Military Personnel in Operations

Photos of military personnel in operational settings, highlighting pilots, crew members, and activities related to aviation and tactical maneuvers.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Keegan Salas, 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling specialist, secures emergency exits prior to takeoff from Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, April 21, 2022. In-flight refueling specialists operate a specialized boom from the back of a KC-135, which allows for fuel to be pumped into trailing aircraft thousands of feet in the air.

041014-M-3988H-003. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Al Asad State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Maj. Ryan Klenke, a UH-1Y Venom pilot, with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII, talks to the aircraft crew while at a forward arming and refueling point at Santa Cruz Air Force Base, Rio de Janeiro, Sept. 6, 2022. A FARP is a point of operation used for fueling and rearming an aircraft outside of a forward operating base. UNITAS develops and sustains relationships that improve the capacity of our reemerging and enduring maritime partners to achieve common objectives. Additionally, the military-to-military exchanges foster mutual cooperation and understanding among participating Navies and Marine Corps. Klenke is a native of Clare, MI.

South China Sea (March. 11, 2023) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Kevin Michel, a CH-53E air-framer assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 362 (Rein.), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, operates a CH-53E Super Stallion aboard the John P. Murtha, March 11. The Navy-Marine Corps team, capable of both rapid response and sustained operations globally, remains America's most persistent and versatile military instrument. The 13th MEU is embarked with the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and the amphibious transport dock ships USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and John P. Murtha, and in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navys largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Stephen Spirlock, a 58th Airlift Squadron loadmaster from Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, looks out the door as it flies close to the Sicily Drop Zone near Fayetteville, North Carolina, Dec. 8, 2022. Operation Toy Drop lasted from Dec. 5-13, with aircrew from the 58th AS joining from Dec. 7-9.

Pilot in Fighter Jet

Tech. Sgt. Bartek Bachleda, 54th Air Refueling Squadron, Altus Air Force Base, Okla., boom operator instructor, refuels an F-22 Raptor from Tyndall AFB, Fla., Aug. 21, 2012. The F-22 was refueled outside of New York in support of the Brooklyn Cyclone flyover during Air Force Week in New York City.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Keegan Salas, 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling specialist, secures emergency exits prior to takeoff from Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, April 21, 2022. In-flight refueling specialists operate a specialized boom from the back of a KC-135, which allows for fuel to be pumped into trailing aircraft thousands of feet in the air.

U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Logan Henderson, a machinery technician aboard USCGC Bear (WMEC 901), works to repair a broken gasket on the port engine, North Atlantic Ocean, Sep. 1, 2022. Henderson and his shipmates worked continuously for hours in an engine room that was over 100ºF to resolve the discrepancy.

230315-A-RY768-1022 ARABIAN GULF (March 15, 2023) Mineman 3rd Class Greylen Weller, assigned to mine countermeasures ship USS Gladiator (MCM 11), steers the ship in the Arabian Gulf, March 15, 2023. Gladiator 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 Senior Airman Joshua Ortega, 92nd Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, prepares a mid-air re-fuel during Red Flag 14-1 over the Nevada Test and Training Range Feb. 4, 2014. Mid-air re-fueling is vital to a combat mission because it allows fighters, bombers, and other aircraft essential to the fight to refuel without having to waste valuable time refueling on the ground. The more these re-fueling operations are practiced in a controlled environment the smoother they will run in a real-world combat environment. Red Flag is hosted at Nellis AFB, Nev., and provides realistic combat training in a contested, degraded and operationally limited environment.

060507-A-6365W-036. Base: Forward Operating Base Remagen State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

030927-F-6844O-003. Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

DF-ST-88-06852. Subject Operation/Series: CORONET TITAN Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A boom operator controls the boom on a KC-135 Stratotanker while flying over Montana, Apr. 20, 2022. The intent of this flight was to educate key leaders within the Spokane community on Fairchilds primary mission and the capabilities of the KC-135.

.50 Caliber Machine Gun

A member of the 33rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service maintenance crew assists in the assembly of a recently arrived CH-3 Jolly Green Giant helicopter. Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

A U.S. Air Force Pilot from the 77th Fighter Squadron (77th FS) enters a F-16C Fighting Falcon to perform pre-flight checks on the flightline at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct. 17, 2022. The 77th FS deployed to provide combat air support downrange in the Central Command Area of Responsibility.

Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Leslie Malecha, a plane captain for Fighter Squadron 124 (VF-124), participates in carrier qualification training aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72). Base: USS Abraham Lincoln(CVN 72) Country: Pacific Ocean(POC)

Maj. Brett Gedman, 301st Fighter Squadron, readies for a mission wearing the Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet March 24 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The 46th Test Squadron engineers have begun developmental testing on NGFWH with F-22 pilots while the aircraft are stationed at Eglin. These tests mark the second round of developmental testing since the Air Force announced the new LIFT-manufactured helmet last year.

Airman 1st Class Jake Brodbeck, an F-16 crew chief, inspects a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility as part of Exercise Ballast Cannon, Jan. 6, 2024. Exercise Ballast Cannon occurs nearly quarterly with the Royal Bahraini Air Force to support the U.S. Air Forces rapid expeditionary capabilities by integrating Agile Combat Employment objectives for F-16 Fighting Falcon, KC-135 Stratotanker, and operational support personnel. The American Airman is a warfighter - capable of supporting dynamic operations while seamlessly integrating with coalition forces.

A U.S. Army CH-47F Chinook crew chief with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment, prepares for an air assault mission during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Ladd Army Airfield, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, March 30, 2023. JPMRC-AK 23-02 helps Soldiers and leaders develop and refine the tactics, techniques, and procedures necessary to successfully operate in remote and extreme Arctic winter conditions and overcome environmental and military challenges.

Airmen assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing participate in the selective arming program (SELARM) during a routine training event at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, April 24, 2022. The SELARM program assists the 8th Security Forces Squadron by arming base augmentees and individual units, who may then have dedicated support for specific facilities across Kunsan.

A soldier hoping to join the U.S. Army's Golden Knights parachute demonstration team watches the terrain below while en route to the drop zone for a qualifying jump. Country: Unknown

Over 150 community members, city council officials, mayors, and family members visited Storck Barracks during a bicycle tour held annually on Whit Monday, June 6, 2022. The visit included a tour of a UH-60L Blackhawk, HH-60M MEDEVAC Blackhawk, CH-47 Chinook, and the dining facility on Stork Barracks.

220907-N-CR843-0023 U-TAPAO, Thailand (Sept. 7, 2022) Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class, Joshua McFarland, assigned to the Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, taxis and directs a P-8A Poseidon aircraft in U-Tapao, Thailand, during Sea Surveillance Exercise 2022, Sept. 7. VP-8 is currently deployed to Naval Air Facility (NAF) Misawa, Japan, conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance and theater outreach operations within U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of Commander, Task Force 72 and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command objectives throughout the region.

030813-F-5435R-007. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT RESCUE XI Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020117-F-5697C-013. Subject Operation/Series: COPE TIGER 2002 Base: Korat Air Base Country: Thailand (THA)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Justin Stokes, the sergeant major of Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, flies in an MV-22 Osprey during a tour of Kangaroo Flats Training Area in Darwin, NT, Australia, May 6, 2022. Stokes joined Col. Christopher Steele, the commanding officer of MRF-D 22, in the tour to meet with Marines and gain a better understanding of the training environment and conditions.

220413-N-BP862-1039 IONIAN SEA (April 13, 2022) Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Madeline Ortiz, from Newark, New Jersey, tightens bolts on the wing of a E/A-18G Growler in the hangar bay of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), April 13, 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 U.S., allied and partner interests in Europe and Africa.

030903-M-7837W-034. Subject Operation/Series: OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT)

DF-ST-86-12743. Country: Unknown

Tech. Sgt. Austin Schwier, 39th Rescue Squadron loadmaster, scans the sky during a turkey shoot competition off the coast of Florida, June 16, 2022. During the competition aircrew members competed on skills such as aircraft weapons employment, helicopter air to air refueling, degraded navigation, degraded search, and confined hoisting.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Efrain Rodriguez, 36th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, sits on standby to drop packages over Tagallap during Operation Christmas Drop, Dec. 6, 2022. Operation Christmas Drop is an annual U.S. Air Force tradition of packaging and delivering donated supplies such as food, fishing equipment, school books and clothing to more than 20 thousand islanders across 56 remote islands throughout the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau.

