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Modern Military Aircraft Operations

Military jets on runways, including F-35s and B-1 bombers, during exercise drills, highlighting modern aviation and air defense tactics.

Royal Australian Air Force Leading Aircraftman Tom Strode, 1 Squadron aircraft technician, marshals in an F/A-18F Super Hornet during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, July 29, 2022. The RF-A exercise focuses on improving the combat readiness of U.S. and international forces, and providing training for units preparing for air and space expeditionary force tasking.
Royal Australian Air Force Leading Aircraftman Tom Strode, 1 Squadron aircraft technician, marshals in an F/A-18F Super Hornet during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, July 29, 2022. The RF-A exercise focuses on improving the combat readiness of U.S. and international forces, and providing training for units preparing for air and space expeditionary force tasking.
159 assets in this story
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New York, NY, May 5, 2022 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations (NOAA) Hurricane Hunters landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport as part of the Hurricane Awareness Tour. Federal, state and local officials -- along with the press -- toured the planes, meeting the pilots who fly into hurricanes collecting data that helps emergency managers make decisions about preparedness efforts. The event was part of Hurricane Preparedness Week. K.C. Wilsey/FEMA
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Participants of Patriot 2008 take off in UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters at Volk Field, Wis., July 19, 2008, during an incentive flight. Patriot is a joint, multinational exercise involving the National Guard and the reserve and active components of the Air Force and Army as well as Canadian, British and Dutch forces.
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DM-ST-86-08438. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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A KC-10 touches down on the flight line at McChord AFB, Wash., as its exact time of arrival is logged by score keepers on the 25th of June 94 as part of the first day of competition of the U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command's annual mobility competition, "RODEO 94". Subject Operation/Series: RODEO '94 Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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An F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, assigned to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, runs through a test of the Barrier Arresting Kit-12 at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sept. 29, 2022. The BAK-12 decelerates the aircraft on the runway, ensuring the pilot and aircraft lands safely if they are unable to.
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U.S. Air Force Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Pacific Air Forces commander, lands 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. Pacific Air Forces stands committed to U.S. Allies and Partners in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.
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061026-N-1550W-010. Base: Ns Jacsonville State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 169th Fighter Wing return from Sentry Savannah 2022, the U.S. Air National Guard's annual premiere fighter jet exercise at the Air Dominance Center in Georgia, May 12, 2022. The 169th Fighter Wing is temporarily using the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, Lexington County, South Carolina, while runway repairs occur at McEntire Joint National Guard Base.
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The U.S. military has a presence at The Farnborough International Airshow, a global platform for the aerospace and defence industry in Farnborough, England, July 20, 2022. U.S. military participation in FIA plays an important role in supporting U.S. European Commands theater strategy by demonstrating U.S. commitment to European Allies and Partners, while highlighting U.S. capabilities to diverse audiences.
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061029-N-6936D-146. Base: Naval Air Station, Jacksonville State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon jet from the 169th Fighter Wing, South Carolina Air National Guard, takes off from the Savannah-Hilton Head Intl Airport,Georgia on May 2, 2022 on the first day of Sentry Savannah 2022, the Air National Guards premier 4th and 5th generation counter air exercise. This total force integrated exercise showcases the nation's combat aircraft readiness, tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a near-peer environment and trains our next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.
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An air crew from the 560th Flying Training Squadron practices touch-and-go maneuvers in a T-38 Talon aircraft. Base: Randolph Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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981124-F-4190S-002. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT THUNDER 2 Base: Naval Station, Diego Garcia Country: United Kingdom (GBR)
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Team members from the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, salute aircraft before takeoff at the Titans of Flight Air Expo, Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, April 10, 2022. The airshow pays tribute to air power from the earliest U.S. military inventory to modern day aircraft.
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The skilled pilots of the Navy's Blue Angel Flight Demonstration Squadron march to their waiting F/A-18 Hornet aircraft to begin their portion of an open house airshow at the Naval Air Station. Base: Naval Air Station, Cecil Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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Aerial team performer arrives for The Great Texas Airshow, Apr. 21, 2022, at JBSA-Randolph, Texas. The Great Texas Airshow, featuring the Thunderbirds, is scheduled for April 22 thru 24 at JBSA-Randolph. The performers perform for people all around the world to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire, whileshowcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess.
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A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bomber assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron returns to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as part of a routine Bomber Task Force mission, Feb.12, 2024. The United States steadfast commitment to security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region remains unchanged. BTF supports national security objectives through the speed, flexibility, and readiness of our strategic bombers. Air Force
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Two MV-22B Osprey aircraft from the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing park on the flight line at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., April 4, 2022. The Marines, based out of Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., supported the funeral service for U.S. Marine Capt. Ross Reynolds, 27, who was killed in a crash during a training flight in Norway, March 18.
