Military Fighter Jets Operations

Images showcasing various military fighter jets, including F-16 and F-22 models, in flight and on tarmac, highlighting their powerful presence and modern technology.

Four U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors assigned to the 1st Fighter Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, wait to take off for a Red Flag-Nellis 22-1 mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 25, 2022. Participants conduct a variety of scenarios, including defensive counter air, offensive counter air suppression of enemy air defenses and offensive counter air-air interdiction. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Rufus)

An F-16CM Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, taxis to the runway during Rattlesnake Rodeo, the Force Development Evaluation exercise, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Sept. 9, 2022. The focus for this years exercise is the integration of a new Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar along with multiple software and hardware upgrades within operationally relevant test scenarios.

An air-to-air right underside view of an F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft. The aircraft is armed with a wing tip mounted AIM-9 Sidewinder missile. Country: Unknown

Military Jets Fixed Wing Boeing Aviat Airplanes F/A-18 Hornet strike fighter tarmac

030408-F-3082A-036. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Two F-15C Strike Eagle aircraft from the 94th Fighter Squadron, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia take off from Azraq Air Base, Jordan to fly training sorties during the Air Power Expeditionary Force operation. An ancillary mission of the Force is to assist US Air Force and other multinational forces operating in Saudi Arabia and other nearby countries patrol the no-fly zone over southern Iraq. Subject Operation/Series: AIR POWER EXPEDITIONARY FORCE Base: Azraq Air Base Country: Jordan (JOR)

Two C-130 Hercules from the Belgium air force's 20 Squadron taxi on the Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., flight line Feb. 2, 2011, after completing a mission in Red Flag 11-2. The C-130s deployed from Melsbroek Air Base, Belgium, to participate in the combined exercise that provides a realistic combat training environment to the U.S. and its allies.

Four U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors assigned to the 1st Fighter Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, wait to take off for a Red Flag-Nellis 22-1 mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 25, 2022. Participants conduct a variety of scenarios, including defensive counter air, offensive counter air suppression of enemy air defenses and offensive counter air-air interdiction. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Rufus)

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon with the 77th Wing Shaw Air Force Base South Carolina lands after a training flight during the 2010 Falcon Air Meet, October 26, 2010, Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Azraq Jordan. The Falcon Air Meet is a friendly competition centered on the F-16 Fighting Falcon. F-16 units from Jordan, US Air Force 77th Wing Shaw Air Force Base, and the UAE along with a Mirage unit from Pakistan and a U.S. Navy F-18 unit from the USS Harry S. Truman are competing in the fifth annual event hosted by Jordan and the Royal Jordanian Air Force. The event has been judged by the 140th Colorado Air National Guard the past 5 years due to their strong friendship with Jordan and their State Partnership Program.

Two F-22 Raptors taxi to the runway during Red Flag 15-1 Jan. 27, 2015, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Red Flag is one of a series of advanced training programs administered by the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center, designed to increase combat readiness and effectiveness. The F-22s are assigned to the 94th Fighter Squadron from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.

The Idaho Air National Guards 124th Fighter Wing hosted the biennial A-10 Thunderbolt II competition, Hawgsmoke, Sept. 6-9, 2022. On Sept. 8, nearly 30 A-10s from across the nation took off from Gowen Field's flight line for the competition that took place at Idaho's Saylor Creek Range. At the previous competition, Hawgsmoke 2021, the 124th Fighter Wings 190th Fighter Squadron was recognized as the top pilot team at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. The winning team traditionally hosts the next competition. The 190th Fighter Squadron won all three team awards in 2021: overall champion, top bombing team and top tactical team. The 190th was announced winners of the 2022 Hawgsmoke on Sept. 9, making this overall win the squadrons fourth since 2003. More than 150 pilots, maintainers and weapon teams from approximately 14 active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units from across the globe are in the competition.