040810-F-0193C-012. Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

U.S. Airman 1st Class Aziel Alvarado, 92nd Air Refueling Wing boom operator, Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, conducts a pre-flight inspection on a KC-135 Stratotanker at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2, June 10, 2022. Approximately 1,600 service members from three nations are expected to fly, maintain and support more than 70 aircraft from over 22 units during this iteration of the exercise.

Members of the Defense Science Study Group receive a brief from a U.S. Marine with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing on the capabilities of the MV-22B Osprey and CH-53E Super Stallion, at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina Sept.19, 2022. During their visit, the members received a tour of various subordinate II MEF units to gain a better understanding of Marine Corps organization, capabilities and operations. Members of the DSSG include science and engineering academia from across the United States, and is a program funded by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and directed by the non-profit, Institute for Defense Analyses. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua Crumback)

Members of the Defense Science Study Group receive a brief from a U.S. Marine with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing on the capabilities of the MV-22B Osprey and CH-53E Super Stallion, at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina Sept.19, 2022. During their visit, the members received a tour of various subordinate II MEF units to gain a better understanding of Marine Corps organization, capabilities and operations. Members of the DSSG include science and engineering academia from across the United States, and is a program funded by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and directed by the non-profit, Institute for Defense Analyses. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua Crumback)

Spouses of 129th Rescue Wing members participate in a Spouse Flight around the San Francisco Bay Area aboard the HC-130J Combat King II, Moffett Federal Airfield, Calif., Sept. 11, 2022

Lance Corporal Antonio Medina, USMC, an Aviation Ordnance Loader from the Marine Corps Air Station, Beaufort, South Carolina, is checking loaded inert tactical bombs on an F/A-18 Hornet at the Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley in Queensland, Australia during exercise Crocodile '99, a combined U.S./Australian exercise. Subject Operation/Series: CROCODILE '99 Base: Raaf Amberley State: Queensland Country: Australia (AUS)

U.S. Air Force 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron B-52H Stratofortress Pilot Capt. Tramaine Omaha Barnett pilots a B-52 over the Mediterranean Sea during a Bomber Task Force mission, Sep. 4, 2022. Two B-52s were deployed for this BTF and were airborne for almost 22 and a half hours, taking off from RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, flying nonstop over the East Mediterranean, Arabian Peninsula, and Red Sea before returning.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Christian Magliocca, a loadmaster assigned to the 15th Airlift Squadron, prepares for a night airdrop from a C-17 Globemaster III near Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, June 28, 2022. The aircrew members performed nighttime airdrop maneuvers in South Carolina to sharpen their mission readiness.

220511-N-SI601-1056 PACIFIC OCEAN (May 11, 2022) Aviation Machinists Mate Airman Christian Myers, from Las Vegas, conducts a performance test on an F/A-18 Super Hornet jet engine on the fantail aboard the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Departments performance checks are one of the final steps in jet engine maintenance before Sailors return them to full operational capability. 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.

A sailor works at a chart table on the bridge of the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) during PACEX '89. Subject Operation/Series: PACEX '89 Base: USS Constellation (CV 64)

(From left to right) Airman 1st Class Andrew Fox and Tech. Sgt. Todd Bergin, loadmasters assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, secure their harnesses before releasing a low-cost, low-altitude cargo bundle during a training mission over Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 8, 2013. LCLA airdrops are a special container delivery system designed to be deployed in austere environments with minimal rigging cost.

110326-F-NW323-143U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Anthony Jecker, a CH-46 Sea Knight crew chief from the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron, Futenma Marine Air Station, Japan, scans the sky as his aircraft transports supplies to forward deployed military members at Sendai, Japan during Operation Tomodachi March 26, 2011. As part of Operation Tomodachi, the U.S. military has humanitarian assistance capabilities positioned in the affected region that are supporting emergency relief efforts at the request of the Japanese government.

Airman Grace Haire, 731st Air Mobility Squadron aircraft services technician, operates a K-loader at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, May 4, 2022. Airmen from the 731st AMS are responsible for ensuring all cargo and necessary flight equipment are cleared to load and off-load for outbound and inbound missions.

PHILIPPINE SEA (April 15, 2020) A Marine with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Units (MEU) Maritime Raid Force (MRF) watches as his fellow Marines fast rope during a fast rope and deck shoot rehearsal aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). The training simulated a helicopter insert into an opposed Visit, Board, Search and Seizure, one of the main mission sets of the MRF. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st MEU team, is operating in the U.S. 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.

Aviation Ordnanceman Third Class Beau Baucas fills a magazine on an F/A-18 Hornet from Marine Strike Fighter Squadron Three One Two (VMFA-312), "Checkerboards", on the flight deck of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) prior to launch operations. TRUMAN is on station in the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. SOUTHERN WATCH establishes a southern no fly zone over Iraq and extends to the borders to just south of Baghdad, capital city of Iraq. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brendan Smith, center, 351st Air Refueling Squadron, conducts a pre-flight brief at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, May 25, 2022. Three 501st Combat Support Wing 2021 Annual Award winners received the opportunity for an incentive flight aboard a KC-135R Stratotanker as it refueled several F-15 Strike Eagle and F-35 Lightning II aircraft above the North Sea.

030310-F-9528H-006. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

NORFOLK, VA (DEC. 09, 2022) - Offgoing Commanding Officer, CAPT Martin N. Fentress Jr. from Norfolk, Virginia.

Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Jason Pulk from HM-15, searches his screen for possible mine contacts during a flight conducting mine counter measures. Information is being fed to the Unit 4 monitor by the Q-14, a side scanning sonar device that is being towed by a MH-53 helicopter. This is in support of Exercise KERNEL BLITZ 2001. KERNEL BLITZ is a large-scale amphibious landing exercise taking place in the vicinity of Camp Pendleton, Calif. Approximately 25 ships, 75 aircraft and 15,000 Sailors, Marines, solders, airmen and Coast Guardsmen representing four nations are participating in the exercise. Subject Operation/Series: KERNEL BLITZ 2001 Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Maj. Mark Hankes, 344th Air Refueling Squadron KC-46A Pegasus pilot, performs a hot pit refuel on a KC-46A assigned to McConnell Air Force Base at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 10, 2022.

Coast Guard Structures - Air Stations - Operations - 26-HK-96-107. AIRSTA OPS--Coast Guardsman packing gear in building (5). Hurricane Katrina

DF-ST-88-03763. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD Country: Unknown

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Brandon Evans, a crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 461, looks out of a CH-53K King Stallion at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Aug. 17, 2022. This was the first time the Marine Corps deployed the King Stallion in an exercise. HMH-461 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

220715-N-ZW128-1050PACIFIC OCEAN (July 15, 2022) Republic of Singapore Navy Rear Adm. Saw Shi Tat, fleet commander, left, speaks with U.S. Navy Lt. Sarah Brown aboard U.S. Navy Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 15. 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. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

040406-F-6318N-038. Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040716-F-2295B-005. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-90-01664. Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Senior Airman Justin Krumwiede, pararescuemen assigned to the 58th Rescue Squadron, pays attention to jump commands during routine jump training over Spring Valley, Nevada, August 31, 2022. These Airmen train regularly to ensure every member can perform at their peak when called to do their job.

F-15E Strike Eagle pilots assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron perform pre-flight inspections on an aircraft at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Nov. 2, 2022. The Liberty Wing has been performing night flying operations in order to maintain readiness and showcase operational capabilities.

Aviation Electrician's Mate Airman Leslie Martinez, from Trenton, New Jersey, attached to the Raging Bulls” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87, washes an F/A-18E Super Hornet on USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) flight deck, April 12, 2022. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications and strike group integration as part of the ship’s tailored basic phase prior to operational deployment.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Vern Pritchard, CH-47F Instructor Pilot with the 1-111th Aviation Battalion, B Company, conducted pre-flight inspections at the Orlando Executive Airport, Fla., June 5, 2022. Florida National Guard Soldiers are dedicated to serving their community not only in times of distress but also joining them in celebration. With a lot of things as citizen soldiers of the Florida National Guard we like to contribute to our local communities, not just in hurricanes and fire fighting, but in events like this to show that we are there for them 100% of the time. Whether that's aviation or ground forces, we are always there and always ready, said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Vern Pritchard, CH-47F Instructor Pilot with the 1-111th.

