Military Personnel in Aircraft

Photos of service members inside military aircraft, focused on flight operations, with a range of cockpit and interior views highlighting teamwork.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Much Eaton, 818 Mobility Support Advisory Squadron, Air Advisor, looks out the window of a UH-60 Blackhawk during a fly-to-assess mission at Fort Knox, Ky., Feb. 19, 2024. The collaborative effort focuses on how Advisors from different branches can come together to provide replicated partner forces with the best training and assistance possible. Army

020427-F-7203T-005. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE 2002 Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Much Eaton, 818 Mobility Support Advisory Squadron, Air Advisor, looks out the window of a UH-60 Blackhawk during a fly-to-assess mission at Fort Knox, Ky., Feb. 19, 2024. The collaborative effort focuses on how Advisors from different branches can come together to provide replicated partner forces with the best training and assistance possible. Army

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Mickey Hernandez, a flight crew student with Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron (HMHT) 302, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, participates in flight training aboard a CH-53E Super Stallion on Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, Jacksonville, North Carolina, July 20, 2022. MCAS New River provides aviation support, force protection, infrastructure, and community services to promote the readiness, sustainment and quality of life for II Marine Expeditionary Force and other military forces, tenant commands, personnel and their families.

Marine Gunnery Sgt. John Marsh, a load master with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, looks out the jump window of a KC-130J during bilateral jump operation at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, Romania, May 25, 2015. The Marines joined the Romanians as part of an integration exercise which utilized air assets launched from Morón Air Base, Spain. The aircraft integrated with Marines from the Black Sea Rotational Force during Platinum Eagle 15, where they work with their Allies from the Bulgarian and Romanian armed forces.

030903-M-7837W-029. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Blaire Airfield, Al Kut State: Wasit Country: Iraq (IRQ)

010427-F-1698M-001. Subject Operation/Series: DYNAMIC RESPONSE Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Air Force Reserve Master Sgt. Jayne Alexander, 730th Air Mobility Training Squadron loadmaster instructor, looks out the door of a C-17 Globemaster III as it flies closer to the Sicily Drop Zone near Fayetteville, North Carolina, Dec. 9, 2022. Loadmasters play an integral role during drop operations by communicating timing from pilots and jumpmasters, ensuring the safety of jumpers prior to the drop.

Tunisian paratroopers prepare to hand off their static lines and exit the plane as part of a friendship airborne operation in Grier Labouihi, Morocco, during African Lion 22, June 19, 2022. Afrcian Lion 22 is U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, combined annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, June 6 - 30. More than 7,500 participants from 28 nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner-nation forces. AL22 is a joint all-domain, multi-component, and multinational exercise, employing a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants and set the theater for strategic access.

Senior Airman Warren Purnell, 37th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, prepares a C-130J Super Hercules for take-off during a Joint Airborne Air Transportability Training exercise June 30, 2016, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Airmen maintain their sharp on-the-job skills by performing these JA/ATT exercises frequently, ensuring that the mission can continue without a hiccup.

030728-F-6701P-009. Base: Lungi Country: Sierra Leone (SLE)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Travis Akerson, 1st Helicopter Squadron special missions aviator, pilots the UH-1N Huey, during the Joint Base Andrews 2022 Air & Space Expo at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sept. 16, 2022. Airshows provide an opportunity for people to see U.S. military air capabilities in action and meet the service members who fly and maintain the equipment.

Australian soldiers from 5th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment await the signal to begin dismounting from the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter for their joint training rehearsal as part of Super Garuda Shield 2022 in Baturaja, Indonesia, Aug. 8, 2022. Super Garuda Shield, a part of Operation Pathways and a longstanding annual, bilateral military exercise conducted between the U.S. military, Indonesia National Armed Forces, has now expanded to a multinational exercise encompassing 14 Nations. This exercise reinforces the U.S. commitments to our allies, and other regional partners reinforcing joint readiness, and the interoperability to fight and win together.

A Czech crew chief gives directions to U.S. Soldiers with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion (Attack), 3rd Aviation Regiment, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade (12th CAB) while aboard a Czech Air Force Mil Mi-17 helicopter at Namest Airfield, Czechia, Sept. 12, 2022. Select Griffins” Soldiers with 12th CAB were invited to ride along with their Czech counterparts during Ample Strike ‘22, a Czech Republic-led, multi-national live-fire exercise that offers advanced Air/Land Integration Training to Joint Terminal Attack Controllers in coordination with fighter aircraft, from Sept. 5-16, 2022

DF-ST-87-09612. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. James Townsend, a loadmaster from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, or VMM-261 (REIN), watches 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron pararescuemen conduct static line training jumps over East Africa, Feb. 27, 2024. VMM-261 (REIN) conducts regular training with the 82nd ERQS aboard the USMC KC-130J Hercules cargo aircraft to maintain job proficiency for both services. Air Force

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Daniel Haack, 1st Marine Division Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) Program Manager, plans an aerial assault mission aboard a U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk, alongside Capt. Keil Silva, JTAC Student with 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, as part of exercise Garnet Rattler April 21, 2022. Garnet Rattler is a joint training event between Marines, Soldiers and Airmen to train and qualify JTACs to be more efficient and lethal in a realistic training environment.

Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Jordan Epping, assigned to the Vanguard” of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14 (HM-14), records video footage during the squadron’s last flight Dec. 8, 2022.

220802-N-YC581-1073PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 2, 2022) - Gunnery Sgt. Jesus Luna, a tilt-rotor mechanic assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 362 (Reinforced), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, works on the removal of the left hand hub of an MV-22 Osprey in the hangar bay of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), Aug. 2. Makin Island has the ability to embark and support all Marine aviation assets including the MV-22 Osprey and the F-35B Lightning II. Makin Island, flagship of amphibious squadron (CPR) SEVEN, along with 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), is currently underway conducting integrated training in the U.S. 3rd fleet to prepare for an upcoming deployment.

U.S. Marines with Marine Forces Special Operations Command conduct on-off drills with an MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 during Exercise Raven (RavenEx) 22-5 at Combat Readiness Training Center, Gulfport, Mississippi, May 10, 2022. VMM-365 provided assault support for MARSOC during a predeployment training exercise to enhance combat readiness in an unfamiliar expeditionary environment. VMM-365 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Army Sgt. Konner Case, a CH-47 helicopter repairer assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 111th Aviation Regiment, Mississippi Army National Guard, surveys the area from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter above Fort Myers, Florida, October 4, 2022. The 111th is deployed to south Florida to respond to the devastation of Hurricane Ian.

Pfc. Sabrina Peak is an Eighth Army Soldier serving with 1st Battalion, 38th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division at Camp Casey, South Korea as a Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) crewmember. Peak says driving the 55,000-pound MLRS is one of her favorite tasks that comes with her job.

New Jersey Army National Guard Sgt. Kevin Abre of Bravo Battery, 3rd Battalion, 112th Field Artillery Regiment looks through the spotting scope of a M119 105 mm Howitzer during field training at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. on May 21, 2022. Howitzers are long-range weapons able to provide direct or indirect fire.

EAST CHINA SEA (Oct. 10, 2022) Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Connor Olson, from Hudson, Wisconsin, conducts pre-flight checks aboard a MH-60R Helicopter assigned to the SABERHAWKS of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM-77) during flight deck operations with Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) in the East China Sea on Oct. 10, 2022. Chancellorsville is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific and is assigned to Commander, Task Force 70, a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of its allies and partners in the region.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joshua Ramos, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter repairer instructor in 2d Battalion, 210th Aviation Regiment, briefs Maj. Gen. Michael McCurry, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence commander, shows how the training is conducted in a UH-60 trainer at Fort Eustis, Virginia, September 6, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Aaron Rasmussen, 9th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, conducts preflight checks prior to a mission at Travis Air Force Base, California, July 4, 2022. The training flight provided an opportunity for aircrew to maintain proficiency and included a fly-over supporting two fourth of July parades.

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 28, 2022) Lance Cpl. Riannon Blaine, from Canton, Ohio, assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), loads ordnance onto an F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft from the 31st MEU on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Theodore C. Lee)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Noah Isabell, a loadmaster with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, secures a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) for transit at Subic Bay International Airport, Philippines, Oct. 17, 2022. Marines with VMGR-152 assisted the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, transporting personnel and a HIMARS, demonstrating the ability to rapidly relocate forces across the Indo-Pacific region.

Spc. Hunter Wolfe (Front), an Air Defense Battle Management Systems Operator with the 1-265th Air Defense Artillery is learning from Stephen Kersey, a pilot with the Osceola Sheriffs Department (Back), on the importance of helicopter support during a Hurricane and showing him the cabin. This is in preparation for Hurricane Ian in Kissimmee, Fla. Sept. 28, 2022.

U.S. Marines and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) members work together while conducting Forward Area Refueling Point training during Black Flag 22-1 at Nellis AFB, May 13, 2022. Though smaller in scale, Black Flag is designed as the test counterpart to Red Flag. While Red Flag builds readiness, Black Flag builds capability.

The Mid-Plains All-Star College Baseball League hosted by the City of Junction City, Kansas, visited the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, at Fort Riley, Kansas on July 16th, 2022, to learn about Army aviation and the special relationship that Junction City enjoys with its 1st Infantry Division partners. 1st CAB Soldiers taught the players about the different airframes and gave them the unique opportunity to see the aircraft up close.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joshua Skorski, a CH-47 Chinook flight engineer, assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Squadron, 214th General Support Aviation Battalion, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, conducts airspace surveillance during a multinational media day and cultural-exchange flight held at Tampere, Finland, Aug. 4, 2022. For the next few weeks, U.S. Soldiers and Finnish troops will be conducting multiple training exercises to strengthen relations and help build interoperability between the two nations.

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) Commanding General Maj. Gen. Bradford J. Gering tours the cabin of a CH-53E Super Stallion at Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd MAW, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Oct. 24, 2022. Gering visited the unit and met with the squadrons operations officer, sergeant major, maintenance chief, and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit detachment officer in charge to discuss the squadrons upcoming deployments across the Indo-Pacific Region. Gering is a native of Smithtown, New York.

PACIFIC OCEAN -- AH-1Z "Viper SuperCobra" pilots 1st Lt. Michael Tetrealt, right, and Capt. Travis Patterson aboard USS Makin Island prepare to fly Oct. 5. The pilots serve with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, aka Scarface, whose detachment is supporting the aviation combat element of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit's special-purpose Marine air-ground task force. The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit is the first amphibious landing force to embark Makin Island, which set sail for San Francisco Oct. 1 to participate in the city's 2010 Fleet Week. There the 11th MEU plans to showcase to the public the Marine Corps' men and women, its aircraft and equipment, and its ability to conduct missions that span the overlapping spectrums of peace and combat, from disaster relief of war. Tetrealt is from Killingly, Conn., and Patterson is from Austin, Texas.

An Airman assigned to the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron petroleum, oils and lubricants flight monitors hot-pit refueling during surge operations at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 24, 2022. During a hot-pit refuel, the pilot remains in the cockpit with engines running while maintenance crews perform safety checks and refuel the aircraft, cutting the time between sorties to less than 30 minutes.

030424-F-7203T-014. Base: Baghdad International Airport Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jason Siverling with the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron adjusts a strap for an airdrop on a C-17 Globemaster III at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, May 4, 2012. The C-17 is one of two aerial resupply platforms utilized by the U.S. Air Force's air mobility division. In 2011, the AMD directed the dropping of over 58,000 bundles comprising more than 80 million pounds of critical supplies to personnel in austere combat outposts.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Daniel Andrews, an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technician with Combat Logistic Battalion 24, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistic Group, levels the remote fuse disassembly system during an EOD exploitation range on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 1, 2023. EOD Technicians demonstrated exploitation and inerting techniques to members of the Air Force EOD 6th Civil Engineer Squadron in order to enhance joint capabilities and share knowledge across the forces.

