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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.

An AT-6 Texan performs during a legacy bomber aerial demonstration Nov. 9, 2014 during an open house event at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The two-day event included aerial demonstrations from a variety of legacy bomber aircraft, a Korean Conflict reenactment, and a U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team performance.

CPT Roger Riggs prepares for flight aboard an F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft. The pilot is from the 388th Tactical Fighting Wing, involved in the Strike Command Tactical Bombing Competition between the United States and Royal Air Forces. Base: Raf Lossiemouth Country: Scotland (SCT)

DF-ST-90-01752. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH 89-1 / ORIENT SHIELD Base: Misawa Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

Direct overhead view of an F-14B Tomcat aircraft of Fighter Squadron 143 (VF-143), the Pukin' Dogs, in flight over desert terrain. Base: Lake Tahoe State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

061207-N-6106R-046. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

Crew members aboard the Military Sealift Command-operated fleet oiler USNS JOSHUA HUMPHREYS (T-AO-188) unload a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter in the aftermath of Operation Desert Storm as the guided missile destroyer USS WILLIAM V. PRATT (DDG-44) approaches in the background. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

Crew Chief Ssgt Gerald Bentley Of Gainesville, Texas, Inspects The Oil Lines On A North American P-51 At An 8Th Air Force Base Somewhere In England. Underneath Is Ass'T Maintenance Chief Tsgt Paul A. Fick Of Fremont, Ohio, Who Is Checking The Hydraulic Pu

A crew chief directs an F-104G Starfighter aircraft onto the runway during the training of German pilots by members of the 69th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two 67th Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagles taxi at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 28, 2022. Air Force pilots deploy around the world, wherever theres a need for fighters, trainers, bombers, advisers, and more.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Alexis Pentzer, a public affairs specialist with the Health Engagements Assistance Response Team (HEART) 2022, looks out from the back of a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter during a flight over Honduras, Aug. 18, 2022. Two CH-47s assigned to Joint Task Force-Bravo, Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, transported members of HEART 22 to Guatemala to continue their operation.

DF-ST-86-09727. Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

An AH-64D Apache Longbow at a U

A view of an in-flight HC-130P Hercules aircraft maneuvering to refuel an HH-53 Super Jolly helicopter. Country: Thailand (THA)

221130-N-IW125-1019 KEY WEST, Fla. (Nov 30, 2022) U.S. Navy Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class Antonio Robledo performs preflight checks on an F/A-18 Super Hornet attached to the "Gladiators" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 on Boca Chica Field in Key West, Fla. Nov. 30, 2022. Naval Air Station Key West is the state-of-the-art facility for combat fighter aircraft of all military services, provides world-class pierside support to U.S. and foreign naval vessels, and is the premier training center for surface and subsurface military operations.

DN-ST-87-10396. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Eliot Shapleigh, fighter pilot, conducts a walk-around of a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon in preparation for a flight during Exercise Ballast Cannon 24.3 at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 8, 2024. Exercise Ballast Cannon occurs nearly quarterly with the Royal Bahraini Air Force to support the U.S. Air Forces rapid expeditionary capabilities by integrating Agile Combat Employment objectives for F-16 Fighting Falcon, KC-135 Stratotanker, and operational support personnel. The U.S. and coalition forces routinely train throughout the region to ensure they can maintain critical operations required to defend their mutual defense interests.

A Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 11 (HC-11) HH-46D Sea Knight helicopter assigned to the replenishment oiler USS KANSAS CITY (AOR-3) brings a load of supplies to the aircraft carrier USS RANGER (CV-61) during vertical replenishment. The RANGER and its battle group are on station in the Persian Gulf region following Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

An F-15B from the 199th Fighter Squadron, Hawaii Air National Guard, connects to receive fuel from a KC-135 from the 203rd Air Refueling Squadron, Hawaii Air National Guard, over the Pacific Ocean. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

One-half left rear view of a Grumman SA-16A Albatross (s/n 51-006), somewhere in Korea. The rear door is open and a crewman stands on a step in the doorway. A Douglas C-47 Skytrain and several other unidentified aircraft appear in the background.

Helo Air Station - 26-HK-147-62. Hurricane Katrina

KC-10A ExtendersUS Air ForceTravis Air Force BaseCalifornia, USA

U.S. Air Force loadmasters assigned to the 317th Airlift Squadron supporting the 315th Contingency Response Flight, Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, offload a C-17A Globemaster III in support of exercise El Swampo at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida, March 25, 2023. The Exercise was designed to provide various training scenarios to maintain operational currencies, validate Agile Combat Employment doctrine and employ tactics training and procedures to foster sister service and federal department interoperability.

An HH-60G Pave Hawk assigned to the 33rd Rescue Squadron is prepped for an evening departure at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 29, 2023. The 33rd RQS plays a vital role in the Indo-Pacific region providing search and rescue and recovery mission capabilities.

011205-F-1279W-020. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040127-F-9753B-005. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

DF-ST-85-11842. Subject Operation/Series: CORONET CARD Base: Norvenick Air Base Country: West Germany (FRG)

A C-141B Starlifter aircraft from the 437th Military Airlift Wing is guided to the runway by TSGT John Straczynski. The C-141B is loaded with relief supplies for the victims of an earthquake in North Yemen. Base: Pisa Country: Italy (ITA)

The Royal Air Force in Malta, May 1943 Air Officer Commanding Malta, Air Vice Marshal Keith Park in the cockpit of his personal Supermarine Spitfire V before his ceremonial take-off at Malta's new aerodrome at Safi.

Right side view, looking down, of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft undergoing a cold test at the McKinley Climatic Laboratory. Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Reserve first lieutenant G.A. Wessels farmer from 322 sqn during Quick-reaction alert at Leeuwarden airbase. After a telephone call, he rushes to his Starfighter.

221023-N-RQ159-1084 PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 23, 2022) An E-2D Hawkeye, attached to the Tiger Tails of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125, starts its engines on the flight deck of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), in the Philippine Sea, Oct. 23. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 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.

DF-ST-88-05654. Subject Operation/Series: CORNET PHASER Base: Canadian Forces Base, Lahr Country: West Germany (FRG)

A close-up of the exterior of the cockpit area of a B-2 Spirit, stealth bomber, from the 509th Bomb Wing, inside the hangar. Inside the cockpit pilots can be seen climbing into their seats prior to engine start. Global Guardian is designed to exercise the ability of USSTRATCOM and its component forces to effectively deter a military attack against the United States and employ forces as directed by the National Command Authority. Subject Operation/Series: GLOBAL GUARDIAN Base: Whiteman Air Force Base State: Missouri (MO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The catapult officer stays down low and holds the launch signal as an aircraft streaks by in a cloud of steam on the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62). Reserve Carrier Air Wing 30 (CVWR-30) is aboard the INDEPENDENCE off the coast of southern California for carrier qualifications. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jordan Barker, 909th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, delivers fuel to a 44th Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle during Exercise Southern Beach, over the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 15, 2022. Bilateral training builds trusting relationships among foreign and domestic forces and ensures the 18th Wing and host-nation allies are able to come together to effectively respond to demanding scenarios.

A U.S. Army Soldier A U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew assigned to 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division reloads a M240B Medium Machine Gun during aerial gunnery tables at Douthit Gunnery Complex, Fort Riley, Kansas on August 1st, 2022. Aerial gunnery tables develop and test the proficiency of individual, crew, and unit gunnery techniques at the basic, intermediate, and advanced levels.

980408-F-4116M-010. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Prince Sultan Air Base Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

DN-SC-88-07633. Base: USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

1st Lt. Nate Wordal, pilot for the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., prepares for takeoff in a WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft June 23, 2022. The 53rd WRS Hurricane Hunters conduct routine training flights in order to support National Hurricane and National Winter Season Operations Plans year-round.

F/A-18C Hornet USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) US Navy

041102-N-5345W-096. Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

Close-up of the cockpit of a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber of the 393rd Bomb Squadron, 509th Bomb Wing. Crew members are silhouetted as they prepare for the next mission. Global Guardian is designed to exercise the ability of USSTRATCOM and its component forces to effectively deter a military attack against the United States and employ forces as directed by the National Command Authority. Subject Operation/Series: GLOBAL GUARDIAN Base: Whiteman Air Force Base State: Missouri (MO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Staff Sgts. Dustin Hyden and Doyle Atkinson, 36th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron, load Mk 62 "Quick Strike" Naval mines onto a B-52 Stratofortress aircraft Sept. 14, 2010, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The mines were loaded as part of a mine laying joint exercise between the Air Force and Navy during Valiant Shield.

