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Military Operations in Aircraft

Images depict military personnel working on aircraft, including refueling and inspecting fighter jets, showcasing intense concentration and technical details.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Josh Rials, an in-flight refueling specialist assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, conducts maintenance on a KC-135 Stratotanker during RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Oct. 11, 2022. RF-A serves as an ideal platform for international engagement, and the exercise has a long history of including allies and partners. This enables all entities involved to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures while improving interoperability.
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Josh Rials, an in-flight refueling specialist assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, conducts maintenance on a KC-135 Stratotanker during RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Oct. 11, 2022. RF-A serves as an ideal platform for international engagement, and the exercise has a long history of including allies and partners. This enables all entities involved to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures while improving interoperability.
261 assets in this story
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110321-M-0761B-142MEDITERRANEAN SEA (March 21, 2011) Marines assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU) conduct electronic checks on a CH-53E Super Stallion Helicopters before taking off to rescue a downed Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle pilot and weapons officer. The aviators experienced mechanical problems while supporting Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn. Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn is the U.S. Africa Command task force established to provide operational and tactical command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya and enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973.
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African American world war two airman, posing with a M1919 Browning machine gun next to a PBY Catalina aircraft 1942
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040330-M-8096K-032. Subject Operation/Series: FPEX Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Butler State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)
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Mechanic performs work on an Alouette III helicopter of 300 Squadron.
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110815-N-DX615-126PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 15, 2011) A landing craft, air cushioned (LCAC) exits the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Makin Island is the flagship for Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5 and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU) and is underway for PHIBRON-MEU Integrated Training (PMINT) in preparation for the ship's first operational deployment.
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011106-N-3093M-022. Base: Crowley 450-10 Barge
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060310-N-0499M-062. Base: USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Scene Major Command Shown: USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72)
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An Air Force pilot flies a simulator tracking another aircraft during a training session. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown
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U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, carry a combat rubber raiding craft aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) for KAMANDAG 6, in the Philippine Sea, Oct. 2, 2022. The two forces participated in a bilateral amphibious assault focused on increasing interoperability and shared understanding of tactics. KAMANDAG is an annual, bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.
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More than 600 Idaho Army National Guard Soldiers, joined by Soldiers from the Montana, Oregon, Ohio and South Carolina Army National Guards, have been training in Fort Bliss, Texas, since mobilizing from Gowen Field in early August. The task force, Task Force Rattler, will deploy to Southwest Asia later this month in support of Operation Spartan Shield, where they will rotate out with 250 Soldiers from the Idaho Army National Guard as well as Soldiers from the Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Florida Army National Guards. Each rotation is approximately 12 months. Soldiers from the 118th Infantry Regiment from South Carolina National Guard and the 285th Medical Company from the Ohio National Guard are also part of Task Force Rattler, which provide the task force the ability to execute combined arms maneuvers. The intense training at Fort Bliss consisted of long hours with day and night combined arms maneuver missions with the Idaho Army National Guard shooting 120mm mortar rounds from M113 A
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020716-N-6492H-532. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown
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Artist's concept of a Soviets using pontoon bridges and other river crossing equipment to speed the thrust of tank and motorized rifle divisions during a conflict in Eastern Europe. From Soviet Military Power 1985. Country: Unknown
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U.S. Airmen assigned to the 493rd Fighter Generation Squadron secure munition during the annual load crew competition at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Jan. 10, 2024. The 48th Fighter Wing Maintenance Groups hosts load crew competitions to give Airmen a chance to show off their technical prowess to peers and wing leadership.
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80th Flying Training Wing Airmen from Sheppard Air Force Base landed their T-38 Talon at Minot Air Force Base to refuel before taking off again to fly to the Cold Lake Airshow in Canada on July 14, 2022, at Minot AFB, North Dakota. The 80 FTW is the world's only internationally manned and managed pilot training program, with the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program delivering more than 7,500 trained combat pilots to NATO allies in its 37 years of existence.
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Honorary commanders begin boarding a C-5 aircraft before a refueling flight where they will observe the air and ground crews at work. Base: Dover Air Force Base State: Delaware (DE) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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MSGT Wade L. Meyers (USAF), a 40th ALS loadmaster, stands on a lowered C-130 loading ramp looking at the snow-covered tarmac at Ramstein AB, Germany. The 40th ALS is involved in supplying forces involved in Operation Joint Endeavor. Operation Joint Endeavor is a peacekeeping effort by a multinational Implementation Force (IFOR), comprised of NATO and non-NATO military forces, deployed to Bosnia in support of the Dayton Peace Accords. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)
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Aviation ordnancemen carry an AGM-88A HARM missile over to an aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62). The INDEPENDENCE is one of the U.S. Navy ships sent to the Persian Gulf in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Country: Unknown
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031024-F-6701P-008. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE
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Major Dwight Neeley, USMC, Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR-352), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) pilots a Marine KC-130 enroute to a forward area refueling point at a forward operating base in the Enduring Freedom area of operations during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: 26 MEU
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DF-ST-87-00561. Subject Operation/Series: COMMANDO WEST IX Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA)
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Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DART) - Marine Safety Office St. Louis - 26-HK-121-11. Hurricane Katrina
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980606-F-4116M-019. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC
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STAFF SGT. Stephen Richmond, 961st Airborne Air STAFF SGT. Stephen Richmond, 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron, Kadena AB, Japan, gives control signals to the pilot during the E-3 Sentry's (Airborne Early Warning and Control System) roll out. Subject Operation/Series: GREEN CLOVER '96 Base: Howard Air Force Base Country: Panama (PAN)
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Russian 24S Returned Imagery Part 208
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060420-N-9928E-079. Base: USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)
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A close-up view of the nose of the restored World War II B-25 Mitchell bomber aircraft "Heavenly Body." It and another B-25 are being launched from the aircraft carrier USS RANGER (CV-61) in a re-enactment of "Doolittle's Raid" of April 18, 1942, during which 16 B-25's were launched from the aircraft carrier USS HORNET (CV-8) in the first attack on the Japanese mainland. Base: Naval Air Station, North Island State: California(CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 9, 2022) Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class Daniel Edwards, from Suffolk, Virginia, monitors contacts on a passive display while standing watch in the sonar control room aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) while conducting routine operations in the South China Sea, Sept. 9. Higgins is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navys largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleets principal surface force.