DA-ST-87-01735. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE 86 State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040512-F-9085B-008. Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An Airman from the 55th Rescue Squadron, fires at simulated targets during an exercise at Gowen Field Air National Guard Base, Idaho, Sept. 14, 2022. Terminal Employment is the training performed in preparation for the final phase of the 55th Rescue Squadrons mission of combat search and rescue.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Noa Morse, 203rd Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, delivers fuel to Royal Australian Air Force aircraft December 7, 2022, near the coast of Oahu, Hawaii. PACIFIC EDGE is held to provide realistic combat training with the incorporation of fighter and command and control aircraft, contributing to mission readiness and regional stability throughout the free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Aaron Harman, an Electronic Communication Systems operator with the 193rd Special Operations Group, pulls patch cables during the EC-130J Commando Solo aircraft final training flight in Middletown, Pennsylvania, Sept. 17, 2022. Airmen from the 193rd Special Operations Wing brought to a close a 54-year chapter in unit history as one of the three Commando Solo aircraft delivered its final broadcast during the Lancaster Community Days Air Show event.

Service members from the Peace Vanguard Republic of Singapore Air Force and the Arizona Army National Guard trained together July 21 through August 29, 2022 at the Idaho National Guards Orchard Combat Training Center, completing day and night AH-64 Apache aerial gunnery operations. While at the OCTC, Peace Vanguard pilots and crews trained on several ranges for air-to-ground and air-to-air qualifications, including the Digital Air Ground Integrated Range. The DAGIR is one of three in the U.S. Army and allows air and ground units to train together while receiving accurate and real-time feedback on their performance.

060104-A-7359K-021. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fob Mchenry State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Michael McLaughlin, the launcher security chief with 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, awaits instructions in a Humvee on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 6, 2022. Live-fire exercises with High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems are conducted in order to enhance the tactical and operational readiness of 1st MarDiv Marines for exercises and real-world operations.

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 30, 2022) U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Humberto Alba, a naval aircrewman tactical-helicopter, attached to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 37, deployed on U.S. Coast Guard Legend-class cutter USCGC Midgett (WMSL 757), smiles after landing back on Midgett during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

U.S. Nuclear Missile Silos

230324-N-NH267-1015 ARABIAN SEA (March 24, 2023) Fire Controlman (Aegis) 1st Class Max Reed clears a passageway aboard the Spanish Armada frigate Reina Sofia (F-84) during a VBSS exercise with the guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), March 24, 2023 in the Arabian Sea. Paul Hamilton is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.

U.S. Air Force HH-53 Rescue Helicopter Maintenance at Udorn Air Base, Thailand. U.S. Air Force HH-53 Rescue Helicopter Maintenance at Udorn Air Base, Thailand.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kevin Ross, 81st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron HC-130J, Combat King II loadmaster, signals a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163, over the Red Sea, Sept. 7, 2022, during a tactical air refueling mission. The 81st ERQS is a rapidly deployable combat search and rescue force that can conduct tactical air refueling, airdrop and airland of personnel and/or equipment during day or night operations in support of combat personnel recovery within Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa area of responsibility.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to load a simulated casualty on a UH-1Y Huey helicopter during a night casualty evacuation exercise aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 11, 2022. This integrated training establishes confidence and familiarity between the Marines and Sailors for in-flight medical treatment. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Zachary Faull and Hospital Corpsman Nicholas Towne, both with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, treat a simulated casualty during Exercise Shinka 22.1 at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, June 24, 2022. Shinka exemplifies a shared commitment to realistic training that produces lethal, ready, and adaptable forces capable of decentralized operations across a wide range of missions. 3/2 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

U.S. Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team train with M4 carbines on a virtual firing range at Fort Indiantown Gap, Feb. 4, 2023. Known as an Engagement Skills Trainer or EST, the virtual firing range gives Soldiers a simulated environment to sharpen their skills without the logistics, risks and cost of using an actual firing range. The Soldiers zeroed their weapons and walked through a qualification event in preparation for qualification on an actual range later this year.

