Modern Military Aircraft Operations

U.S. Air Force and Navy aircraft, including F-22s and F-35s, in various stages of operation, emphasizing advanced military aviation technology.

An F-22 Raptor assigned to the 90th Fighter Squadron, 3rd Wing, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska takes off from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Aug. 4, 2022. The F-22 Raptor will support a NATO Air Shielding mission that integrates Allied Air and Surface Based Air and Missile Defense units into the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defense system under NATO Command and Control in the European Theater.
An F-22 Raptor assigned to the 90th Fighter Squadron, 3rd Wing, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska takes off from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Aug. 4, 2022. The F-22 Raptor will support a NATO Air Shielding mission that integrates Allied Air and Surface Based Air and Missile Defense units into the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defense system under NATO Command and Control in the European Theater.
156 assets in this story
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U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Madison Woo, 157th Fighter Squadron Commander of South Carolina Air National Guard, Colombian Air Force Major Rommel Rodriguez, 111th Fighter Squadron Commander and SSgt. Mason Dewitt, crew chief prep the jet to taxi for a familiarization flight in a U.S. Air Force F-16D Fighting Falcon flight during Relampago VII, an exercise in Barranquilla, Colombia, Sept. 2, 2022. The purpose of this exercise is to provide the Colombian Air Force with requested realistic interoperability training as allied countries, under NATO standards. South Carolina is Colombias State Partner in the State Partnership Program.
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Airmen from the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, tow a B-1B Lancer to a weapons loading pad in preparation for a Weapon System Evaluation program, at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Nov. 7, 2022. Missions such as WSEP help prepare the 28th Bomb Wing to provide long range strike at a moments notice anywhere in the world.
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220526-XN177-1218 PACIFIC OCEAN (May 26, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 lands aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), May 26, 2022. Tripoli is conducting routine operations in U.S. 7th Fleet.
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GULF OF ADEN (Sept. 7, 2018) Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) 1st Class Francis Centeno launches an F-35B Lightning II attached to the “Avengers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211 from the flight deck of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex is on a scheduled deployment of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The Essex ARG and 13th MEU is the first U.S. Navy/Marine Corps team to deploy to U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations with the transformational warfighting capabilities of the F-35B Lightning II, making it a more lethal, flexible and persistent force, leading to a more stable region for our partner nations.
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U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 conduct maintenance on F-35B Lightning II aircraft while underway aboard the amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), June 13, 2022. Marines with VMFA-121, based out of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, are conducting flight operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
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F117A deploys drag chute
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220805-N-XN177-1275 PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 5, 2022) - An F-35B Lighting II aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) launches from the flight deck aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Aug. 5, 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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220830-N-XN177-2036 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Aug. 30, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) launches from amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Aug. 30, 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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220805-N-XN177-1215 PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 5, 2022) - U.S. Marine Corps. Capt. Justin Henry conducts pre-flight checks on an F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) on the flight deck aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Aug. 5, 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 A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 355th Wing comes in for landing on the flight line at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Dec. 13, 2022. A-10s are the first USAF aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. They are simple, effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against light maritime attack aircraft and all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles
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A U.S. Air Force crew chief assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron salutes an F-22 Raptor as it taxis for takeoff to forward deploy and integrate with the Royal Norwegian Air Force, Sept. 14, 2022. The 90th EFS forward deployed to Ørland Main Air Station, Norway to execute ACE alongside Allies and partners to enhance partner force interoperability and increase domain awareness and survivability in an ever-evolving threat environment.
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Team members from both the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Team "Thunderbirds" and F-35 Lightning II demo team great each other during the preparation stage for Aviation Nation 2022 Nov. 3, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. NAFB will celebrate the Air Forces 75th Anniversary with a two-day Air & Ground Expo, showcasing aerial demonstrations, static displays, along with Heritage displays.
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U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. David Bricker, a bulk fuel specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, monitors a refueling line during a hot pit refueling 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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A U.S. Air Force fuels management technician refuels a F-35 Lightning II on the flightline at the Air Dominance Center, a Combat Training Readiness Center, April 30, 2022, in Savannah, Georgia. Sentry Savannah 2022 is the Air National Guards premier counter air exercise, encompassing 10 units of fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft, which 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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An F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter taxies to be refueled on the flight deck of USS Wasp during night operations, a part of Operational Testing 1, May, 22, 2015. The F-35B is the future of Marine Corps aviation and will be replacing three legacy platforms; the AV-8B Harrier, the F/A Hornet, and the EA-6B Prowler. The F-35B is with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
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A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 3rd Wing, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, taxis on the runway at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, during Polar Force 22-4, March 31, 2022. Polar Force 22-4 is a local training exercise primarily focused on Agile Combat Employment and builds on other regularly scheduled exercises such as Northern Edge, Pacific Iron, and Red Flag to support the mission of the U.S. Pacific Air Forces. During this iteration, maintenance personnel and aircrew are operating at multiple locations, both on and off the installation, to further test the ACE concept and practice working in notionally contested areas.
