Military Combat Aircraft Inspections

Images feature pilots inspecting combat aircraft on flight decks and taking aerial action, focusing on the meticulous care and readiness of military aviation.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor is refueled by a KC-10A Extender.

A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105, Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, inspects a cockpit before a flight during Weapons System Evaluation Program East-22.08 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 13, 2022. WSEPs are formal, two-week evaluation exercises designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor is refueled by a KC-10A Extender.

A KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 117th Air Refueling Wing, Alabama Air National Guard, provides fuel to a F-22 Raptor over the Georgia coast during an air combat exercise at Sentry Savannah exercise on May 5, 2022. During the exercise, fighter jets receive assistance from refueling tankers assigned to the 117th AFW, the 157th Air Refueling Wing from the New Hampshire Air National Guard, and the 190th Air Refueling Wing from the Kansas Air National Guard so they may continue their air combat training.

A member of Attack Squadron 176 (VA-176) guides one of his squadron's A-6E Intruder aircraft across the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS FORRESTAL (CV-59) during the allied forces exercise Team Work '88. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM WORK '88 Country: North Atlantic Ocean

Maj. John Waters, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team commander and pilot, navigates an F-16CM Fighting Falcon during a practice flight at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., March 12, 2019. Participants viewed the various missions of U.S. Air Forces Central Command, U.S. Army Central Command, the 20th Fighter Wing and its tenant units.

A T-33 Shooting Star performs during Montanas Military Open House “Flight Over the Falls” at Montana Air National Guard Base, Great Falls, Montana, July 24, 2022. From 1948 to 1959, only 6,557 T-33 Shooting Stars were produced and the aircraft have been used in over 20 different nations.

120314-N-FI736-035ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 14, 2012) Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Bradley Barber, assigned to the Rooks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137, guides the canopy of an EA-6B Prowler in the hangar bay aboard aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise is deployed as part of Enterprise Carrier Strike Group to support maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.

A close-up view of a pilot aboard an F-105 Delta Dart aircraft, before flight, during exercise Gangbuster XI. The pilot is a 128th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 116th Tactical Fighter Wing, Texas Air National Guardsman. Subject Operation/Series: GANGBUSTER XI Base: Stewart Airfield, Savannah State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, refuels from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, during RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1 over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, Oct. 11, 2022. The JPARC covers more than 77,000 square miles and provides a realistic training environment, allowing those who conduct operations in the area to train for full spectrum engagements, ranging from individual skills to complex, large-scale joint engagements.

An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 4th Fighter Wing takes off at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Sept. 8, 2022. The 4th FW is one of four designated lead wings under Air Combat Command.

CH-47 Chinook helicopters from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) arrive at the Millington-Memphis Airport to conduct refueling and resupply on January 13, 2024, during a Large-Scale Long-Range Air Assault into the Joint Readiness Training Center on Fort Johnson, LA. This exercise is intended to test and strengthen the unit's readiness. Close to 80 U.S. Army helicopters from Fort Campbell, KY will stop at several locations throughout the flight path to refuel and resupply before they assault onto the training objectives at Fort Johnson, LA. There are four forward arming and refueling points (FARPs): Millington, TN, Oxford, MS, Moroe, LA, and Alexandria, LA.

A US Marine Corps (USMC) AH-1W Super Cobra from Helicopter Marine Light Attack Squadron 773 (HMLA-773) flies over Hurlburt Field Air Force Base (AFB), Florida. Base: Hurlburt Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A close up view of a US Air Force B-2 Spirit Bomber from 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman AFB, MO being refueled by the boom and refueling arm of a KC-10 Extender aircraft. The image was taken from the Boom Operators position. Base: Whiteman Air Force Base State: Missouri (MO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A pilot takes a self portrait from the cockpit of an Attack Squadron 46 (VA-46) A-73 Corsair II aircraft. Carrier Air Wing 7 (CVW-7) is assigned to the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69), which is in the Mediterranean Sea o. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

An A-10A Thunderbolt aircraft from the 343rd Tactical Fighter Wing is refueled in flight by a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft during the joint readiness exercise Arctic Warrior '91. Subject Operation/Series: ARCTIC WARRIOR '91 Country: United States Of America(USA)

F-15 Strike Eagle US Air Force

A US Marine aviator going through his pre-flight check list in his A-4 Skyhawk before a flight at a Military air show.