Spc. Thomas Appelhanz, C Company, 6th Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade flight medic checks to ensure IV fluid is flowing properly to a wounded Afghan National Army Solidier during a patient transfer mission at Forward Operating Base Tagab, Kapisa province, Afghanistan Nov. 5, 2012.

Brig. Gen. Daniel Hibner, South Atlantic Division Commander, observes damages during an overflight of areas impacted by Hurricane Ian Sept. 30, 2022 in Fort Myers, Florida. Coast Guard assets are conducting search and rescue operations in response to the damages caused by Hurricane Ian at Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater.

040811-F-4882M-001. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030718-F-6844O-006. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Kirkuk Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 139th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Missouri Air National Guard, conducts a stray voltage check in the ALE-47 Chaff and Flare System of a C-130H Hercules aircraft, while attending the Weapon Task Qualification Manager/Munitions Training Course, at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, in St. Joseph, Missouri, February 22, 2024. The check is preformed in order to protect maintainers and pilots from accidental flares. The WTQM course, taught by the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center, includes training in the uploading of expendables in the ALE-47 Chaff and Flare Systems, as well as explosive safety, expendables operations, and practical flare loading operations, utilizing training munitions items on mobility aircraft. Air National Guard

SAN DIEGO (July 8, 2022) U.S. Navy aircrewmen assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21, Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians and U.S. Marines participate in a recovery exercise during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 in Southern California. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans.

020407-N-5961C-011. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Gulf Of Aden

Airman 1st Class Visaury Martinez Cruz, 436th Maintenance Squadron Electrical and Environmental apprentice, inspects an air conditioning valve on a C-5M Super Galaxy at the 436th MXS Isochronal Dock on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, March 24, 2023. The 436th MXS Isochronal Dock is capable of performing certain Programmed Depot Maintenance-level jobs, effectively minimizing maintenance downtime and increasing aircraft availability.

Staff Sgt. Tyler Renteria, 36th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, prepares to rig a heavy equipment extract parachute before taking off from Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 12, 2022. Loadmasters ensure aircraft configurations are correct and properly prepared for air drops.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. William Serocki, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266, poses for a picture during French-Caribbean exercise Caraibes 22 at Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, June 15, 2022. Caraibes 22 is a French-led, large-scale, joint-training exercise in the Caribbean involving naval, air, and land assets from the French, U.S., and regional forces focused on responding to simulated-natural disasters. VMM-266 is a subordinate unit to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, which is the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

Canadian Forces Air Command Sergeant Jason Day, a communications technician with the 962nd Air Control Squadron, Elmendorf Air Force Base Alaska, repairs a mission critical radio, onboard a US Air Force E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, flying in support of Operation NORTHERN WATCH to enforce the No-Fly-Zone over Northern Iraq. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brad Yeomans, a boom operator with the 328th Air Refueling Squadron, sits in the cockpit of a KC-135 Stratotanker May 12, 2022 on Niagara Air Reserve Station, New York flightline. Before becoming a boom operator, Yeomans was a C-130 Hercules loadmaster for the 914th Air Refueling Wing. In 2017, the 914th ARW changed aircraft from C-130 Hercules to KC-135 Stratotankers.

Aeromedical evacuation technicians the 137th Aeromedical EvacuationSquadron, Oklahoma Air National Guard, assemble a stanchion litter system(SLS) before completing in-flight medical scenarios on a 507th Air RefuelingWing KC-135 Stratotanker at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., June 9, 2022.

221026-N-IX644-1055 ADRIATIC SEA (Oct. 26, 2022) Cmdr. Patrick Acker, navigation officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), discusses the navigation plan to pull alongside the Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler Kanawha (T-AO 196) for a replenishment-at-sea during the NATO-led vigilance activity Neptune Strike 22.2 (NEST 22.2), in the Adriatic Sea, Oct. 26, 2022. NEST 22.2 is the natural evolution of NATO's ability to integrate the high-end maritime warfare capabilities of a carrier strike group to support the defense of the alliance in Europe.