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030320-F-5712B-020. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown
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A Hawaii Air National Guard F-22 Raptor taxis down the flight line during a joint exercise Jan. 21, 2021, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. The exercise provides high-quality training to Total Force Airmen and other Department of Defense services to increase lethality and readiness for present and future warfighters. The 'Hawaiian Raptors' are operated by ANG and active-duty Airmen from the 199th and 19th Fighter Squadrons. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy)
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Vermont National Guard leadership talk with Austrian Maj. Gen. Gerfried Promberger, commander of the Austrian Air Force, along with Austrian Air Force Col. Roman Hofer, about the F-35A Lightning II at the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Feb. 20, 2024. Last year the 158th Fighter Wing made history when they arrived in Austria to celebrate the one year anniversary of the Vermont National Guard State Partnership Program agreement, which saw U.S. F-35s land in Austria for the first time. Air National Guard
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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman David Curtis, 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron crew chief, marshals Col. Kevin Jamieson in an F-22 Raptor in preparation for take-off, Oct. 12, 2022 at Łask Air Base, Poland. The 90th EFS, from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska is currently forward-deployed to the European Theater to support the NATO Air Shielding mission and enhance the defense posture on the eastern NATO flank. The 3rd Wing commander and command chief from Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson recently visited the 90th EFS to support deployed Airmen and integrate with the squadron.
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An F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 58th Fighter Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, taxis down the flightline at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Feb. 13, 2023. Airmen assigned to the 58th FS temporarily relocated to MacDill to avoid inclement weather conditions affecting their home station. Despite the relocation, the 58th FS pursued operations as part of a training program for newly selected F-35 pilots.
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A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet assigned to Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, takes off during Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.08 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 17, 2022. WSEP 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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U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Ieazhia Mills, 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron crew chief, performs maintenance inspections on an F-22 Raptor at Łask Air Base, Poland, Aug. 16, 2022. The 90th EFS forward deployed to Łask Air Base, Poland to bolster NATOs collective defense posture through Air Shielding.
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An F-117 Nighthawk engages it's target and drops a GBU-28 guided bomb unit during the 'live-fire' weapons testing mission COMBAT HAMMER, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Subject Operation/Series: COMBAT HAMMER State: Utah (UT) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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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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U.S. Air Force Airmen, assigned to the 131st and 509th Bomb Wings, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, perform post-flight maintenance on a U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit from the 509th BW at Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley, Australia, in support of a Bomber Task Force training exercise, July 12, 2022. The BTF will employ the B-2 to conduct joint training and strategic deterrence missions alongside Allies and partners in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Commands commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
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A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 takes off from Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, Aug. 19, 2022. Exercise Pitch Black is the Royal Australian Air Forces largest and most complex Large Force Employment exercise. Pitch Black 2022 is being conducted at RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal, and Amberley from 19 August to 8 September 2022. This Years exercise will host up to 2500 personnel and around 100 aircraft from 17 participating nations from around the globe.Activities such as Exercise Pitch Black recognize Australias strong relationships and the high value we place on regional security and fostering closer ties throughout the Indo-Pacific region.Exercise Pitch Black features a range of realistic, simulated threats which can be found in a modern battle-space environment and is an opportunity to test and improve our force integration utilizing one of the largest training air space areas in the world. Exercise Pitch Black aims
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An F-35B Lightning II with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, California, conducts an aerial demonstration during the 2022 MCAS Air Show at MCAS Miramar, Sept. 24, 2022. The F-35B Lightning II, flown by aviators with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 502, is equipped with short takeoff and vertical landing capability that expands its range by allowing it to operate from naval vessels and in austere, expeditionary environments. 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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Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A Lightning II aircraft with No. 75 Squadron taxi the runway at RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, Aug. 19, 2022. Exercise Pitch Black is the Royal Australian Air Forces largest and most complex Large Force Employment exercise. Pitch Black 2022 is being conducted at RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal, and Amberley from 19 August to 8 September 2022. This Years exercise will host up to 2500 personnel and around 100 aircraft from 17 participating nations from around the globe.Activities such as Exercise Pitch Black recognize Australias strong relationships and the high value we place on regional security and fostering closer ties throughout the Indo-Pacific region.Exercise Pitch Black features a range of realistic, simulated threats which can be found in a modern battle-space environment and is an opportunity to test and improve our force integration utilizing one of the largest training air space areas in the world. Exercise Pitch Black aims to further develop off
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050607-F-7719S-002. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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DN-SN-88-01959. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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An F-35B Lightning II with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, California, conducts an aerial demonstration during the 2022 MCAS Air Show at MCAS Miramar, Sept. 24, 2022. The F-35B Lightning II, flown by aviators with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 502, is equipped with short takeoff and vertical landing capability that expands its range by allowing it to operate from naval vessels and in austere, expeditionary environments. 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 assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing, and flown by the 388th FW and 419th FW, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, arrives at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, during a joint force exercise on Sept. 8, 2022. This joint force exercise incorporates This joint force exercise incorporates more than 200 service members across four major commands creating innovative operational concepts to allow quick response to an ever changing war time horizon.