060321-N-7526R-100. Base: USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19)

Two active US Military combat aircraft jets sit on the ground in formation the morning of a military airshow.

221017-N-XK462-1070 PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 17, 2022) U.S. Navy Aviation Electricians Mate 2nd Class Samuel Masharsky, from New York, conducts routine maintenance on an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter from the “Easyriders” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 37, on the flight deck of the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108). Wayne E. Meyer is currently operating with Nimitz Carrier Strike Group in preparation for an upcoming deployment.

A flight deck crewman observes an AV-8 Harrier aircraft after its takeoff from the amphibious assault ship USS NASSAU (LHA-4). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon Pilot from the 23rd Fighter Squadron (not shown), Aviano Air Base, Italy, prepares for a flight against targets in Yugoslavia on March 31, 1999. Members of the 23rd FS are deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy, supporting NATO Operation Allied Force. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

041101-F-3188G-096. Base: Unknown Country: Iraq (IRQ)

The 173 IBTC Brigade Paratroopers from Caserma Ederle Vicenza -Italy, conducting an Airborne operation with T-11 parachutes from a C17 Globemaster Aircraft on Juliet DZ, Pordenone, Italy, June 12, 2013. The C17 is based in Hungary and belongs to a NATO flight detachment with international crew.

United States Marine Corps aircraft maintenance specialist walks along the wing of a parked MV-22 Osprey, Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan

DN-SC-87-02815. Country: Unknown

"Activities on USS Lexington (CVA-16) during Marshall and Gilbert Islands Operations. Flight deck tractor races down deck to pick up another plane. To left is F6F.".

1990s PILOT IN COCKPIT OF USAF F-15 EAGLE FLYING NEXT TO ANOTHER F-15 JET AIRCRAFT

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, approaches a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker for in-flight refueling, over the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 9, 2022. The F-35B brings strategic agility, operational flexibility, and tactical supremacy to the Pacific in support of the U.S. and Japan Alliance.

1LT Dean Weathers of the 526th Tactical Fighter Squadron sits in the cockpit of his F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft as he programs data into the aircraft's inertial navigation system (INS) prior to a flight. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

DF-ST-89-05879. Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An interior view of a C-141B Starlifter aircraft as a piece of heavy equipment is dropped over the Fort Irwin, California drop zone during exercise Gallant Eagle '82. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE '82 Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A USAF crew chief cleans the canopy of an F-16 Falcon fighter aircraft. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle

Three F-15 Eagles and two Eurofighter Typhoons with the Royal Saudi Air Force escort a U.S. Air Force 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron B-52H Stratofortress over Saudi Arabia in support of a Bomber Task Force mission, Sep. 4, 2022. The B-52s were escorted by regional partner nations, enhancing regional stability and security through a show of combined strength and capability.

An Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72) A-7E Corsair II aircraft refuels from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft as the planes are in-flight over the Red Sea during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

German Air Force Mig-29 Fulcrum with ground crew member prepare the aircraft for a night mission at sunset Red Flag exercise Nellis AFB NV

A view of an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft on the ground. Base: Raf Bentwaters Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

A close-up view of rocket launchers on a Soviet Mi-28 Havoc helicopter on display at the 38th Paris International Air and Space Show at Le Bourget Airfield. Base: Paris Country: France (FRA)

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 421st Fighter Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, receives fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, over the Pacific Ocean, after conducting Agile Combat Employment (ACE) rehearsals, June 30, 2022. ACE shifts operations from centralized physical infrastructures to a network of smaller, dispersed locations that can complicate adversary planning and provide more options for joint force commanders.