030929-F-9429S-007. Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

The Idaho Army National Guards 1st of the 148th Field Artillery Regiment conducted live-fire training using the M109A6 Paladin and over 80 high explosive rounds during its annual training at the Orchard Combat Training Center, May 12 to 27, 2022. Training included its first live-fire exercise using the U.S. Armys modernized M1156 Precision Guidance Kit, a GPS smart fuze attachment, that enabled the battalion to convert its existing 155mm artillery shells into smart weapons and improve target trajectory.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Rhodes, 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron HC-130J Combat King II loadmaster, guides a loading vehicle and cargo off the aircraft during a combat airlift operation within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, November 22, 2022. The HC-130J is a rapidly deployable, multi-capable airframe, that performs combat search and rescue, aerial refueling, and combat airlift missions within the CENTCOM AOR.

SAN DIEGO (July 8, 2022) U.S. Navy aircrewmen assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21, Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians and U.S. Marines participate in a recovery exercise during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 in Southern California. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans.

221202-N-MR862-076 TINKER AFB, Okla. (02 Dec. 2022) Lt. Cmdr. Jack Keilty assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211 performs flight safety checks on the skin of a F/A-18E Super Hornet on the Fleet Air Reconnaissance (VQ) 3 flightline Dec. 02 2022. Strategic Communications Wing (SCW) 1 is a tenant command at Tinker Air Force Base, ensuring National Security through the deterrence of adversarial nuclear ambitions.

U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Curtis Shelton, a Joint Terminal Attack Controller with 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division , listens to radio communications after a dry fire event at Saylor Creek Range in Grasmere, Idaho during exercise Garnet Rattler May 18, 2022. Garnet Rattler is a joint exercise between Marines, Soldiers and Airmen to train and qualify Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) to be more efficient and lethal in a realistic training environment.

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. --U.S. Space Force SPC 3 Michelle Skeets, a Space Operator for 4th Space Operations Squadron, Mobile Operations Flight (DOM). Pulls security during a routine training exercise at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, April 8, 2022. the 4th SOPS mission is to operate the U.S. Space Force's protected and wideband Military Satellite Communications systems. They provide warfighters global, secure, survivable, strategic and tactical communication during peacetime and throughout the full spectrum of conflict. The squadron is responsible for command and control of the Milstar/Advanced Extremely High Frequency, Defense Satellite Communications System Phase III, and Wideband Global Satellite Communications satellite constellations through dedicated Extremely High Frequency antennas and the Air Force Satellite Control Network. The squadron also operates three mobile constellation control stations at various locations in conjunction with host partners.

Caleb Zimmet and his brother lay in the boom training simulator here at 128th Air Refueling Wing, Milwaukee, Aug. 3, 2022. The 128th Air Refueling Wing and Make-A-Wish Wisconsin teamed up to fulfill the wish of Caleb Zimmet to become a pilot for a day.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Schuyler Williams, an aerial gunner with the 4th Special Operations Squadron, participates in a training sortie on an AC-130J Ghostrider, April 14, 2022 at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The 4 SOS regularly performs training sorties on the AC-130J in order to ensure readiness to perform special operations missions any time, any place.

011120-F-4406B-008. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

U.S. Marine Cpl. John Taylor (right), an infantry automatic rifle gunner with 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion attached to Task Group 61/2.4, boards a UH-1Y Venom helicopter with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 264 near Saaremaa, Estonia, May 22, 2022. Task Group 61/2.4 provides naval and joint force commanders with dedicated multi-domain reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance (RXR) capabilities. Task Group 61/2.4, under Task Force 61/2, is executing the Commandant of the Marine Corps Concept for Stand-in Forces (SIF) to generate small, highly versatile units that integrate Marine Corps and Navy forces. Task Force 61/2 is deployed in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied and Partner interests.