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A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 vertically lands 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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An F-35A Lightning II aircraft launches during the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) exercise at the Vermont Air National Guard Base in South Burlington, Vermont, on April 4, 2023. The ACE exercise is designed to test a unit's readiness for rapid deployment and real-world scenarios.
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An F-35B Lightning II, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 501, takes off at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, June 9, 2022. VMFAT-501 trains pilots to be proficient and combat ready to serve in their future-fleet units and conduct aviation operations globally. VMFAT-501 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Servante R. Coba)
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980420-F-4116M-008. 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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A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 354th Air Expeditionary Wing, taxis on the flightline 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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Retired Col. John JB Stone, the tactician behind Operation BOLO, and his son, retired Col. Jon Stone, pose in front of an F-22A Raptor assigned to the 27th Fighter Squadron, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, during Red Flag-Nellis 22-3 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 29, 2022. John Stone was here in order to present the Capt. John Stone award for Outstanding Mission Commander for the first time.
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Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 134th Fighter Squadron, 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, photographed from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, currently operating out of Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, conducted low approach flyovers over the Baltic Sea region on, June 16, 2022. The two fighter jets are flying across the Baltic Sea region starting at Pirita Tee, Estonia, then Riga, Latvia, and finally Vilnius, Lithuania to demonstrate U.S. commitment and assurance to NATO Baltic Allies and partners.
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A U.S. Air F-22 Raptor assigned to the 3rd Wing takes off at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Oct. 26, 2022. JBERs F-22s support the Pacific Air Forces mission of force readiness and resilience to protect the homeland, deter aggression, and fly, fight, and win, if needed.
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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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Senior Airman Hunter Rollins, a dedicated crew chief assigned to Lighting Aircraft Maintenance Unit, performs pre-flight checks before launching out an F-35A Lightning II for its inaugural mission as a 65th Aggressor at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, June 9, 2022. The 65th AGRS was previously active at Nellis from 2005 to 2014. During that time, the unit replicated tactics and techniques of potential adversaries with a fleet of F-15 Eagles.
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U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Buben, 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit F-35 Lightning II crew chief (right), briefs Polish Air Force Lt. Col. Pawal Muzyczuk, logistics officer (center), and PAF Lt. Col. Rafal Zawadka, specialist officer (left), on F-35 maintenance operations Dec. 9, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Luke AFB hosts a variety of allied nations, including Poland, increasing shared knowledge of F-35 maintenance operations among international partner nations.
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A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft assigned to the 391st Fighter Squadron sits on the flight line during sunset at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Dec. 6, 2010. With a digital electronic engine control system, Strike Eagle pilots can accelerate from idle power to maximum afterburner in less than four seconds. Faster engine acceleration means quicker takeoffs and crisper response while maneuvering.
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020427-F-0193C-011. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE 2002 Country: United States Of America (USA)
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An F-35B Lighting II with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 takes on fuel from a Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 KC-130J Hercules during a training exercise over the Atlantic Ocean April 9.
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The Royal Netherlands Air Force in conjunction with the 429th Expeditionary Operations Squadron (429th EOS) deployed aircraft, personnel, and support equipment to forward operating location Curaçao, 22 April, 2022. This deployment enabled their pilots the opportunity to maximize training with an unencumbered airspace. The 429th EOS was a key part of mission success by providing facilities, logistic support, and mutual aid to bring the first MQ-9s into country. (United States Air Force Photo by: Capt. Peter Williams)
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Phil Scott, the Governor of Vermont (left), Mr. Michael Hurley, 9/11 survivor and keynote speaker (center), and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Gregory Knight, adjutant general of Vermont (right), stand for a photograph after the completion of the 9/11 remembrance ceremony during the open house at the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Sept. 11, 2022. The event was planned to coincide with the Vermont National Guard's observance of the 21st anniversary of the attacks of 9/11 which saw Vermont Air National Guard F-16s flying patrols over NYC in the immediate aftermath of the attack.
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An MQ-9 Reaper performs during an air show demonstration May 29, 2016, at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. The air show highlights the unique capabilities and qualities of Cannon's air commandos and also celebrates the long-standing relationship between the 27th Special Operations Wing and the local community.
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040211-F-2167L-129. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Balad Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ)
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A U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper assigned to March Air Reserve Base, Calif., taxis after landing for the first time at Shaw Air Force Base (AFB), S.C., Feb. 14, 2024. The aircraft was remotely piloted by members of the 25th Attack Group who operate out of Shaw AFB daily, providing 24-hour air support to missions worldwide across four combatant commands. Air Force
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A B-2 Spirit prepares to take-off from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. during Bamboo Eagle, Jan. 29, 2024. Bamboo Eagle provides Airmen, allies, and partners with a multidimensional, combat-representative battle-space to conduct advanced training in support of U.S. national interests.
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Infographic about the Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk, the first furtive operative airplane in the world, designed to enter enemy territory without being detected and attack objectives on land with high precision. Adobe InDesign (.indd); 5000x3139.