The Idaho Air National Guards 124th Fighter Wing hosted the biennial A-10 Thunderbolt II competition, Hawgsmoke, Sept. 6-9, 2022. On Sept. 8, nearly 30 A-10s from across the nation took off from Gowen Field's flight line for the competition that took place at Idaho's Saylor Creek Range. At the previous competition, Hawgsmoke 2021, the 124th Fighter Wings 190th Fighter Squadron was recognized as the top pilot team at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. The winning team traditionally hosts the next competition. The 190th Fighter Squadron won all three team awards in 2021: overall champion, top bombing team and top tactical team. The 190th was announced winners of the 2022 Hawgsmoke on Sept. 9, making this overall win the squadrons fourth since 2003. More than 150 pilots, maintainers and weapon teams from approximately 14 active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units from across the globe are in the competition.

DF-ST-87-00758. Base: Castle Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning IIs, Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs and a RAAF E-7A Wedgetail conduct a capabilities demonstration at RAAF Base Tindal, Northern Territory, Australia, Aug. 19, 2022. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and Pacific Air Force routinely train alongside Allies and partners to enhance interoperability and bolster the collective ability to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, awaits take-off during the first day of the Tactical Leadership Programme 22-3 at Los Llanos Air Base, Spain, Sept. 19, 2022. During this two week course, NATO and allied forces flight leaders are prepared to be mission commanders, lead coalition force air strike packages and provide tactical air expertise to NATO agencies.

A Jordanian F-16 Fighting Falcon leads another Jordanian F-16, as well as an American F-16 from the120th Fighter Squadron, Colorado Air National Guard, and two Marine F-18s from VMFA-115 over a training base in Northern Jordan. These aircraft represent some of the assets involved in the Eager Lion Exercise being held in Jordan. Eager Lion is a U.S. Central Command-directed, irregular warfare-themed exercise focusing on missions the United States and its coalition partners might perform in support of global contingency operations.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 169th Fighter Wing, Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina, takes off for a mission during Red Flag 23-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 25, 2023. The 414th Combat Training Squadron conducts Red Flag exercises to provide aircrews the experience of multiple, intensive air combat sorties in the safety of a training environment.

A row of Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

An F-15 Strike Eagle from the 332d Air Expeditionary Squadron takes off from an undisclosed location, July 6, 2022. The F-15E is a dual-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions with an array of avionics and electronics systems that give it the capability to fight at low altitude, day or night and in all weather.

A C-17 Globemaster III from the 62d Airlift Wing, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, takes off from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Oct. 19, 2022, during Exercise Rainier War 22B. Rainier War is the 62d Airlift Wings most expansive exercise, where they deploy as the lead wing and provide command and control and airlift capabilities like airdrop and airland.

030329-A-XXXXX-371. Base: Udairi Air Field Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: Northeast

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 309th Fighter Squadron and F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 61st Fighter Squadron, fly in formation, Jan. 19, 2024, over Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The F-35A is the U.S. Air Forces latest fifth-generation fighter bringing enhanced capability to survive in the advanced threat environment in which it was designed to operate. Flying operations at Luke AFB contribute to advancing training, producing mission command focused U.S., allied and partner Airmen to meet warfighter needs.

An F-15 Eagle aircraft takes off at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, during Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. The Aircraft is part of the coalition forces of the 363rd Air Expeditionary Wing, Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, that enforces the no-fly and no-drive zone in Southern Iraq to protect and defend against Iraqi aggression. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: Prince Sultan Air Base Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

An F-22 Raptor assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron (TES), Nellis Air Force Base (AFB), Nevada, takes off for a Black Flag 22-2 mission, Sept. 20, 2022. This Black Flag assessed interoperability of near-future capabilities across the domains and services with a focus on tactical data link and consolidated F-35 cross service maintenance and logistics.

030812-F-4884R-017. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT RESCUE XI Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles, assigned to the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, fly alongside Saudi Arabian Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles during an agile combat employment exercise Agile Spartan within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Sep. 5, 2022. Joint training enhances international partnership and interoperability in the interest of regional security.

020525-F-2902B-011. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Bagram Air Base State: Parwan Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

980308-F-7910D-006. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

DF-ST-85-11988. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040527-F-7951C-002. Base: Balad Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ)

The Idaho Air National Guards 124th Fighter Wing hosted the biennial A-10 Thunderbolt II competition, Hawgsmoke, Sept. 6-9, 2022. On Sept. 8, nearly 30 A-10s from across the nation took off from Gowen Field's flight line for the competition that took place at Idaho's Saylor Creek Range. At the previous competition, Hawgsmoke 2021, the 124th Fighter Wings 190th Fighter Squadron was recognized as the top pilot team at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. The winning team traditionally hosts the next competition. The 190th Fighter Squadron won all three team awards in 2021: overall champion, top bombing team and top tactical team. The 190th was announced winners of the 2022 Hawgsmoke on Sept. 9, making this overall win the squadrons fourth since 2003. More than 150 pilots, maintainers and weapon teams from approximately 14 active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units from across the globe are in the competition.

An F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft from the 366th Fighter Wing at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, is refueled with an R-11 refueler truck transported by a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from the 62d Airlift Wing, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, during Exercise Rainier War 22B at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, Oct. 20, 2022. These special fueling operations were conducted during the 62d AWs most expansive exercise, Rainier War 22B, to exhibit Air Mobility Commands agile combat employment capabilities.

An AV-8B Harrier aircraft from Marine Light Attack Squadron 513 (VMA-513) hovers above three OV-10 Bronco aircraft during Operation Comfort. Subject Operation/Series: COMFORT Base: Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-04-09157. Base: El Centro State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles, assigned to the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, fly alongside Saudi Arabian Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles during an agile combat employment exercise Agile Spartan within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Sep. 5, 2022. Joint training enhances international partnership and interoperability in the interest of regional security.

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, taxi after landing at the Tactical Leadership Programme 22-3 at Los Llanos Air Base, Spain, Sept. 9, 2022. The Liberty Wings F-15s were the first foreign aircraft to arrive in Spain for the two-week NATO course.

Service members participate in an agile combat employment joint force exercise on Sept. 8, 2022 at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. The exercise provided an opportunity for cross-platform familiarization training for fuels and crew chiefs who were able to get first-hand experience with multiple platforms they usually would not obtain at their home station, adding to the war fighting efforts.

Colombian Air Force A-37 Dragonfly taxiing at Natal Air Force Base.

An F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the U.S Air Force Weapons School, waits to take off for a training mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 18, 2022. The USAF Weapons School teaches graduate-level instructor courses that provide the world's most advanced training in weapons and tactics employment to officers of the combat air forces and mobility air forces.

Four F/A-18C Hornet aircraft of Strike Fighter Squadron 97 (VFA-97), assigned to Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, are shown in flight formation over Naval Air Station Fallon carrying a variety of ordnance including 5 inch Zuni rockets, AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles and Mark 82 500-pound Snakeye bombs. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Marines attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 112, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct flight operations at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, Sept. 15, 2022. VMFA-112 is participating in a joint long-range strike exercise with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 234, VMFA-225, Marine Fighter Training Squadron (VMFT) 401 and U.S. Air Force 513th Operations Support Squadron. This large force exercise demonstrates MAG-41's ability to project long-range strike capability and integrate with the Marine Corps' active component 5th generation aircraft in contested environments.

KC-10s deployed in support of the operation from various US Air Force bases sit on the flightline between refueling missions.(Exact date unknown). Subject Operation/Series: VIGILANT WARRIOR Base: Moron Country: Spain (ESP)

040824-F-3431H-082. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

The Idaho Air National Guards 124th Fighter Wing is hosting biennial A-10 Thunderbolt II competition, Hawgsmoke, Sept. 6-9, 2022. On Sept. 7, nearly 30 A-10s from across the nation parked at Gowen Field's flightline in preperation for the competition. At the previous competition, Hawgsmoke 2021, the 124th Fighter Wings 190th Fighter Squadron was recognized as the top pilot team at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. The winning team traditionally hosts the next competition. The 190th Fighter Squadron won all three team awards in 2021: overall champion, top bombing team and top tactical team. The overall win was the squadrons third since 2003.More than 150 pilots, maintainers and weapon teams from approximately 14 active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units from across the globe are in the competition.

030904-M-7837W-012. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A B-2 Spirit makes a final approach before landing during Red Flag 15-1, Feb. 6, 2015, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. B-2s bring unmatched long-range, precision-strike capability options to combatant commanders around the world. The B-2 is assigned to the 393rd Bomb Squadron, Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.

A Strike Fighter Squadron 125 (VFA-125) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft taxis on the flight line prior to a mission. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III with the C-17 West Coast Demo Team conducts an aerial demonstration during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The C-17 Demo Team, stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, was established in 2019 and participates in air shows across the United States to showcase the capabilities of the C-17 and represent the Air Force through community outreach. 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.

Two F-16C, Fighting Falcon Block 52 aircraft's from the 157th Fighter Squadron, 169th Fighter Wing, McEntire Air National Guard Station (ANGS), South Carolina, fly below a C-130 Hercules aircraft over McEntire ANGS, SC. The F-16's are armed with AGM-88 HARM's (high-speed anti-radiation missile) and AIM-120 AMRAAM's (advanced medium-range air-to-air missile). Base: Mcentire Ang Station State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Several US Army (USA) AH-64 Apache helicopters sit idol at dusk, as a US Air Force (USAF) C-130 makes its final approach for landing at Bagram Air Base (AB), Afghanistan, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. (Substandard image). Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Bagram Air Base State: Parwan Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

070321-M-2166H-084. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Al Asad Air Base State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: VMAQ-1

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon arrives at an undisclosed location in preparation for Exercise Ballast Cannon 24.3 in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 6, 2024. The U.S. and coalition participation in the exercise ensures partners can maintain critical operations to deter potential adversaries while providing stability to the region.

011109-F-2421P-005. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENATF

A pair of Israeli Air Force B-200 Tzofit in flight over Israel.

Two Air Force C-5A Galaxy aircraft are offloaded during exercise Bright Star '82. AN Egyptian SH-3 Sea King helicopter is parked in the foreground. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR '82 Base: Cairo West Air Base State: Al Qahirah Country: Egypt (EGY)

AH-64E Apache helicopters are refueled at Oxford, MS during a Large-Scale, Long-Range Air Assault (LLAASLT) 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, Monroe, LA, and Alexandria, LA.

A B-2 Spirit from the 13th Bomb Squadron, Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., touches down for landing after completing a Red Flag 14-1 training mission Feb. 4, 2014, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The B-2 Spirit is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions, and deploys to Nellis in support of blue force” operations. During Red Flag training missions, the B-2 Spirit aircrews practice infiltrating contested enemy airspace and destroying high value targets.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform during the Aerospace Valley Air Show at Edwards Air Force Base, California, Oct. 16, 2022. Since 1953, the Thunderbirds have served as Americas premier aerial demonstration squadron, entrusted with the mission to recruit, retain and inspire past, present and future Airmen.

An F-15I Ra'am of the Israeli Air Force taxiing to its hardened shelter after landing with its air brake still open, Ovda Air Force Base, Israel.

A Marine Fighter-Attack Squadron 312 (VFMA-312) F/A-18 Hornet aircraft bursts into flames on takeoff due to an improperly secured fuel cap. The pilot, LT. COL. P. Sullivan, ejected successfully but the aircraft was lost. Base: Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from 56th Tactical Training Wing, McDill AFB, Florida taxis on the flight line after landing. Country: Unknown

F-15 aircraft from the Louisiana Air National Guard are parked on the flightline at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Ala., Sept. 30, 2022. The aircraft were scheduled to do flyovers for an Ole Miss football game and the Talladega Superspeedway on Oct. 01 and Oct. 02.