CPT John E. Charlton, Blue Four project officer, sits in his A-10A Thunderbolt II aircraft. He has just completed a two-day exercise with the 78th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Base: Raf Bentwaters Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

LT. James P. Sauger, a bombardier/navigator with Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75), waves from the cockpit of an A-6E Intruder aircraft as his pilot taxis onto the flight line. VA-75 has returned to Oceana following its deployment to the Persian Gulf region aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, during an Agile Combat Employment movement over Germany, Feb. 29, 2024. ACE within the European theater emphasizes agility and the ability to adapt to changing threat environments by embracing a dynamic approach to rapidly distribute, reposition, and operate from multiple dispersed locations. Air Force

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts aerial maneuver around the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) during exercise EFES 2022 in Turkey, June 4, 2022. EFES22 is an international combined joint live-fire exercise focused on increasing force readiness, promoting stability and prosperity in the region, and interoperability between the U.S., Turkey, and allied nations.

A high angle front view of an F-15 Eagle aircraft as a pilot climbs aboard the aircraft for flight operations. Base: Holloman Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division conduct Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) operations on February 21, 2024. FARP provides fuel and ordnance necessary for fixed-wing operations. Army

A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 815th Airlift Squadron Keesler Air Force Base, Mississppi, Air Force Reserve Command, sits on the flightline during Cope North 24 on Andersen AFB, Guam, Feb. 10, 2024. Participants exercise interoperability during Cope North 24 through agile combat employment and integrated generation of Air Power from dispersed locations across the Indo-Pacific. Air Force

DF-ST-89-04122. Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

021017-F-4177H-018. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 receives maintenance during Korean Marine Exercise Program (KMEP) 22-2 at the 1st Republic of Korea Marine Corps Division Base in Pohang, Republic of Korea, July 23, 2022. KMEP is a bilateral training exercise that increases interoperability and strengthens the combined capabilities of Republic of Korea Marines and U.S. Marines.

DN-ST-88-00218. Base: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)

DF-ST-89-05872. Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Close-up of a fighter plane, F-14D Tomcat, US Navy

Captain-kite W.J. Sneek in a general Dynamics F-16A.

060828-N-7130B-369. Base: USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76)

A hookup man slips a second pole pendant onto the cargo hook of a CH-46D Sea Knight helicopter hovering over the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) during Operation Desert Storm. The helicopter is picking up a load of empty ammunition crates from the KENNEDY. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

An SD-1D aircraft spotting dolly is used to move an F-14A Tomcat aircraft in hangar bay two aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67). Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Detail shot of North American B-25 Mitchell nose; bombardier's position and cockpit.

The reflection of an aircraft is visible in the helmet of a pilot from Light Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72) assigned aboard the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV 66). Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DF-ST-82-06969. Subject Operation/Series: WILLIAM TELL '80 Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Easton, commander of the 58th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, prepares to take off for Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 27, 2022. Leadership with the 33rd FW directed the repositioning of aircraft to Barksdale AFB, to prepare for possible damaging winds caused by Hurricane Ian.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Delaney E. Smith, an aircraft maintenance crew chief assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing, Indiana Air National Guard performs a post-flight inspection on an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft during Guardian Blitz at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 31, 2023. During the final exercise with the A-10C before converting to the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, the 122nd FW trained on maneuvers and logistics in a deployed environment with the main force positioned at MacDill Air Force Base and a contingency force at Moody Air Force Base.

DN-ST-88-02063. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DF-ST-87-13411. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '85 Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A view of the front underside of an F-14 Tomcat aircraft with a shark's teeth paint scheme to symbolize Carrier Air Wing 15 (CVW-15), based aboard the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63). The F-14 is being used during Exercise Gallant Eagle '82. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE '82 Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220509-N-ZA692-0348 BAHRAIN (May 9, 2022) Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Eugene Schoen, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26, flies in an MH-60s Knighthawk during a search and rescue exercise with members of the Bahrain Defence Force, May 9, during Exercise Neon Defender. Neon Defender is an annual bilateral training event between U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and Bahrain. The exercise focuses on maritime security operations, installation defense and medical response.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform for the Legacy of Liberty air show over Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, May 8, 2022. The Thunderbirds are slated to perform nearly seventy air shows this season.

220808-N-VJ326-1060 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 8, 2022) - An MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) flies over amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Aug. 8, 2022. 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.