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Various aircraft participating in Cope North 89-2, a quarterly, joint Japanese Air Self Defense Force and U.S. Air Force exercise, are parked on the flight line. Base: Tsuiki Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)
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A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Wing, takes off to participate in BALTOPS 22 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, on June 14, 2022. BALTOPS is a premier maritime focused exercise in the Baltic Region where maritime and air forces work together to exercise medical evacuation, joint personnel recovery, and enhance cohesion and interoperability with allies and partners. These activities enhance the readiness necessary to respond to any potential challenge in the region.
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A aerial view of aircraft static displays on flight line during the opening of Friendship Festival 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 22, 2022. The two-day festival was an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the U.S. and Japan bilateral partnership, while strengthening the bonds between Yokota and the local communities. Yokota was able to host the event with the support of Japan Self-Defense Force, sister services and the local community.
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U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 130th Airlift Wing, McLaughlin Air National Guard Base, Charleston, West Virginia, approaches the runway after performing an airdrop during Agile Combat Employment (ACE) training during Agile Rage 22, Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Mich., June 10, 2022. ACE is not a specific mission, but a universal application to all combat air force operations. ACE is the ability to project combat power anytime, anywhere, while remaining operationally unpredictable to complicate an adversary's decision making process.
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DF-ST-89-04861. Base: Hickman Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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A view from the cockpit as 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron F-15 Eagle aircraft line up for takeoff during Commando West IX, a joint U.S. and Thailand training exercise. Subject Operation/Series: COMMANDO WEST IX Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA)
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An A-10 Thunderbolt II, from the 124th Fighter Wing, Boise, Idaho, lands at Young Landing Zone on Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, June 13, 2022. The aircraft were participating in Agile Rage 2022 and performing austere landings in support of hub and spoke operations as part of the agile combat employment concept of operations.
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U-2 aircraft arrives at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, Apr. 4, during a training exercise. U-2, single-seat, high-altitude jet aircraft flown by the United States for intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
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In 1991, the Leeuwarden airbase took the "demo" from Twente, two F-16As, the J-226 and the J-231 from 322 and 323 Squadron, were provided with an attractive color scheme. In the tail both devices felt it Leegarden airbase emblem, the "Fryske Drak", with a motto "for friend and enemy ready". On 22 May 1991 the devices were shown to the press. The demo flyer was Kapitein Reindert Zwaart.
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A T-38 Talon four-ship formation flies over the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semifinals match between the Republic and the Kansas City Sporting July 27, 2022, in Sacramento, California. The U.S. Air Force performs close to 1,000 flyovers a year, which serve as a way to showcase the capabilities of its aircraft while also inspiring patriotism and future generations of aviation enthusiasts.
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A left side view of two F-4D Phantom II aircraft as ground crew personnel prepare them for a training flight during Exercise Coronet Brave. Subject Operation/Series: CORONET BRAVE Base: Raf Finningley Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)
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An E-8C Joint STARS operated by an aircrew from the 116th Airborne Command and Control Squadron (ACCS), 461st Air Control Wing, lands after returning from a mission at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Sept. 8, 2022. The 16th ACCS flew its final local sortie today after 27 years of operational history. The 16th ACCS will be officially inactivated in February 2023.
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Helo Air Station - 26-HK-147-102. Hurricane Katrina
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An aircrew with the Minnesota National Guard operates a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport on Oct. 27, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. According to the Army fact sheet for the Black Hawk, its mission is to provide air assault, general support, aeromedical evacuation, command and control, and special operations support to combat, stability, and support operations. The UH-60 also is the Armys utility tactical transport helicopter. The versatile helicopter has enhanced the overall mobility of the Army due to dramatic improvements in troop capacity and cargo lift capability over the years as well. Five Minnesota National Guard Black Hawks were at the airport Oct. 27.
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C-130 Hercules aircraft of the 463rd Tactical Airlift Wing begin lining up on the taxiway at the start of a mass airdrop exercise. Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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Aerial View of the ramp at Port-au-Prince International Airport, Haiti during Operation Phoenix Shark. A C-5 Galaxy, along with other planes, equipment and troops, are on the ramp. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: PHOENIX SHARK Base: Port Au Prince Country: Haiti (HTI)
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Long shot of C-130's from 39th, 40th Airlift Squadron (ALS), Dyess AFB, TX; the 41st ALS from Pope AFB, SC and the 314th Airlift Squadron stand ready on flightline to support the airlift operations.(Exact date unknown). Subject Operation/Series: PHOENIX SHARK Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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The U.S. Navy Blue Angels participate in the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 23, 2022. The Blue Angels, formed in 1946, perform precision flight demonstrations in more than 70 shows at 34 locations throughout the United States each year. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.