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Players from the Springfield Thunderbirds hockey team spent the afternoon touring the 104th Fighter Wing, Feb. 14, 2024, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. During the tour, the players saw the wing's F-15 Eagles take off, learned about the wing's mission, and spoke with pilots as part of the community outreach event. Air National Guard
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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ernest Brunelle, an Oakham, Mass., native and a fixed wing aircraft safety equipment mechanic with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533, prepares for an incentive flight at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 30, 2022. Incentive flights are periodically awarded to Marines and Sailors for meritorious actions and service.
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980416-F-4116M-029. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC
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C-141 KAO University of Texas
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The 57mm Mk 110 gun mount onboard the USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753) fires during a gunnery exercise while underway in the Atlantic Ocean, Sept. 26, 2022. Hamilton is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.
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DF-ST-88-04938. Base: Berlin Country: West Germany (FRG)
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220122-N-JR318-1025 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Jan. 22, 2022) Aviation Machinists Mate 3rd Class Kaley Coustaut, from Orange, California, attached to the Red Rippers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, removes access panels on an F/A-18F Super Hornet in the hangar bay of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), Jan. 22, 2022. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to maintain maritime stability and security, and defend U.S., allied and partner interests in Europe and Africa.
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Fokker DR1 twin machine guns
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U.S. Air Force airman directs a B-1B Lancer onto the runway during a Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. The B-1B is a long-range, multi-role bomber that carries the largest payload of precision guided and unguided munitions in the Air Force inventory.
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U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dalton Degeneffe, 50th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, awaits performing air refueling duties on a flight during the 6th Air Refueling Wings Agile Combat Employment capstone exercise, Aug. 23, 2022. The ACE concept underpins the Air Forces ability to mitigate the risks of adversarial technological advances through maneuverability and speed to prevail in conflict. The capstone exercise included 72-hours of continuous air refueling operations and a historic 56-hour KC-135 flight in a simulated contested environment focused on a notional theater of operations.
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040727-F-2902B-039. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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Rescue
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220617-N-DW158-1156 PHILIPPINE SEA (June 17, 2022) Final pre-flight checks are made to an F/A-18F Super Hornet attached to Diamondbacks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, on the flight deck of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan hosted five U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen for their summer cruise allowing them to experience day-to-day life aboard an aircraft carrier. 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.
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Flight Deck of the USS Kennedy Aircraft Carrier, New York City, New York
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A U.S. Army Soldier with the U.S. Army Parachute Team conducts a demonstration at the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, California, Sept. 24, 2022. Nicknamed the Golden Knights in 1962, Golden signifies the gold medals the team won in international competitions, and Knights alludes to the teams ambition to conquer the skies. The Golden Knights perform in more than 100 events per year. 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.
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U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Griffin McCurren, a pilot with Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, talks to future Marines of Recruiting Station San Francisco and their families aboard the USS Harpers Ferry during San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW), October 9, 2022. SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard service members, and experience Americas sea services, and for service members to participate in various community service events, and showcase their capabilities and equipment.
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SAN FRANCISCO (Oct. 8, 2022) Navy Diver 2nd Class Nick Gardener, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 1, plays tic-tac-toe during a humanitarian assistance exhibition at Marina Green as a part of San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW) 2022, Oct. 8, 2022. SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's sea services. During Fleet Week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of the city and its surrounding areas.
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DN-ST-87-06745. Base: USS Sides (FFG 14)
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DN-ST-85-08906. Base: Naval Air Station, Pensacola State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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Artwork: "Isodock, C-141," McGuire Air Force Base, N.J. - Artist: Gil Cohen. Country: Unknown
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Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Pima County, Arizona's border area with Mexico, where he joined U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel for meetings, tours, flights, inspections
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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A representative of the 301st Rescue Squadron demonstrates rescue equipment that is used by participants in the Mode VIII exercise being conducted at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla.In support of, and with logistical support from, NASA, USSTRATCOM is hosting a major exercise involving Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, search and rescue (SAR) forces, including the 45th Space Wing at Patrick Air Force Base, which support space shuttle astronaut bailout contingency operations, known as Mode VIII. This exercise tests SAR capabilities to locate, recover and provide medical treatment for astronauts following a space shuttle launch phase open-ocean bailout. Participants include members of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force, and NASA's Kennedy Space Center and Johnson Space Center. This will be the 15th Mode VIII exercise conducted in the past 20 years.
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A close-up view of a patch worn by personnel in the B-1B aircraft production acceptance flight test program. Base: Palmdale State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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Nose art decorates a KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft. Base: Ellsworth Air Force Base State: South Dakota (SD) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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An Airman from the 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron washes the underside of a C-130J Super Hercules April 20, 2015, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Aircraft washing is a vital part of the flying mission, and if not washed regularly, aircraft begin to corrode and cause damage yielding it unsafe to operate. Safety procedures require all members participating in the washing to wear full-body protective gear.
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Female Worker Putting Finishing Touches on Bombardier Nose Section of B-17F Navy Bomber, Douglas Aircraft Company, Long Beach, California, USA, Alfred T. Palmer for Office of War Information, October 1942
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030714-F-1272F-001. Base: RAF Mildenhall State: Suffolk Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE