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Military Personnel And Aircraft Events

Images of military personnel interacting at airbases during various events and exercises, showcasing camaraderie and aircraft, with a focus on air force operations.

Col. Jeremy Ford, 152nd Airlift Wing commander, completes his "fini flight" or final flight at the Nevada Air National Guard base in Reno, Nev. July 26, 2022. The fini flight is an Air Force tradition which marks a pilot's departure from a unit, or last time they fly an aircraft, which is often followed by a champagne-and-water shower following landing

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael Trey” Rawls, middle, commander of the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, U.S. Air Force Maj. James Byrd, left, director of operations and instructor pilot for the 60th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, and U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Nicholas Ostrowski, right, a crew chief from the 33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 33rd FW, gather before a training mission at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 23, 2022. Rawls visited the 33rd FW to assess the F-35’s ability to meet operational requirements.

Col. Andrew J. Campbell, 374th Airlift Wing commander, smiles for a photo from a UH-1N Iroquois helicopter assigned to the 459th Airlift Squadron during his fini flight, at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 10, 2022. Campbell is scheduled to leave Yokota to become Air Mobility Commands deputy director of Operations at Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Taylor Hudson, a student pilot assigned to the 149th Fighter Wing, Air National Guard, reviews flight plans prior to launch during Coronet Cactus, March 31, 2023, at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. The annual training event deploys members of the 149th Fighter Wing, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, to another environment in order to familiarize them with accomplishing mission objectives in an unfamiliar location.

Waterfowl Survey; Biologist; Martinburgs; WOE139. Subjects: Aircraft; Surveying; Mapping; Wildlife management. Location: West Virginia. . 1998 - 2011.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- The STS-123 crewmembers are greeted by NASA VIPs and guests at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility. From left in the blue flight suits are Commander Dominic Gorie, Mission Specialist Mike Foreman, Pilot Gregory H. Johnson, and Mission Specialists Robert L. Behnken, Takao Doi of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and Rick Linnehan. Space shuttle Endeavour landed on Runway 15 at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility to end the STS-123 mission, a 16-day flight to the International Space Station. This was the 16th night landing at Kennedy. The main landing gear touched down at 8:39:08 p.m. EDT. The nose landing gear touched down at 8:39:17 p.m. and wheel stop was at 8:40:41 p.m. The mission completed nearly 6.6 million miles. The landing was on the second opportunity after the first was waved off due to unstable weather in the Kennedy Space Center area. The STS-123 mission delivered the first segment of the Japan Aerospa

000510-F-2167C-004. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD 2000 Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. James Cox, the executive officer of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, trades patches with Maj. Cho, the operations officer for the Republic of Korea Marine Air Group, 2nd Squadron, during Korean Marine Exercise Program (KMEP) 22-2 Air Combat Element at the 1st Republic of Korea Marine Corps Division Base in Pohang, Republic of Korea, July 22, 2022. KMEP 22-2 Air Combat Element is the first bilateral air operation with ROK MAG, signifying the increased interoperability and strengthened the combined air capabilities of ROK Marines and U.S. Marines.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Basham, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa deputy commander, coined U.S. Servicemembers in the Air Force, Army and Navy for outstanding performance during the Innovation and Leadership in Aerospace Tradeshow in Berlin, held at the Berlin Expo Center Airport, Berlin Brandenburg International Airport, June 24, 2022. The Servicemembers provided support to U.S. military aircraft participating as static aircraft, and specialize in a variety of career fields, to include weapons, electronic warfare, crew chiefs, a loadmaster and security forces. U.S. support of ILA Berlin demonstrates our strong European presence and strengthens our ties with NATO Allies and Partners.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (September 28, 2022) - Rear Adm. Wes McCall, commander, Navy Region Southeast, listens to the weather brief about Hurricane Ian given by Fleet Weather Center Norfolk, Sept. 28. Navy Region Southeast is the largest shore management region within the U.S. Navy, providing shore support for 18 installations across the southeastern United States.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry walks toward F/A-18 fighter jets used by the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration team, as he stopped at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on July 27, 2016, for an aircraft re-fueling while the team was in town to perform at the upcoming Arctic Thunder air show.

CDR Ted Elkins re-enlists ABH1(AW/SW/IW) Darlene Rule, assigned to USS Wasp (LHD-1) during a ceremony aboard the Battleship Wisconsin in Downtown Norfolk on Wednesday, May 25, 2022. The ceremony was hosted by the Hampton Roads Naval Museum as part of their military ceremonies program that is available to area commands without cost. The museum is located next to the Battleship Wisconsin in Downtown Norfolk, Virginia.

220511-N-AS200-5607 POINT MUGU, Calif. (May 11, 2022) - Cmdr. Jason Saglimbene, commanding officer Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Three Zero (VX-30) completes his final flight onboard Naval Base Ventura County, May 11. NBVC is a strategically located Naval installation composed of three operating facilities: Point Mugu, Port Hueneme and San Nicolas Island. NBVC is the home of the Pacific Seabees, West Coast E-2C Hawkeyes, 3 warfare centers and 80 tenants.

041203-F-0971G-009. Base: Jacksonville Iap State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Col. Andrew Campbell, 374th Airlift Wing commander, smiles for a photo during Friendship Festival 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan May 22, 2022. The two-day festival was an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the U.S. and Japan bilateral partnership, while strengthening the bonds between Yokota and the local communities. Yokota was able to host the event with the support of Japan Self-Defense Force, sister services and the local community.

060817-N-2736O-119. Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael D. Stohler, Indiana Assistant Adjutant General - Air (ATAG), Indiana National Guard, looks tearfully at the A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft he flew, as he speaks to an audience of base members, family and friends during a promotion and change of command ceremony at the 122nd Fighter Wing, Fort Wayne, Indiana, May 14, 2022. Stohler, the newly appointed ATAG, was a member of the 122FW for the past 37 years and wing commander since April 2018.

010514-F-1644L-036. Subject Operation/Series: TANDEM THRUST 01 Base: Adelaide State: Queensland Country: Australia (AUS)

020208-F-1279W-070. Base: Jacksonville Iap State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Jeremie Hester, the commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, briefs a staff delegation from California's 49th Congressional District on the history of MAG-39 during a tour on Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, June 28, 2023. The tour familiarized the staff on MAG-39 capabilities and other local military assets. Hester is a Camden, Illinois, native.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Brittain Caldwell, 204th Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III pilot, checks cargo on a C-17 Globemaster III during a bilateral exercise with Japan Air Self-Defense Force 403rd Tactical Airlift Squadron members at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Sept. 28, 2022. Over 20 JASDF personnel arrived to participate in the first bilateral exercise between the Kawasaki C-2 and the C-17.

Capt. Hannah Gilpatrick, 40th Airlift Squadron assistant director of operations, poses in front of a C-130J Super Hercules at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, April 13, 2022. Gilpatrick was recognized for continuing the legacy of the Grandmother who served as a Women Airforce Service Pilot.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jesse S. Jahn, A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft pilot assigned to the 163rd Fighter Squadron, celebrates his final flight with members of his family at the Fort Wayne Air National Guard base in Fort Wayne, Indiana June 5, 2022. Jahn flew his final flight during the 2022 Fort Wayne Air Show.

010502-F-0697K-039. Subject Operation/Series: UNION FLASH Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

220808-N-CH260-2183 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 8, 2022) Sailors, Marines and embarked guests play cornhole during a steel cave picnic in the hangar bay aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet.

A Royal Australian Air Force Indigenous Youth Program member speaks with U.S. Air Force Capt. Michael Lloyd, 67th Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle pilot, during a visit to RAAF Base Darwin, Australia, Sept. 6, 2022. The visit coincided with Exercise Pitch Black 2022, the RAAF Chief of Air Forces biennial capstone international engagement activity with forces drawn from a wide range of regional, coalition and allied nations. This year, 17 nations participated in PB22 from Aug. 19 to Sept. 8, 2022.

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Andrew Setrin, a flight safety officer assigned to the 91st Air Refueling Squadron poses for a photo at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 9, 2022. Setrin reflected on his experiences involving 9/11, recalling that life was routine for many Americans. As a child in elementary school, he remembered seeing the news and shortly after, being taken home by his parents. Witnessing the aftermath in the years following, Setrin knew that he wanted to serve and protect like many others have before him.

U.S. Air Force Col. Quaid Quadri, 169th Fighter Wing commander, discusses the combined military capabilities and military construction projects taking place at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina to William Smith, Military Veteran Affairs Constituent Services for the Midlands Region, August 19, 2022. Staffers from U.S. Senator Lindsey Grahams office and the South Carolina Governors office tour the Carolina Army National Guards Army Aviation Support Facility 1. The purpose of their visit is to understand the capabilities of the SCARNGs Apache AH-64E attack helicopter fleet, as well as ongoing and future military construction projects on the installation.

DF-SD-07-26070. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

MISAWA, Japan (May 13, 2022) - Capt. Paul A. Hockran, left, commanding officer of Naval Air Facility (NAF) Misawa, shakes hands with Maj. Gen. Takahiro Kubota, 3rd Air Wing and Japan Air Self-Defense Force Misawa Air Base commander, during an "Elephant Walk" at Misawa Air Base. The Elephant Walk showcased Misawa Air Base's collective readiness and ability to generate combat airpower at a moment's notice to ensure regional stability throughout the Indo-Pacific.NAF Misawa provides aviation and ground logistics support and services to all permanent and transient U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps forces in Northern Japan.

Coast Guard Structures - Air Stations - New Orleans - 26-HK-95-109. AIRSTA NOLA--CAPT Bruce Jones talking to CG personnel standing near ramp. Hurricane Katrina

010414-N-6436W-001. Subject Operation/Series: VALIANT RETURN Base: Naval Air Station Whidbey Island State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Fleet Imaging Center

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, where he toured facilities, viewed aircraft, and met with personnel of the Air Force's Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds

US Air Force General John Jumper (Left), Commander, Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, and Lieutenant General Peter Vogler, Commander, German Air Force Command, stand together in the main briefing room of 63rd Fighter Squadron, Luke AFB, Arizona, on July 29th, 2000. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Megan Phaneuf, assistant news director at KNBN - NewsCenter1 in Rapid City, South Dakota, smiles after her incentive flight on U.S. Navy Blue Angels, F/A-18 Super Hornet #7 with Lt. Griffin Stangel, Blue Angels pilot and narrator. Phaneuf was selected for the flight as part of a media incentive flight during Ellsworth's Air and Space Show, Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jacob Voshell, 709th Airlift Squadron, simulates wrapping a puncture wound on Lt. Col. Aaron Suire, 512th Operations Support Squadron, during a Tactical Combat Casualty Care course at Dover Air Force Base, Del., Aug, 7 2022. Members from the 512th Operations Group, participated in the TCCC course, which was designed to provide members with basic life-saving skills to use in combat environments in the event they are under attack.

Members of the 736th Security Forces Squadron receive a pre-jump mission briefing Aug. 21, 2013, on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The day of training, the jumpers receive standardized airborne training, starting with a briefing from the jumpmasters.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Alan Gang Greene, 123rd Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle pilot, poses for a photo during Checkered Flag 22-2 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 18, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise held at Tyndall which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th- and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 22-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-20, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ryan Yingling, Thunderbird 7, director of operations for The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds, signs an autograph for children and families from the North Dakota Make-A-Wish Foundation June 17, 2022, during the Northern Thunder Air and Space Expo Friends and Family Day at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. The Thunderbirds also meet with a boy scouts troop and the bases Exceptional Family Member Program families.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cody Polzin, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team crew chief, performs pre-flight inspections in Tyler, Texas, June 30, 2022. The A-10 Demonstration Team is made up of 11 personnel, including a pilot, nine maintenance personnel and a public affairs specialist. The mission of the A-10 Demonstration Team is to recruit, retain and inspire.

NASA astronaut Randy Bresnik presents Colonel Tyler Zagurski, Commanding Officer, Marine Corps Barracks, with a montage from his Expedition 53, Monday, May 7, 2018 in Washington.

U.S. Air Force Capt. William Kong Remien, the 353rd Combat Training Squadron weapons flight commander (left), and Maj. Elliott Chase Sahli, the 353rd CTS assistant director of operations, pose for a photo on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, April 28, 2022. During RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1, Remien served as team chief in charge of planning the exercise and coordinating with participating units while Sahli served as assistant team chief primarily in charge of Distant Frontier, a two week beddown phase preceding the exercise.

Katrina Response Ops - Coast Guard Air Station - Clearwater, Florida - 26-HK-163-45. Hurricane Katrina

Sacramento, CA, July 13, 2008 US Forest Service Helicopter Manager Connie Fox and USFS Regional Aviation Safety Officer Dennis Brown control the airspace at McClellan Airport. Aircraft of the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group stand ready to begin their 20Th day of aerial firefighting support missions July 14 in a coordinated effort to control wildfires in California. .. Photographs Relating to Disasters and Emergency Management Programs, Activities, and Officials

Miscellaneous - Coast Guard Operations - 26-HK-434-145. Hurricane Katrina

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, where he toured facilities, viewed aircraft, and met with personnel of the Air Force's Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds

A member of the Otis Air National Guard Base Fire/Rescue Department shows Technical Sergeant Gloria Meeks, 169th Fighter Wing, South Carolina Air National Guard, the interior of an F-15. Otis Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, 27 July 1999. Base: Otis Air National Guard Base State: Massachusetts (MA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060227-N-0050T-115. Base: El Centro State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: BLUE ANGELS

040902-M-3658J-019. Base: March Air Reserve Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

USAF Colonel Brian Voorhees, Vice Commander, 305th Air Mobility Wing, McGuire AFB, New Jersey, meets with members of the Crisis Action Team during Operation DESERT FOX. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT FOX Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Speros Koumparakis, commanding officer of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, his wife, Sgt. Maj. Lester Williams, sergeant major of MCBH, and his wife, pose for a photo with the pilots of the U.S. Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, as part of the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 14, 2022. The air show provided an opportunity for MCBH to foster positive relationships with the local community, while providing a unique experience to the public. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to express MCBHs appreciation to the residents of Hawaii and their continued support of the installation.

Lt. Cmdr. Kyle Atakturk poses with members of the German Navy after a flight on a German P-3C during BALTOPS 22. The German Navy is currently in the process of replacing the P-3C with the P-8A.

031210-F-4539R-001. Base: Volkel Air Base State: Noord Brabant Country: Netherlands / Holland (NLD) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

. Hurricane Katrina

Col. Bryan Preece, 130th Airlift Wing Commander, speaks at the Summer U.S. Air Force Junior Reserve Officer's Training Corps Flight Academy Graduation on July 29, 2022, at the Fairmont State Aviation Center of Excellence Fairmont, West Virginia. The Air Force sponsored program targets High School Juniors, JROTC members, and Air Force Academy cadets, teaching them to fly in about six and a half weeks and awarding them private pilot certifications. Preece spoke about his journey as an Air Force Aviator and pinned the wings on the graduates.

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Sean Harvey assigned to the 495th Fighter Squadron is interviewed by Collins Aerospace at the Farnborough International Airshow in Farnborough, England, July 20, 2022. U.S. military support in the British-sponsored event demonstrates our strong European presence and strengthens our ties with NATO allies and partners.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Dustin Byrum, commanding officer, Headquarters Marine Air Group 31, presents an award to Italian Air Force Col. Daniele Mastroberti, senior national representative in charge of Italian training in the U.S., Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, during an award ceremony for the Italian Delegation at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Nov. 29, 2022. Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 helped support the Italian Navy F-35B pilots and maintainers and assisted in the development of their organic F-35B training program that will be located at Amendola Air Base, Italy.

060825-N-3642E-195. Base: U.S. Navy Forces Marianas State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: NAVAL BASE GUAM

jsc2017e067119 (June 6, 2017) --- NASA portrait of 2017 Astronaut Candidate Frank Rubio in front of a T-38 trainer aircraft at Ellington Field near NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall learns about the advancements of the KC-46A Pegasus in comparison to its predecessor, the KC-135 Stratotanker, April 3, 2022, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. While at McConnell, Secretary Kendall toured a KC-135 Stratotanker followed by a flight on a KC-46A Pegasus to take an in-depth look at the air refueling airframes. The purpose was to highlight modernization and compare old and new airframe capabilities.

Expedition 59 backup crewmembers Drew Morgan of NASA (left), Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos (center) and Luca Parmitano of the European Space Agency (right) meet with Russian officials Feb. 26 after arriving at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for final pre-launch training following a flight from their training base in Star City, Russia. They are the backups to the prime crew, Nick Hague of NASA, Christina Koch of NASA and Alexey Ovchinin of Roscosmos, who will launch March 14, U.S. time, on the Soyuz MS-12 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for a six-and-a-half month mission on the International Space Station.NASA/Victor Zelentsov

230330-N-ZQ263-1079 BUSAN, Republic of Korea (March 30, 2023) Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) pose for a photo with visitors during a shipboard tour while moored in Busan, Republic of Korea. Nimitz is in U.S. 7th Fleet conducting routine operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

021001-F-5833N-004. Base: Buckley Air Force Base State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Ryan Dunne, 91st Air Refueling Squadron pilot, celebrates with family and friends after completing his final flight with the squadron at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 17, 2022. A "fini-flight" is a traditional celebratory flight among Air Force aviators which marks the last time a pilot flies with an assigned unit or aircraft.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Stephen E. Liszewski, left, the commanding general of Marine Corps Installations Pacific, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Yumi Yoshikawa, center, the parliamentary vice-minister with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Maj. Gen. Eric E. Austin, the commanding general of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, pose for a group photo in front of a V-22 Osprey during the Futenma Flight Line Fair on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 1, 2022. Marine Corps Community Services organized a fair open to Status of Forces Agreement personnel and local nationals to help form a stronger alliance between the United States and Japan.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After the successful STS-124 mission and landing on Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Commander Mark Kelly is greeted by NASA Associate Administrator Chris Scolese. At left is Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier. Space shuttle Discovery's main landing gear touched down at 11:15:19 a.m. EDT on Runway 15. The nose landing gear touched down at 11:15:30 a.m. and wheel stop was at 11:16:19 a.m. The mission completed 5.7 million miles. The STS-124 mission delivered the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system to the space station.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform for the Airshow London Skydrive in London, Ontario, Sept. 9, 2022. Airshow London was one of two performances in Canada this year for the Thunderbirds.

NASA astronauts Mark Vande Hei, left, and Joe Acaba, center, meet with the Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns, Friday, June 15, 2018 at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.

050107-F-4800M-023. Base: Dover Air Force Base State: Delaware (DE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Artemis I Orion Recovery Weather Ballon Release. Astronaut Shannon Walker prepares to release a weather balloon from the deck of the USS Portland alongside members of the U.S. Space Force 45th Weather Squadron ahead of the splashdown of the Orion spacecraft on Dec. 11. NASA's Landing and Recovery team works alongside the DoD to safely recover Orion after Artemis missions to the Moon.

220912-N-VG565-1004Virginia Beach, Va. (Sep. 12, 2022) - Rear Adm. John F. Meier, right, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, presents the Battle Efficiency, or Battle "E", award to Cmdr. Erin E. Flint, commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131, and Cmdr. Tyler C. McQuiggan, executive officer of VFA-131, September 12. The Battle E” award recognizes crews with high levels of sustained proficiency and readiness to perform in an operational environment throughout a year-long evaluation.

Tom Cruise visits with Airmen during the 2022 Royal International Air Tattoo at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, July 16, 2022. RIAT allowed the U.S. Air Force to demonstrate its strong forward presence in Europe as well as reinforce NATO and other European ally partnerships. The event, which showcased aircraft from across the globe celebrated aviations past and present while inspiring the next generation.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Nichole Bahlman, 199th Fighter Squadron F-22 Raptor pilot, poses in front of her aircraft prior to take-off during a routine training mission Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Mar 14, 2023. Capt. Bahlman is the first female fighter pilot in the Hawaii Air National Guard.

Congressmen Visit Mobile Aviation Training Center - 26-HK-4-94. Hurricane Katrina

000507-F-2167C-003. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD 2000 Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

MCGHEE TYSON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Tenn. (Sept.8, 2022) The Navy Blue Angels arrived here today in preparation for the Smoky Mountain Airshow being held Sept. 10 and 11. (Air National Guard photo by: Staff Sgt. Melissa Dearstone)

U.S. Space Force Brig. Gen. Stephen Purdy, right, Space Launch Delta 45 commander, laughs with Italian Air Force Col. Edi Turco, Italian Air Attaché to the United States, at Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., Jan. 27, 2022. Leaders of the Italian Air Force, Navy, and Army visited for CCSFS the launch of the Italian COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation (CSG-2) Earth Observation Satellite aboard the American-made and launched SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The U.S. and Italy share a long heritage of space security cooperation. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Thomas Sjoberg)

Col. Jeremy Ford, 152nd Airlift Wing commander, completes his "fini flight" or final flight at the Nevada Air National Guard base in Reno, Nev. July 26, 2022. The fini flight is an Air Force tradition which marks a pilot's departure from a unit, or last time they fly an aircraft, which is often followed by a champagne-and-water shower following landing

050402-F-2605S-015. Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Dryden Center director Kevin Petersen shakes hands with AFFTC commander, Brig. Gen. Curtis Bedke, at the retirement ceremony for NASA's B-52B.

Timothy ODonnell, Air Mobility Command Museum volunteer, poses for a photo in front of a C-54M Skymaster at Dover, Delaware, Aug. 1, 2022. ODonnell is a retired internal doctor and now spends his time restoring aircraft at the AMC Museum.

Colonel Rudy Wright, USAF, Commander 39th Wing and 39th Air and Space Expeditionary Wing, his wife, Samantha, and daughter, Jordan, sing America the Beautiful and offer prayers for the thousands of Americans lost during the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centers Twin Towers and at the Pentagon. The candle light vigil was held at the base chapel at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, in conjunction with National Prayer Day and Remembrance declared by President George W. Bush, 14 September 2001. Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Air Force Capt. Lindsay MAD Johnson, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration team commander and pilot, interacts with air show attendees at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, March 26, 2023. The airshow was open to the public as a way to connect the base and local community while also highlighting the mission and capabilities of the U.S. Air Force.

