interests in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility.

Over 150 community members, city council officials, mayors, and family members visited Storck Barracks during a bicycle tour held annually on Whit Monday, June 6, 2022. The visit included a tour of a UH-60L Blackhawk, HH-60M MEDEVAC Blackhawk, CH-47 Chinook, and the dining facility on Stork Barracks.

Today, we recognize the support, dedication and love given by our military spouses Happy Military Spouse Appreciation Day!

Members of the 436th Airlift Wing Safety Office, left to right are U.S. Air Force Majs. Jordan Ward, Joe Stephenson and Capt. Matthew Bohannon, all flight safety officers; U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerrel Futrell, safety superintendent and flight safety noncommissioned officer in charge; Lorie Bellamy, occupational safety manager; U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Brittany Nowell, occupational safety noncommissioned officer in charge; U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Bryanna Dahl, occupational safety craftsman; U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Rebekah Busch, occupational safety apprentice; Tim Hahn, occupational safety specialist and Robert Brown, weapons safety manager, pose for a group photo inside the Air Mobility Command Museum at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Jan. 3, 2024. The safety office earned the AMC Safety Outstanding Achievement Award, Category II for fiscal year 2023.

U.S. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), stand in front of an F/A-18 Hornet with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224, MAG-31, 2nd MAW, and an F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, MAG-31, 2nd MAW, at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, South Carolina, Feb. 16, 2024. MAG-31 supports 2 F/A-18 Squadrons, an Aviation Logistics Squadron and a F-35B Lightning II Training Squadron aboard MCAS Beaufort. Marine Corps

Senior Master Sgt. Richard Inabnit of the 168th Wing, Alaska Air National Guard, poses for a photo with his Comptroller Flight after his promotion ceremony to Senior Master Sgt., Eielson Air Force Base, August 22, 2022.

Staff Sgt. Marcus Farmer receives his certificate of promotion from Capt Stephanie Eldrige on April 1, 2022. Farmer is an instructor assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 210th Aviation Regiment. (United States Army photo by Staff Sgt. Israel Lopez)

Megan Hirlehey wanted to be a pilot ever since she came to the base for family day as a kid with her dad, Kevin Clancy, a Master Sgt. in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. In 2008, right before graduating high school, Megan enlisted in her dads unit, the 171st Air Refueling Wing. She served in the bases Education and Training office and also the bases Small Air Terminal, while her dad served in the Maintenance Group. She followed her dream to be a pilot and commissioned in 2020. On July 6, 2023, 1st Lt. Megan Hirlehey flew her first mission with the 171st - aboard the very aircraft her dad serves as Crew Chief. Kevin marshaled his daughter off the flight line and saluted her as she steered the KC-135 aircraft towards the runway for take off.

U.S. Air Force Col. Cory Damon, 6th Air Refueling Wing vice commander, speaks with a Ukrainian athlete on the flightline at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 17, 2022. More than 60 Ukrainian athletes, families, coaches, caregivers, and staff traveled to MacDill AFB en route to Orlando where theyll compete in the 2022 Department of Defense Warrior Games held at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, August 19 to 28. The Warrior Games consists of nearly 300 wounded, ill, and injured active duty service members and veterans who will participate in a series of adaptive sporting events and represent the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Special Operations Command. The DOD Warrior Games is a celebration of not only U.S. service members, but those of international teams. Warrior athletes from Canada and Ukraine will compete in this year's events.

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