US Navy AIRMAN of Airborne Electronic Warfare Squadron One Three Zero (VAQ-130) service nitrogen bottles in the shadow of an EA-6B Prowler aircraft on board USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75). Truman and its battle group are participating in Exercise UNIFIED SPIRIT, a NATO led United Nations training exercise simulating peace keeping operations off the coast of the Atlantic. Subject Operation/Series: UNIFIED SPIRIT Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

A petty officer mans the rail aboard the guided missile frigate USS UNDERWOOD (FFG-36) during the ship's commissioning ceremony. Behind him is the ship's Mark 13 missile launcher with a Standard missile. The ship was built by Bath Iron Works Corp. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 225 ordnance technicians walk across an F-35B Lightning II during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, July 29, 2022. RF-A is a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored exercise for U.S. and international forces and is designed to provide realistic air combat training and enhance bilateral interoperability in the Indo-Pacific region.

DF-ST-87-11211. Base: Naval Air Facility, El Centro State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

General Ronald Fogelman, Air Force CHIEF of STAFF, gives a thumbs up from the window after piloting a training mission aboard the Memphis Belle IV, the flagship B-52H of Barksdale AFB. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

SGT Don R. Gable, a flight engineer on the CH-47 helicopter from Detachment 1, Company G, 140th Aviation, Nevada Army National Guard, enjoys the view from the rear ramp of the CH-47 after completing hoisting operations at the A-10 crash site. Base: Gold Dust Peak State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, assigned to the 355th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deploys flares after a successful refuel with a KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, in the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility, May 5, 2022. The 355th EFS, deployed with Ninth Air Force, delivers airpower and showcases U.S. commitment to deterrence and stability in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Lieutenant Commander John Leenhouts' hands and camera are reflected in the mirrored visor of his flight helmet as he takes a self-portrait while in the cockpit of an A-7E Corsair II. Leenhouts is assigned to Attack Squadron 46 (VA-46). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

An air-to-air right side view of an F-14 Tomcat aircraft assigned to the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV 66) as it flies over an unidentified island. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A U.S. Sailor with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, completes post-flight inspections 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-E 22.12 is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

Airman 1st Class Connor Lovan, 13th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, 35th Fighter Wing crew chief, based out of Misawa Air Base, Japan, conducts a post-flight inspection on an F-16C Fighting Falcon during exercise Cope West 2018 at Sam Ratulangi International Airport, Indonesia, March 19, 2018. CW18 is a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored, bilateral, tactical fighter aircraft exercise involving the U.S. and Indonesian air forces and is designed to advance interoperability and build upon already established partnerships between the air forces.

Military Jets Fixed Wing Boeing Aviat Airplanes B-1B Lancer bomber tail

A worker uses an electric arc welder behind the canopy of a B-52D aircraft, one of three that are being scrapped in accordance with the SALT II treaty between the United States and the Soviet Union. The nose sections of the other two B-52 carcasses are ly. Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA)

TSGT Leonard Beaudry of the 103rd Tactical Fighter Group services the engine of an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft during Exercise Quick Thrust '83-1. Subject Operation/Series: QUICK THRUST '83 Base: Travis Field, Savannah State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A landing signal enlisted man (LSE) aboard the hospital ship USNS MERCY (T-AH-19) guides an Army UH-60A Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopter in for a landing on the ship's flight deck. The MERCY is deployed to the gulf in support of Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Unknown

A U.S. Marine assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 461, sits on top of a CH-53E Super Stallion aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., Dec. 15, 2015. HMH-461 conducted helicopter rope suspension training with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, and 2nd Recon Battalion.

DN-ST-88-00217. Base: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)

A view of the tail section of a 432nd Tactical Fighter Wing (432nd TFW) F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft. The 432nd TFW is taking part in exercise Cope Tora '90, a Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) bombing and gunnery exercise. Subject Operation/Series: COPE TORA '90 Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Abigail Carter, 357th Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II student pilot, performs pre-flight inspections on the flight line at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Nov. 22, 2022. A-10 pilots are required to fulfill and maintain specific training and upkeep flying hours every year to ensure they are prepared to accomplish the mission downrange at a moments notice.

Peruvian Air Force Mirage-2000 during exercise Cruzex 2018, Brazil.

DF-ST-86-09278. Country: United States Of America (USA)

The U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team assigned to Joint Base Langley-Eustis performs a practice demonstration over the flightline at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Nov. 17, 2022. The F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team performed aerial maneuvers showcasing the elite combat readiness of the 5th generation aircraft.

030403-F-8966D-011. Country: Unknown

Corporal Jason Glatfelter, USMC, First Mechanic, Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron-252 (VMGR-252), checks out engine number four on a Marine KC-130/R during a preflight inspection. The squadron is deployed in direct support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and stationed at a forward operating airfield in the area. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: VMGR-252

A U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle aircraft assigned to the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron conducts aerial refueling operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Oct 15, 2022. The 335 EFS delivers airpower and showcases U.S. commitment to deterrence and regional stability.

A close-up of the serial number of WC-135R Constant Phoenix tail number 64-14836, which arrived at the Lincoln Airport July 11, 2022. Operated and maintained by the 45th RS in support of Det. 1s global mission, the jet will serve as the Air Forces newest atmospheric collection aircraft.

A1C Michael Irick,78th Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, removes the tail fins on an AIM-120 missile on Monday, April 19, 1999. The missile is being removed from the wing of an F-16 Fighting Falcon (partially shown) because it failed reliability tests. Irick is deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy to support NATO Operation Allied Force. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

DF-ST-85-03693. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR '83 Base: Cairo West Country: Egypt (EGY)

October 23, 2002 - A crew chief pre-flights a F-15 fighter jet for Exercise Cope Snapper 2002.

An F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the U.S. Air Force Weapons School is piloted by Maj. Douglas Mayo, 64th Aggressor Squadron instructor pilot, during a training mission Sept. 22, 2022, over the Nevada Test and Training Range, Nevada. The Aggressor program began in the fall of 1972 with the activation of the 64th Aggressor Squadron. This program started as a direct result of the high air combat loss rate experienced in the Vietnam War.

A ShinMaywa US-2 assigned to the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force's Air Patrol Squadron 71 flies over islands off the coast of Marines Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 5, 2022. U.S. Special Operations and Japanese Self Defense Forces ability to work together, utilizing abilities like the US-2s amphibious airpower, is essential to being able to provide rescue and humanitarian response in a region covered by water and outlying islands.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Zachary Sarvey, combat videographer with III Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion, III MEF, participates in combat convoy simulator training at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 25, 2022. III MEF hosted a media workshop event for Okinawan media representatives to provide a better understanding of what III MEF does in order to enhance relationships with their host nation. The media representatives had the opportunity to fly on military aircraft, observe live-fire ranges, and visit the Jungle Warfare Training Center. Sarvey is a native of Binghamton, New York

U.S. Air Force 169th Maintenance Squadron structural maintainers tape and prepare an F104-C Starfighter for painting during a restoration project at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, July 28, 2022.

LockheedF-117 StealthFighter

SGT. Mark A. Jones, standing, and SGT. Lucien G. Castowguay rivet a flexible strap retainer inside the exhaust port of an F-15C Eagle aircraft during Exercise Cope Thunder 89-5. Castowguay and Jones are both F-15 aircraft airframe specialists assigned to the 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER 89-5 Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

Steam from the catapult tracks surrounds a Strike Fighter Squadron 125 (VFA-125) F/A-18D Hornet aircraft as it is prepared for launch on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS RANGER (CV-61). Country: Pacific Ocean(POC)

Three Fighter Squadron 74 (VF-74) F-14A Tomcat aircraft sit on the flight deck of the aircraft sit on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) beneath the illuminated "60" on the ship's island during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

BUSAN, Republic of Korea (Oct. 19, 2017) Explosive ordinance disposal divers from the U.S. and Republic of Korea navies exit an MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter assigned to the Vanguards of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 14, Detachment 2A, during the annual Multinational Mine Warfare Exercise (MN MIWEX). MN MIWEX is a mine countermeasures exercise between the U.S., Republic of Korea, and U.N. Command Sending States meant to increase combined capabilities and readiness to respond to any contingency on the Korean peninsula.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" perform a high show demonstration during the Sun n Fun airshow April 9, 2022, in Lakeland, Florida. This was the teams first civilian airshow of the season.

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 20, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Vigilantes” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151 conducts a fly-by off the port side of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101). 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.

Kite inspects an Alouette III helicopter of 300 squadron. Image in mirror image !!!

Three officers inspect the flight deck crash barricade after a rigging drill aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67 during Fleet Ex 1-90. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EX 1-90 Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Lieutenant Colonel Charles Buck, A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft pilot for the 442nd Fighter Wing from Whiteman AFB, Missouri, signals thumbs up ready for departure. The reserve unit is deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy in support of Operation Decisive Edge on 1-28 April 1996. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVORDECISIVE EDGE Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

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