Group photo following the 300th NASA Dryden flight of F-15B #836.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Jeffrey Downie, left, and Maj. Eric Tise, Thunderbird solo pilots speak to students about what being a demonstration pilot looks like on a day-to-day during a STEM-day event at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Feb. 6, 2024. The Thunderbirds demonstrate the capabilities of the Air Forces premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Air Force

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (FEB. 23, 2024) - Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Andrew Alvidrez (left) and Brandon Chambers (right) are presented with command challenge coins by Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37 Ragin Bulls Commanding Officer Michael Tremel during their visit to the squadrons facilities onboard Naval Air Station Oceana. The Ragin Bulls returned Jan. 16 from an eight-month deployment supporting partners and allies in the U.S. Navy 6th Fleet area of operations aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). Navy

DF-ST-88-05341. Base: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Nick Wittrock, pilot, gives Ethan, honorary aviator, a piggy back ride on the way to lunch 15 June, at Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Alabama. Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile conducts a program called Pilot for a day, this program allows selected persons to visit the unit and have a full in depth tour of all aircraft and facilities.

170630-N-RZ218-091CHICAGO (June 30, 2017) Vice Adm. Forrest Faison and Force Master Chief Hosea Smith talk with Sailors during the 2017 DoD Warrior Games in Chicago June 30, 2017. The DoD Warrior Games are an annual event allowing wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans to compete in Paralympic-style sports including track and field, shooting, archery, swimming, sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball.

220918-N-AC802-1178 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Sept. 18, 2022) U.S. Navy Blue Angel Lt. Cmdr. Griffin Stangel greets audience members during the 2022 Naval Air Station Oceana Air Show. The NAS Oceana Air Show showcases aerial performances and demonstrates the Navy's importance to national security.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, commander of the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) speaks with 6th Air Refueling Wing and Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE) leadership teams upon arrival at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, April 14, 2022. USTRANSCOM is a unified, functional combatant command which provides support to the ten other U.S. combatant commands, the military services, defense agencies and other government organizations. With over 60 years of joint communications experience across the full spectrum of military operations, JCSE supports contingency operations under the direction of USTRANSCOM.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, where he toured facilities, viewed aircraft, and met with personnel of the Air Force's Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds

First Lt. Thomas Yonkauski, 36th Airlift Squadron pilot, signs a C-130J Super Hercules poster for an attendee during Friendship Festival 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan May 21, 2022. The two-day festival was an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the U.S. and Japan bilateral partnership, while strengthening the bonds between Yokota and the local communities. Yokota was able to host the event with the support of Japanese Self-Defense Force, sister services and the local community.

Aircrew from the 43rd Electronic Combat Squadron walk towards an EC-130H Compass Call on the flight line at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Jan. 18, 2023. The EC-130H is an airborne tactical weapon system using a heavily modified version of the C-130 Hercules airframe.

CAPT. Cherri Wheeler, an Air Force chaplain from the 857th Combat Support Group, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., greets Air Force CHIEF of STAFF GEN. Merrill A. McPeak during the general's visit to Air Force personnel deployed during Operation Desert Shield.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia(SAU)

A beautiful blonde model poses with a vintage WWII aircraft

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-108 Mission Specialist Linda A. Godwin is ready to take her turn driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier. She and other crew members are taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include emergency exit from the launch pad and a simulated launch countdown. The 11-day mission will carry the replacement Expedition 4 crew to the International Space Station, as well as the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, filled with supplies and equipment. STS-108 is scheduled to launch Nov. 29 on Space Shuttle Endeavour

PHOTO DATE(S): 23 March 2010 LOCATION: Bldg 7/SSATA ChamberSUBJECT: Cady Coleman during INC-26 SSATA Crew Training

The 168th Wing host a recreational hockey team from the Mustang Hockey Association in Eagle River, Alaska, December 10, 2022. The house hockey team players and parents toured a KC-135 Stratotanker at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, where they learned about the aircraft and the Alaska Air National Guard. (Alaska Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

The 168th Wing host a recreational hockey team from the Mustang Hockey Association in Eagle River, Alaska, December 10, 2022. The house hockey team players and parents toured a KC-135 Stratotanker at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, where they learned about the aircraft and the Alaska Air National Guard. (Alaska Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

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