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The U. S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, prepare for takeoff during Montana's Military Open House "Flight over the Falls" at Montana Air National Guard Base, Great Falls, Montana, July 23, 2022. The pilots perform approximately 30 maneuvers in a demonstration.
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Florida Air National Guard's 125th Fighter Wing, Detachment 1, F-15C takes off from Homestead Air Reserve Base in support of North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) Operation Noble Defender (OND), June 30, 2022. As a part of OND, a routine operation, the Continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR) coordinated and conducted joint operations with the U.S. Navy while concurrently launching jets from different locations across the United States gulf coast and Puerto Rico. OND is an integrated air and missile defense operation designed to ensure the defense and security of the northern and southern approaches to North America. This particular OND allowed NORAD units to exercise maneuvers intended to defend the southern approach to the United States from simulated cruise missile threats. NORAD is a bi-national Canadian and American command that employs a network of aerial, ground-based, and space-based sensors, air-to-air refueling tankers, and fighter aircraft controlled by a sophistica
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Helo Air Station - 26-HK-147-104. Hurricane Katrina
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DF-ST-85-13444. Base: Raf Mildenhall State: Suffolk Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)
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DN-SC-87-03220. Base: Naval Air Station, Pensacola State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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New Jersey Army National Guard maintainers with the 1-150th Assault Helicopter Battalion prepare UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters for further search and rescue missions following the passing of Hurricane Sandy Oct. 30, 2012.
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The Blue Angel flight crew members prepare the F/A-18 Super Hornets as part of the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 13, 2022. As the U.S. Navys Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels is comprised of six F/A-18 Super Hornets and one C-130J Hercules who perform aerobatics around the United States. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to express MCBHs appreciation to the residents of Hawaii and their continued support of the installation.
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An A-10C Thunderbolt II assigned to the 23rd Wing, Moody Air Force Base, Ga., takes off from Palau International Airport, Republic of Palau, Nov. 7, 2022. The 23 WG deployed to Andersen AFB to participate in a dynamic force employment exercise to maintain readiness in a geographically-separated environment. The 36th Contingency Response Squadron also forward deployed members to Palau to provide air traffic control support for the A-10 detachment.
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A Blue Angels F/A-18 Super Hornet takes off as part of the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 12, 2022. As the U.S. Navys Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels is comprised of six F/A-18 Super Hornets and one C-130J Hercules who perform aerobatics around the United States. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to express MCBHs appreciation to the residents of Hawaii and their continued support of the installation.
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The Wall of Fire explodes behind two Blue Angels F/A-18 Super Hornets fly during the Joint Air-Ground Task Force Demonstration 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 express MCBHs appreciation to the residents of Hawaii and their continued support of the installation.
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JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, VAA T-38 Talon from the 7th Fighter Training Squadron returns from conducting a simulated battle commemorating the Battle of Britain held by the 1st Fighter Wing at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Oct. 21, 2022. The commemoration replicated many aspects of the Battle of Britain such as the participants representing both sides of the battle scrambling to meet an unknown number of adversaries entering their airspace.
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Multinational partners conduct an elephant walk as part of Cope North 2024 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 5, 2024.Cope North enhances U.S. relationships and interoperability with our regional Allies and partners by providing the opportunity to exchange information and improve shared tactics to better integrate multilateral defense capabilities. Air Force
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U.S. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 26 prepare to fly MV-22B Ospreys at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Aug. 9, 2022. MAG-26 demonstrated the air power they provide to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force by ensuring the five MV-22B Osprey squadrons are ready to deploy at a moments notice. MAG-26 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.
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980621-F-7924J-023. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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An F-117A Stealth fighter aircraft from the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing, Tonopah Test Range, Nev., arrives for an overnight stay while deploying to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia(VA) Country: United States Of America(USA)
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011004-F-1131H-004. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE
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Aviation Training Center - Mobile Aircrew - Aftermath and Rescue - 26-HK-279-162. Hurricane Katrina
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U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Timothy Miller, F/A-18 pilot, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, Marine Aircraft Group 31, taxis under the traditional water salute after his final flight at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Nov. 23, 2022. This tradition, also known as the shower of affection, originated between the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century during the golden age of transatlantic shipping.
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Thousands of attendees view static displays of aircraft from around the world during the 2022 Royal International Air Tattoo at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, July 17, 2022. RIAT allowed the U.S. Air Force to demonstrate its strong forward presence in Europe as well as reinforce NATO and other European ally partnerships. The event, which showcased aircraft from across the globe celebrated aviations past and present while inspiring the next generation.