A left side view of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft in flight during exercise COPE ELITE '81. The Falcon is from the 428th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 474th Tactical Fighter Wing. Subject Operation/Series: COPE ELITE '81 Base: Pohakuloa Army Range State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A flight engineer in protective clothing performs a preflight check on an HH-3 Jolly Green Giant helicopter during a chemical warfare training exercise. Base: Kirtland Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-85-01828. Subject Operation/Series: CHECKERED FLAG Base: Raf Wittering Country: Great Britain / England (GBR)

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 25, 2018) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 1st Class Clayton Hudson signals an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 to launch from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, providing a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor parks for a static display for The Great Texas Airshow, Apr. 22, 2022, at JBSA-Randolph, Texas. The Great Texas Airshow, featuring the Thunderbirds, is scheduled for April 22 thru 24 at JBSA-Randolph. Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire while showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, taxis to park after landing at Łask Air Base, Poland, Aug. 23, 2022. The 90th EFS forward deployed to Łask Air Base, Poland to enhance the defense posture on NATOs eastern flank.

A direct front view of an A-10A Thunderbolt II aircraft with attack jaws painted on its nose, as it is prepared for flight by ground crewmen during Operation Gunsmoke '81. Subject Operation/Series: GUNSMOKE '81 Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

USAF Major (Dr.) Emmet Murphy, a flight surgeon on an exchange assignment in Canberra, Australia steps from an airplane, which belongs to the Royal Australian Air Force CHIEF of STAFF. From AIRMAN Magazine's December 1994 issue article "Foreign Exchange". Base: Canberra State: New South Wales Country: Australia (AUS)

A Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) from Slovenia coordinates a target with the AH-64 Apache aircraft, assigned to the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, during a live fire range for Exercise Ample Strike 22 in Czech Republic, Sept. 6, 2022. The exercise is a regular Czech Republic JTAC-led exercise focused on advanced air and land training, strengthening U.S. and NATO Allies capabilities, and defending against adversaries in the European Theater.

DN-ST-88-05266. Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

SENIOR AIRMAN Jonathan Goerung watches a smoke signal being released to mark the drop zone for a C-141 Starlifter passing overhead during exercise Bold Eagle '82. Subject Operation/Series: BOLD EAGLE '82 Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Steam rises from the catapult as an Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75) A-6E Intruder aircraft is launched from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) during Fleet Ex 1-90. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

980315-F-7910D-011. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

A U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, refuels from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, during RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1 over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, Oct. 11, 2022. The JPARC covers more than 77,000 square miles and provides a realistic training environment, allowing those who conduct operations in the area to train for full spectrum engagements, ranging from individual skills to complex, large-scale joint engagements.

CAPTION

A Strike Fighter Squadron 82 (VFA-82) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft taxis into the steam rising from a catapult aboard the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV-66) as it moves into position for launch. The aircraft of Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1) are returning to their home bases after being deployed aboard the AMERICA for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. The AMERICA and its battle group will return to Naval Station, Norfolk, Va., on April 18th. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD DESERT STORM Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 264 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted CH-53 Super Stallion recovery operations April 12, 2016 aboard the USS San Antonio (LPD-17). The 22nd MEU and Amphibious Squadron Six (PHIBRON-6) are underway for Amphibious Ready Group/MEU exercises.

While deployed in support of the National Weather Service, flightline personnel ensured aircraft were prepared to fly winter storm missions by de-icing them. The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron Hurricane Hunters collect data ahead of winter storms to improve the accuracy of forecast models by 10 percent.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kenneth Mullins, left, aerial porter with the 62d Aerial Port Squadron, and Staff Sgt. Alonso Carillo, loadmaster with the 4th Airlift Squadron, secure a fuel truck in the cargo area of a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft during Exercise Rainier War 22B at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Oct. 18, 2022. Airmen from multiple Team McChord units came together to form the 7th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron during Rainier War 22B; which is a full-scale readiness exercise simulating a deployment in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific areas of responsibility.

A Fighter Squadron 84 (VF-84) F-14A Tomcat aircraft is launched from the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) during the ship's shakedown cruise. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

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