Straight on medium shot inside a HH-60 Pave Hawk Combat Rescue Helicopter at USAF MASTER Sergeant John "Mickey" Spillane (Left), a pararescueman, and Technical Sergeant Jim Miloi, an HH-60 flight engineer. Both men continue to fly with the 102nd Rescue Squadron even after a terrible mishap where one of their co-workers was lost at sea. Base: Francis Gabreski Ang Base State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

051218-A-7359K-137. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Forward Operating Base Warrior State: Kirkuk Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION

U.S. Air Force Col. Randy D. Schwinler, Commander 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Group, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, looks through a window to see hand signals from a teammate while he conducts a pre-flight check from the cockpit of a KC-135 Stratotanker, July 9, 2022. Schwinler has been working KC-135 maintenance for 14 years and been in the maintenance field for 36 years.

110923-N-DR144-650 PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 23, 2011) Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Orri Henkle, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25, services an F/A-18C Hornet aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing 17 are underway conducting operations off the coast of Southern California.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jerry St. John from Pleasant Hill, California, a jumpmaster assigned to 2nd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistic Group, communicates to a safety officer during a static-line airborne operation aboard a KC-130J Hercules during Weapons and Tactics Instructors (WTI) course 1-23, near Yuma, Arizona, on Oct. 11, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics One, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

Senior Airman Esteban Gonzalez-Torres, 647th Logistics Readiness Squadron combat mobility flight team member, operates a k-loader in support of an exercise at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Aug. 24, 2022. The 647th LRS is responsible for ensuring passengers and cargo are loaded onto the aircraft safely and efficiently in support of 15th Wing airlift operations.

970910-F-8748C-008. Subject Operation/Series: CENTRAZBAT 97 Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Cpl. Ben Hudson, assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, climbs off the wing of a AV-8B Harrier aircraft after helping to move the aircraft to a different area of the flight deck aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard June 26. Bonhomme Richard is currently conducting routine joint-force operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

Private First Class 101st Aviation Battalion, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, secures the tail rotors of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at the conclusion of Exercise AHUAS TARA (BIG PINE) II. The helicopter will be disassembeld, washed, and loaded aboard a C-5 Galaxy aircraft for shipment back to the US. Subject Operation/Series: AHUAS TARA (BIG PINE) Base: La Mesa Country: Honduras (HND)

DF-ST-85-02162. Base: Chitose Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

120629-N-RU628-047PACIFIC OCEAN (June 29, 2012) Cpl. Jeremy Reese, from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, and Aviation MachinistÕs Mate Airman Franklin McGhee prepare to test a jet engine on the fantail of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is underway conducting carrier qualifications in preparation for Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012, the worldÕs largest international maritime exercise.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tyson Eastwood, 43d Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, kneels underneath an F-22 Raptor at Savannah Hilton Head International Airport, Georgia, May 2, 2022. The 325th Fighter Wing sent more than 200 personnel and 22 aircraft to participate in Sentry Savannah, a near-peer training exercise hosted by the Air National Guards Air Dominance Center.

Brig. Gen. Dann S. Carlson, outbound commander of the 154th Wing, prepares for his final F-22 Raptor flight Sept. 7, 2022, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. The 154th Wing saw some of the Air National Guard's highest-level awards under his leadership, including the Outstanding Unit Award and the Gen. Spaatz Trophy.

220510-N-FB730-1016 NAPLES, Italy (May 10, 2022) Capt. Gavin Duff, commanding officer, Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), mans the bridge during a sea and anchor detail as the ship pulls into Naples, Italy for a scheduled port visit, May 10, 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 U.S., Allied and partner interests in Europe and Africa.

Airmen aboard a Mobile Aerial Fire Fighting System C-130 Hercules aircraft prepare to drop a fire-retardant slurry mixture over a forest fire. Base: Big Sur State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-90-04277. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 31, 2022) Capt. Aaron Taylor, commanding officer of amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), a native of Carlsbad, California, uses the ships main circuit to speak with Sailors on board Essex, May 31, 2022. Essex is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

On Board Hm Submarine Tribune, 1942 The motor room on board HMS TRIBUNE.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Lucas Abrecht, a crew chief assigned to Heavy Marine Helicopter Training Unit 302, Marine Corps Station New River, North Carolina, participates in a joint training exercise over the Gulf of Mexico, Oct. 25, 2022. Marines assigned to HMHT-302 worked with servicemembers assigned to Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater to conduct a search and rescue exercise. (U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin)