A U.S. Air Force pilot assigned to the 157th Fighter Squadron, South Carolina Air National Guard, prepares for take off in an F-16 Fighting Falcon during exercise Sentry Savannah 22-1 at the Air Dominance Center in Savannah, Georgia, May 11, 2022. Sentry Savannah is the Air National Guards premier counter air exercise, encompassing 10 units of fourth- and fifth- generation fighter aircraft, which tests the capabilities of warfighters in a simulated near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

011024-F-1705S-023. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) gunner operates the fire control panel inside a self-propelled launcher loader (SPLL). Base: White Sands Missile Test Range State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Lt. Col. Jim Sluder, 10th Air Force personnel recovery division combat rescue officer and jumpmaster, searches for the drop zone from the back of an HC-130J Combat King II aircraft over Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, Sept. 10, 2022. Jumpmasters are highly proficient in every component of the jump process to ensure jumpers land safely on their target.

Airman 1st Class Thomas Snell, 43rd Fighter Generation Squadron, secures an AIM-9 during the units quarterly weapons load competition April 7 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Two teams competed to see who could load an AIM-9 and a GBU-32 onto their F-22 Raptor the fastest and with the fewest errors. The winner will be announced at the quarterly awards ceremony.

041111-F-2608C-003. Base: Yokota Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

DA-SC-87-04255. Subject Operation/Series: REFORGER '86 Base: Tannesburg Country: West Germany (FRG)

Staff Sgt. Bert Finland of St. Marys, Pa., a Soldier with Company C, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team checks his headset radio in a Stryker vehicle May 4. Finland checked the communications equipment prior to participating in a patrol in Taji, north of Baghdad.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Caryl Armour, a boom operator with the 76th Air Refueling Squadron, 514th Air Mobility Wing, operates the boom of a KC-10 Extender over the Eastern United States on June 8, 2022. One of the many capabilities of the 514th AMW is to facilitate aircraft-to-aircraft refueling services while in flight, extending the duration an aircraft can stay in the air or the distance they can travel without having to land.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Tan Pham, 755th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron acting lead production superintendent, performs a preflight check on an EC-130H Compass Call at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Aug. 17, 2022. After six months of dedicated hard work, the EC-130 was marked with zero functional discrepancies.

A member from the Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team East (MSRTE) logs information on a mobile workstation during Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) Defense Training in U.S. Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England's area of responsibility on August 23, 2022. Using role players and a local ferry, members of MSRT East are tasked to interdict and board the vessel in order to verify and seize threat personnel and materials to safeguard U.S. Ports and/or critical facilities.

020603-F-8425S-004. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Staff Sgt. Ryan Raby, a fuels system specialist with the 64th Air Refueling Squadron, checks the wires and casing around the fuel system inside a KC-46 Feb. 2, 2023 at Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire. All of fuels system's maintenance is unscheduled, so the maintainers are constantly kept on their toes, fixing, troubleshooting and up-keeping components and hardware to ensure all aircraft are mission-ready.

Kansas Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Trevor Dark, left, and Tech, Sgt. Adam Gilfilland, both 117th Aerial Refueling Squadron, Forbes Field, Kansas KC-135 Stratotanker boom operators, refuel aircraft in support of RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, Alaska, August 2, 2022. This exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint, coalition and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases.

DA-ST-85-02278. Subject Operation/Series: URGENT FURY Base: Grenville Country: Grenada (GRD)

050126-M-7404B-022. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

011220-F-3354H-006. Base: Middletown State: Pennsylvania (PA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air National Guard

Crewmembers conduct pre-flight checks inside the aircraft during the 21st AF STANEVAL. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Base: Dover Air Force Base State: Delaware (DE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Airmen and Soldiers load a training patient onto an HH-60M MedEvac Black Hawk helicopter, assigned to Task Force Longhorn, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, July 14, 2022. TF Longhorn in partnership with the attending point of care units conducted a large-scale joint force MedEvac litter load training and K9 environment conditioning. Army MedEvac capabilities allow USCENTCOM forces to expedite casualties to next-level care and augment base medical capabilities.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Alexus Tesi, aviation mechanist mate assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 131 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, performs preflight procedures on an EA-18G Growlers during Vigilant Storm 23 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Nov. 1, 2022. VS23 is an annually recurring, re-planned training that assessed Airmen and aircrew on their ability to perform their duties while operating in a simulated emergency environment.

011008-F-3961R-009. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

DA-ST-90-02277. Country: Unknown

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