F-15 aircraft from the Louisiana Air National Guard are parked on the flightline at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Ala., Sept. 30, 2022. The aircraft were scheduled to do flyovers for an Ole Miss football game and the Talladega Superspeedway on Oct. 01 and Oct. 02. (US Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Jeremy Farson)

A Low Altitude Parachute Extraction System (LAPES) drop is executed by a C-130 Hercules aircraft at Rock Drop Zone during exercise Gallant Eagle '82. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE '82 Base: Fort Irwin State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Kristin Wolfe, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team commander and pilot, showcases the unique aerial capabilities of the USAFs most advanced 5th generation multi-role stealth fighter, the F-35A, during Wings Over Solano at Travis Air Force Base, California, May 14, 2022. The Wings Over Solano open house and air show provided an opportunity for the local community to interact directly with the base and its Airmen and see capabilities on full display at Travis AFB.

DF-SC-87-02079. Country: Unknown

010516-F-4155R-004. Base: Ellsworth Air Force Base State: South Dakota (SD) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

DN-SC-04-09520. State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F/A-18 Hornet takes off 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. 23, 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.

The Idaho Air National Guards 124th Fighter Wing hosted the biennial A-10 Thunderbolt II competition, Hawgsmoke, Sept. 6-9, 2022. On Sept. 8, nearly 30 A-10s from across the nation took off from Gowen Field's flight line for the competition that took place at Idaho's Saylor Creek Range. At the previous competition, Hawgsmoke 2021, the 124th Fighter Wings 190th Fighter Squadron was recognized as the top pilot team at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. The winning team traditionally hosts the next competition. The 190th Fighter Squadron won all three team awards in 2021: overall champion, top bombing team and top tactical team. The 190th was announced winners of the 2022 Hawgsmoke on Sept. 9, making this overall win the squadrons fourth since 2003. More than 150 pilots, maintainers and weapon teams from approximately 14 active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units from across the globe are in the competition.

Twelve C-130 Hercules aircraft of the 463rd Tactical Airlift Wing start up their engines after being loaded for a mass airdrop exercise. Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Fighter Squadron 114 (VF-114) F-14A Tomcat aircraft flies over part of Al Jaber Airfield. The airfield was heavily damaged during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Kuwait (KWT)

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons taxis at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in preparation for Exercise Ballast Cannon, Jan. 6, 2024. The U.S. Air Force's expeditionary capability enables U.S. and coalition forces to rapidly establish credible, combat-ready forces within CENTCOM 's AOR to proactively deter potential adversaries and, if necessary, respond with effective and overwhelming force.

Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornets taxi by U.S. Marine Corps Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 225 F-35 Lightning IIs during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, July 29, 2022. The large-force exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases.

The Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration takes place during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 23, 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.

An F/A-18 from the Fixed Wing Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 224th (VMF-A224), Marine Corps Base Beaufort, SC, lands at Aviano AB, Italy after returning from a mission during Operation Decisive Force in support of Operation Joint Endeavor. Subject Operation/Series: DECISIVE FORCEJOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" pilots perform during Montana's Military Open House "Flight over the Falls" at Montana Air National Guard Base, Great Falls, Montana, July 23, 2022. The Thunderbirds are the U.S. Air Force's premier air demonstration squadron.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 495th Fighter Squadron takes off on a training mission during exercise Poseidons Rage 22, at Souda Air Base, Greece, July 11, 2022. PR22 focuses on the partnership between the U.S. and Hellenic Air Forces in order to validate F-35 and F-15E deployment capabilities and is the first iteration to feature the F-35 at Souda AB.

The Idaho Air National Guards 124th Fighter Wing hosted the biennial A-10 Thunderbolt II competition, Hawgsmoke, Sept. 6-9, 2022. On Sept. 8, nearly 30 A-10s from across the nation took off from Gowen Field's flight line for the competition that took place at Idaho's Saylor Creek Range. At the previous competition, Hawgsmoke 2021, the 124th Fighter Wings 190th Fighter Squadron was recognized as the top pilot team at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. The winning team traditionally hosts the next competition. The 190th Fighter Squadron won all three team awards in 2021: overall champion, top bombing team and top tactical team. The 190th was announced winners of the 2022 Hawgsmoke on Sept. 9, making this overall win the squadrons fourth since 2003. More than 150 pilots, maintainers and weapon teams from approximately 14 active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units from across the globe are in the competition.

020102-F-2034C-028. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Thumrait Air Base Country: Oman (OMN) Scene Major Command Shown: 405th Air Expeditionary Wing

030810-F-8833H-312. Base: Mountain Home Air Force Base State: Idaho (ID) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-15C from the 131st Fighter Squadron, Westfield, Mass., takes off for a Red Flag 09-5 training mission Aug 26, 2009. Red Flag is a realistic air combat training exercise conducted over the 15,000-square-mile Nevada Test and Training Range north of Las Vegas. The two-week exercise is administered through the 414th Combat Training Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base and is just one in a series of advanced training programs offered by the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center. U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marines Corps units from Nevada, Massachusetts, Utah, Louisiana, California, Washington, Oklahoma, Florida and Kansas are participating in Red Flag 09-5 along with allied forces from Italy and the United Arab Emirates. The exercise ends Sept. 4.

DF-SC-85-09924. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Nevada Air National Guard C-130 Hercules aircraft fly during the Ready Roller exercise at Amedee Army Airfield in Herlong, Calif. October 15, 2022. The intent of the exercise was to test capabilities in a simulated contested environment, utilizing the Agile Combat Employment concept

220706-M-TN173-1092 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII (July 6, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 (VMFA-232), Marine Air-Ground Task Force 7, land at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay to stage in preparation for Rim of the Pacific 2022 (RIMPAC 2022), on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 6, 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 relationship 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.

An E-3 Sentry (AWACS) assigned to the 552nd Air Control Wing at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., takes off for a mission March 8, 2016, during Red Flag 16-2. Along with Airmen from the 726th Air Control Squadron out of Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, and Marines from the Marine Air Control Squadron 1, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., 552nd ACW assets provided a large, joint-service command and control footprint for the exercise.

On a cold still morning, an SH-60B Seahawk Helicopter from Anti-Submarine Attack Squadron Seven (HS-7) sits on the flight deck of the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) as it begins its transit through the Suez Canal. The nuclear powered aircraft carrier is scheduled to arrive in the Persian Gulf in in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. Truman is on a six- month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

030411-F-9528H-014. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: United States Of America (USA)

An A-10C Thunderbolt II lands after a Red Flag 23-1 training mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Feb. 6, 2023. Participants conducting training missions during Red Flag 23-1 were able to test and perfect Agile Combat Employment operating concepts for how the U.S. combat forces will fight in a modern, contested environment.

980410-F-6144L-007. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Two F-15C Eagle aircraft from the 1ST Tactical Fighter Wing (1ST TFW) sit parked on an apron during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

An F-15 Eagle from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force takes to the sky during RED FLAG-Alaska 10-1, Oct. 9, 2009, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. RF-A provides participants 67,000 square miles of airspace, more than 30 threat simulators, one conventional bombing range and two tactical bombing ranges containing more than 400 different types of targets.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II, assigned to the 355th Wing, out of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, takes off from Rogers Dry Lake during an Agile Combat Employment Exercise on Edwards Air Force Base, California, June 27. The training featured Airmen from the 821st Contingency Response Squadron, out of Travis Air Force Base, California, and the 412th Operations Support Squadron based at Edwards AFB. (Air Force photo by Giancarlo Casem)

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, takes off to perform mission operations during exercise Gunfighter Flag 23-1 October 18, 2022. Gunfighter Flag gives wing members a realistic and dynamic environment that the Airmen could encounter in future potential combat operations.

US Air Force F-16C Falcon aircraft from the 555th Fighter Squadron, Aviano AB, Italy sits parked in front of a hangar on the flight line. Two other F-16 Falcon aircraft can be seen taking off in the background. From AIRMAN Magazine October 1995 article "Calm before the Storm". Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

A U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet flies through Death Valley, California.

030329-A-XXXXX-361. Base: Udairi Air Field Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: Northeast

An A-10C Thunderbolt II assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, takes off during Black Flag 22-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, May 10, 2022. The U.S. Air Force Weapons School trains tactical experts and leaders to control and exploit air, space and cyber on behalf of the joint force.

020427-F-3745E-183. Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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