Lt. Jon Daniel, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, operates the ship's guidance system as the junior officer of the deck aboard Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Oakland (LCS 24) as Oakland sails across the Natuna Sea, Mar. 27, 2023. Oakland, part of Destroyer Squadron 7, is on a rotational deployment, operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Reece Thompson, 95th Fighter Generation Squadron F-35A Lightning II assistant dedicated crew chief, communicates to a pilot during preflight checks at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 18, 2024. Crew chiefs aide with the efficient operation of aircraft due to their role in overseeing and coordinating maintenance activities for their assigned aircraft. Night flying produces different challenges which help pilots and maintenance Airmen enhance their skills in various flying conditions.

Airman 1st Class Ryan Lee, a 86th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels distribution mobile operator, documents issue quantity after refueling a C-17 Globemaster III at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, March 6, 2012. Airmen assigned to the fuels management flight are responsible for refueling all aircraft at Ramstein AB, 24-hours a day, seven days a week. They issued more than 130 million gallons of fuel in fiscal 2011.

TOKYO BAY (Dec. 9, 2022) - Boatswains Mate 3rd Class Aaron Regalado, from Seymour, Conn., blows into a boatswains mate pipe while underway aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), Dec. 9, 2022. Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy and, as 7th Fleet command ship, actively works to foster relationships with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Diezel Nye, aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron 273, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, puts on firefighting equipment during a tour with students from Silver Bluff High Schools Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, Feb. 27, 2024. Students visited ARFF, military working dogs and Air Traffic Control to learn about the air stations daily operations. Marine Corps

Staff Sgt. Mateis Maehler and Master Sgt. Phil Harris, 192nd Airlift Squadron C-130H loadmasters, prepare for a drop of a training cargo load above Amedee Army Airfield, Herlong, California June 24, 2022. The cargo was dropped during a three-ship tactical flight which involved low-level flying and touch and go landings

Helicopter pilot in a Westland H-14 Navy Lynx, April 1991.

Boatswains Mate 2nd Class Jerrico Enriquez assigned to USS Gerald R. Fords (CVN 78) deck department, operates a capstan on the ships fantail, Sept. 16, 2022. Ford is in port Naval Station Norfolk conducting workups for a scheduled deployment this fall.

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 10, 2022) Aviation Machinists Mate 3rd Class Christopher Hickman Okeechobee, Fla., conducts maintenance on an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the “Raptors” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71 aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Rear view medium close up shot from the rear entrance of a USAF C-130 Hercules Cargo aircraft at US Marines from Company A, 5th Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marines, as they jump from the plane with their MC5 Static Line Square Parachutes and 100-pound All Purpose, Light, Weight, Individual Carrying Equipment (ALICE) packs to the ground after performing a 6-thousand foot combat jump during Force Reconnaissance Exercises over Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Subject Operation/Series: FORECONEX Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA)

120208-N-BC134-318ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 8, 2012) Sonar Technician Surface 2nd Class Thayer scans a deck log during visit, board, search and seizure training aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52). Bunker Hill is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security operation efforts.

STAFF SGT. Mark Weber is part of the maintenance team which pamper their C-141 aircraft. Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220814-N-IX644-1006 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 14, 2022) Aviation Electricians Mate 1st Class Mark Kelly, from Dalton, Georgia, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC 5) conducts routine maintenance on an MH-60S Nighthawk attached to HSC-5 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77), Aug. 14, 2022. George H.W. Bush provides the national command authority flexible, tailorable warfighting capability as the flagship of a carrier strike group that maintains maritime stability and security to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is an integrated combat weapons system that delivers superior combat capability to deter, and if necessary, defeat Americas adversaries in support of national security. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of CSG-10 and George H.W. Bush CSG. The squadrons of CVW-7 are Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, VFA-103, VFA-86

220712-N-OZ224-1037 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 12, 2022) - Lt. j.g. Christian Castro, a U.S. Navy flight officer assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, operates as the co-tactical coordinator (COTAC) during a flight for Homeland Defense (HLD) and Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 12. 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 Island and Southern California. The worlds 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 worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

DF-ST-89-10421. Base: Bergstrom Afb State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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