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Modern Military Aircraft Operations

Photos showcasing modern fighter jets in action, including pre-flight inspections and training exercises with a focus on military readiness and collaboration.

A crew chief assigned to the 421st Fighter Generation Squadron inspects an F-35A Lightning II during Exercise Agile Tiger on April 5, 2022. Exercise Agile Tiger gives us the opportunity to practice operational unpredictability while assuring our partners and Allies that we are postured to execute nuclear operations and global strike anytime anywhere.
A crew chief assigned to the 421st Fighter Generation Squadron inspects an F-35A Lightning II during Exercise Agile Tiger on April 5, 2022. Exercise Agile Tiger gives us the opportunity to practice operational unpredictability while assuring our partners and Allies that we are postured to execute nuclear operations and global strike anytime anywhere.
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A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 1st Fighter Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, sits with an open canopy as preflight operations are completed during Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 14, 2022. WSEP-E 22.12 is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.
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A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 taxis during field carrier landing practice (FCLP) at Ie Shima, Japan, Oct. 18, 2022. Marine Corps pilots with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 conduct field carrier landing practice training to maintain a high level of readiness in the Indo-Pacific.
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PHILIPPINE SEA (May 28, 2022) An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to the "Black Knights" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). 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.
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041001-F-9871C-003. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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U.S. Marines and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) members work together to refuel a RAAF F-35A and an F-18C Hornet during Forward Area Refueling Point (FARP) training during Black Flag 22-1 at Nellis AFB, May 13, 2022. FARP training prepares U.S. and Allied forces to effectively refuel aircraft in austere locations when air-to-air refueling is not possible or when fueling stations are not accessible.
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An F-22 Raptor performs a flyby during the 75th Anniversary Air Show at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. A shockwave is clearly rolling over the aircraft. More than 125,000 attended the two-day air show, enjoying a variety of aerial performances and static displays. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennings)
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U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Ryston Archuleta, 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron crew chief, walks away from an F-22 Raptor as it taxis for take-off from Ørland Main Air Station, Norway, Sept. 14, 2022. The 90 EFS forward deployed to Norway to conduct an agile combat employment (ACE) exercise with the Royal Norwegian Air Force and NATO Allies and partners. The joint training and integration provided in this ACE exercise improves the resilience and survivability of coalition airpower.
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A U.S. Air Force pilot guides his F-22 Raptor to a parking spot on the flight line of the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., April 21, 2022. The two-ship Raptor Demonstration Teamwill be among the highlights of this years Thunder Over Louisville air show, to be held on the banks of the Ohio River in downtown Louisville on April 23. The event, which celebrates the 75th anniversary of the United States Air Force, is slated to feature more than 30 military and civilian aircraft, including the B-2 Spirit, C-17 Globemaster III, CV-22 Osprey, CH-53 Sea Stallion, F-16 Viper and UH-60 Blackhawk, in addition to eight historic warbirds like the B-24 Liberator, B-29 Superfortress and P-51 Mustang.
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U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Gunner Gatewood, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 225 (VMFA-225) powerline mechanic, gives the VMFA-225 Vikings heritage hand signal to a F-35B Lightning II fighter pilot during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 3, 2022. RF-A is a premier training event for joint units to bolster interoperability while simultaneously honing combat skills to provide joint forces the opportunity to exercise combat capabilities through shared tactics, techniques, and procedures under a simulated war-time environment.
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PHILIPPINE SEA (May 2, 2022) Marines conduct final checks on an F-35C Lightning II, assigned to the "Black Knights" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). 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.
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Heat waves radiate from the engines of a 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing SR-71 aircraft following its arrival on base for its deactivation ceremony. The plane's pilot, MAJ Terry B. Pappas, and MAJ John D. Manzi, reconnaissance officer, are delivering the aircraft to the March Field Museum for permanent display. Base: March Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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A 325th Fighter Wing F-22A Raptor takes off for a mission March 24 at Eglin Air Force Base,Fla. The 325th FWs Raptor aircraft has been at Eglin since 2018 after Hurricane Michael destroyed the Tyndall AFB facilities. The Raptors will soon depart Eglin for their new home, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.
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After catching the M-21 arresting gear a United States Marine Corps FA-18 Hornet slows down at a rapid speed. The aircraft is part of a combined U.S./Australian defense forces exercise Crocodile '99 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley in Queensland, Australia. The top of a GM diesel power unit can be seen in the foreground. Subject Operation/Series: CROCODILE '99 Base: Raaf Amberley State: Queensland Country: Australia (AUS)
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A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor aircraft assigned to 154th Wing Hawaii Air National Guard takes flight from Marine Wing Liaison Kadena (MWLK) for joint force training at Kadena Air Force base, Okinawa, Japan, June 12, 2022. MWLK provides comprehensive operational and logistical support to local and deployed U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force squadrons operating at Kadena Air Base.
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U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors with the 325th Fighter Wing, fly next to a KC-135 Stratotanker with the 190th Air Refueling Wing, May 11, 2022, in a military operations area over Florida. Three air refueling units from across the Air National Guard provided in-flight refueling in support of Sentry Savannah 2022, the ANGs premier counter air exercise which encompasses 10 units of fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft, tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a simulated near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.
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A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II pilot and crew chief, both assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 354th Air Expeditionary Wing, render squadron salutes during Agile Combat Employment training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 1, 2022. The ACE operational scheme of maneuver is designed to generate and sustain combat employment and to sustain and defend forward operating locations.
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980313-F-4116M-004. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC
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PHILIPPINE SEA (June 17, 2022) An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to the "Black Knights" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). 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.
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U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 taxi during field carrier landing practice (FCLP) at Ie Shima, Japan, Oct. 18, 2022. Marine Corps pilots with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 conduct field carrier landing practice training to maintain a high level of readiness in the Indo-Pacific.
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Marines and Royal Australian Air Force members refuel an Australian F-35A aircraft while conducting Forward Area Refueling Point (FARP) training during Black Flag 22-1 at Nellis AFB, May 13, 2022. One Black Flag 22-1 objective is to accelerate current Tactics Improvement Proposal progression and weapon system test and integration requirements to field advanced capabilities faster.
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U.S. Air Force Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Pacific Air Forces commander, takes off at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Northern Territory, Australia, Sept. 5, 2022. Wilsbach flew alongside RAAF Air Marshal Robert Chipman and German Air Force Air Chief Lt. Gen. Ingo Gerhartz in a demonstration of friendship and cooperative leadership.
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Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lighting IIs assigned to the 354th Fighter Wing fly over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, April 14, 2022. With the arrival of the last two jets, the 354th Fighter Wing completed a two-year buildup, resulting in two additional operational flying squadrons comprised of 54 permanently-assigned, combat-coded F-35A aircraft.
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he 412th Test Wing, in conjunction with NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, conducted a flyover over the greater Antelope Valley in California ahead of the 2022 Aerospace valley air show. The flyover flew over 55 schools and provided students with a visible representation of lesson plans created by the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and NASA. The flights also provided crews valuable training time in skills such as formation flying and time on targets.
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020511-F-9877S-069. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Bagram Air Base State: Parwan Country: Afghanistan (AFG)
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U.S. Air Force Capt. Melanie MACH Kluesner, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team pilot and commander, flies an aerial demonstration certification flight at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Feb. 22, 2024. Upon the 388th Fighter Wing commander certification, the F-35 Demo Team pilot is required to complete the Air Combat Command Heritage Flight Training Course. Air Force
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U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Carlo Bonci, a native of Massachusetts and an F-35B Lightning II jet pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 542, taxis prior to flight operations in preparation for Exercise Nordic Response 24 in Norway, Feb. 22, 2024. Exercise Nordic Response, formerly known as Cold Response, is a NATO training event conducted every two years to promote military competency in arctic environments and to foster interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and allied nations. Exercise Nordic Response 24 is VMFA-542's first overseas operational exercise as an F-35B Lightning II jet squadron. Marine Corps
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221020-N-VJ326-2136 EAST CHINA SEA (Oct. 20, 2022) - An F-35B Lighting II aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) flies over amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Oct. 20, 2022. Tripoli 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 maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
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A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II belonging to the 354th Fighter Wing launches from the flight line during the Red Flag 22-2 exercise at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 20, 2022. Eielson houses two F-35 squadrons totalling more than 50 of the most advanced fighter aircraft yet developed, with multirole combat, stealth, electronic warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities that provides U.S. and allied partner forces a strong deterrent against adversary aggression.
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A P-51D Mustang and F-22 Raptor participate in a traditional "Heritage Flight" during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.
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ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 13, 2012) An X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator aircraft is transported on an aircraft elevator aboard the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman (CVN 75).
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U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Esteban Vera, a fixed wing aircraft mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, inspect an Air Force F-22 Raptor aircraft assigned with 154th Wing Hawaii Air National Guard in a hangar operated by Marine Wing Liaison Kadena (MWLK) for joint force training at Kadena Air Force base, Okinawa, Japan, June 12, 2022. MWLK provides comprehensive operational and logistical support to local and deployed U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force squadrons operating at Kadena Air Base.
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220525-N-IL330-1019 PACIFIC OCEAN (May 25, 2022) - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Luke Stell, from New York, helps reposition an F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 in the hangar bay aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), May 25, 2022. Tripoli is conducting routine operations in U.S. 7th Fleet.
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A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor and a P-51D Mustang conduct a heritage flight during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The F-22 Raptor is the Air Force's fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Its combination of stealth, supercruise, maneuverability, and integrated avionics, coupled with improved supportability, represents an exponential leap in warfighting capabilities. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.
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An F-35A Lightning II aircraft with the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing, takes off during a Weapon System Evaluation Program exercise February 15, 2024, at Tyndall Air force Base, Florida. The Combat Archer exercise was a formal evaluation of the unit's ability to conduct air-to-air live fire missions. Airmen were given the opportunity to train on tasks and skills that they don't perform at their home unit such as unrestricted takeoffs and loading live ammunition onto the airframe. Air National Guard
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DF-ST-89-06287. Base: Beale Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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U.S. Air Force Col. David Shevchik, former commander of the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing, prepares to take off for his final flight in a F-35A Lightning II from the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Nov. 6, 2022. It is tradition for pilots to be recognized and celebrate the final flight of their military career.
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A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor performs flight demonstrations as part of the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 12, 2022. The air show provided an opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of a Joint Force in the Indo-Pacific Region. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to celebrate MCBHs longstanding relationship with the local community. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Lance Cpl. Terry Stennett III)
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A B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and an F-117A Nighthawk attack fighter on display during the Joint Services Open House 2000. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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021021-F-9032T-008. Base: RAF Lakenheath Country: Great Britain / England (GBR) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE
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STAFF SGT. Gregory Auzenne, 8th Fighter Squadron crew chief, signals to Brig. GEN. Bruce Carlson during the pre-flight check before his final flight in the F-117A Nighthawk. Base: Holloman Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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U.S. Air Force maintainers assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron conduct pre-flight inspections on an F-22 Raptor, Oct. 17, 2022 at Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands. The 90th EFS conducted agile combat employment (ACE) and integrated with Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs and U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing in RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom. Continued collaboration and integration on ACE alongside our RNLAF counterparts and other NATO Allies improves the resilience and survivability of coalition airpower.
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A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor pilot assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, taxis for take-off from Ørland Main Air Station, Norway, Sept. 14, 2022. The 90 EFS forward deployed to Norway to conduct an agile combat employment (ACE) exercise with the Royal Norwegian Air Force and NATO Allies and partners. The joint training and integration provided in this ACE exercise improves the resilience and survivability of coalition airpower.
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NATO delegates stand in front of a B-2 stealth bomber on static display in support of The Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic (SACLANT) Seminar held at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, which was attended by 100 delegates from 18 countries. The seminar's purpose was to bring NATO leaders together to discuss issues from a Maritime and North American perspective and give leaders a hands on opportunity. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC
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980606-F-4116M-024. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC
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060707-N-1328C-200. Base: Nas/Jrb Fort Worth State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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The B-21 Raider was unveiled to the public at a ceremony December 2, 2022 inPalmdale, Calif. Designed to operate in tomorrow's high-end threat environment, the B-21 will play a critical role in ensuring America's enduring airpower capability. (U.S. Air Force photo)
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The MQ-9A Reaper with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 1, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, is prepared for disassembly inside a hangar at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, Arizona, Sept. 13, 2022. The disassembly, transport, and reassembly of the platform between MCAS Yuma and MCAS Miramar via a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules aircraft served as a proof of concept for the Reaper's rapid, expeditionary deployment capacity.
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DF-SC-88-08435. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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Two U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron conduct a two-ship formation during the NATO Air Shielding media day, Oct. 12, 2022 at Łask Air Base, Poland. The Raptors uphold the Air Shielding mission alongside Polish F-16s and Italian Eurofighter Typhoons. The event showcased the importance of NATOs Air Shielding mission and the interoperability among the U.S. and NATO Allies to international media through trilateral aerial demonstrations and interviews with service members. The U.S. remains dedicated to our security commitments with our NATO Alliance and postured to defend NATO territory.
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U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II crew members explain the features of their aircraft to a group during the Singapore Airshow 2024 at the Changi Airbase East, Republic of Singapore, Feb. 20, 2024. Participating in the event allows the United States to sharpen ties with Singapore, demonstrate flexible aircraft capability, enable engagement with foreign partners, and expand power projection capabilities. Air Force
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A left rear view of a parked SR-71 Blackbird aircraft from the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing. The aircraft will be refueled by a KC-10 Extender aircraft in flight during testing. Base: Beale Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)