Modern Military Aviation Operations

Dynamic images of U.S. Air Force operations, featuring pilots in cockpits, aerial refueling missions, and joint military exercises, showcasing advanced aircraft and teamwork.

EA-6B Prowler Pilot US Air Force

U.S. Air Force Capt. Dave Carr, a pilot with the 328th Air Refueling Squadron, New York, operates a KC-135 Stratotanker August 29, 2022 in the Indo-Pacific Command Area of Responsibility. The Stratotanker was on a mission to refuel a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon, with the Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida. The Poseidon is multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft, specializing in anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and search and rescue.

DN-ST-90-01490. Subject Operation/Series: UNITAS XXV Base: USS Thorn (DD 988)

EA-6B Prowler Pilot US Air Force

An Egyptian Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducts aerial training operations with the U.S. Air Force in support of exercise Agile Phoenix within the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility June 28, 2022. Agile Phoenix is a joint agile combat employment exercise focused on enhancing interoperability and ensuring regional security.

Ground crew members from the 314th Tactical Airlift Wing (314th TAW) work through the night to repair a C-130 Hercules aircraft in preparation for a morning mission during exercise Volant Cape. The exercise, which is designed to test the capabilities of the 314th TAW's War Readiness Spare Parts Kit, requires members to use only the parts provided in the kit to keep a squadron of 16 C-130s operational over a 30-day period. Subject Operation/Series: VOLANT CAPE Base: Little Rock Air Force Base State: Arkansas (AR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

As seen from the aircraft's cockpit, an OV-10A Bronco aircraft flies behind two other Broncos during a flight out of Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. The aircraft are assigned to the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron. State: South Carolina(SC) Country: United States Of America(USA)

A pilot signals to the pilot of a 509th Bombardment Wing FB-111A aircraft during a training exercise. Country: Unknown

As seen from the aircraft's rear seat, the pilot of a 58th Tactical Fighter Squadron F-15D Eagle aircraft banks to the right to follow another aircraft while on a training flight during a Coronet Phaser deployment. The Coronet Phaser program tests the readiness of U.S. based units to deploy to and operate in Europe. Country: Federal Republic Of Germany (FRG)

Aircrew members assigned to the 20th Special Operations Squadron prepare to land a CV-22 Osprey Jan. 7, 2016, at Melrose Air Force Range, N.M. The aircraft landed to pick up Command Sgt. Maj. William Thetford, the U.S. Special Operations Command senior enlisted adviser, during his visit to Cannon Air Force Base, N.M.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II pilot with Luke Air Force Base gestures to the boom operator after conducting an air refueling with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 161st Air Refueling Wing during a local sortie on Sept. 16, 2022. The 161st out of Goldwater Air National Guard Base, conducts regular air refueling missions with their regional partners at Luke Air Force Base.

A F-22 Raptor pilot with the Demonstration Team from Joint Base Langley-Eustis receives fuel from a KC-135R Stratotanker with the 155th Air Refueling Wing, Aug. 25, 2022. F-22 pilots received fuel from the 173rd Air Refueling Squadron in order to arrive and prepare for their air show in South Padre Island, Texas.

A-A very tight close up shot of German Air Force (Luftwaffe) McDonnell F-4 Phantom II as seen from a KC-135 Stratotanker tanker boomer position

11/15/09 DAVIS MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, AZ. -- Staff Sgt. Juliet Cruz and Staff Sgt. Kevin Semallie, 355th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew team, reload an A-10 with a Guided Bomb Unit, GBU-38 (inert) following a sortie, upgrading the pilot for his next missions requirements. The squadron generates all combat and training sorties in the 355th Fighter Wing by managing the efforts of Airmen in 13 different specialties who maintain A/OA-10 attack aircraft. The 355th AMXS provides safe, properly configured aircraft in order to meet the flying-hour program for three fighter squadrons.

A pallet of supplies is airdropped from the back of a C-130 Hercules aircraft during VOLANT RODEO '86, and annual, multi-national tactical airlift competition. Subject Operation/Series: VOLANT RODEO '86 Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Short Stirling Bombers Ready For a Raid on Berlin, Wratting Common, Cambridgeshire, 31 May 1943 Short Stirling bombers of No. 90 Squadron, Royal Air Force, lined up on the perimeter track at Wratting Common, Cambridgeshire. The crew are awaiting take off time. This was only one of two times that Stirlings were sent to bomb Berlin as they proved too vulnerable to the defences.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Johnlewis Elliot and Capt. Andrew Sanchez, KC-135 Stratotanker pilots assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, conduct their final approach during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 3, 2022. This exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases.

Maj. Jeff Bliss, right, and Capt. Brett Polage, wash off the windows of a C-130J Super Hercules May 17, 2014, at Riga International Airport, Latvia, after air dropping American and Lithuanian paratroopers over Lithuania. Pilots and loadmasters from the 37th Airlift Squadron, alongside an 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron flying crew chief, spent four days across three Baltic countries assisting in personnel drops of allied partners and American service members. Bliss and Polage are 37th AS pilots.

DN-ST-87-03598. Base: USS Constellation (CV 64)

DF-ST-86-12798. Subject Operation/Series: COPE MAX 85 Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

Personnel from the 23rd Fighter Group (FG) and the 3rd Aerial Port Squadron at Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, along with crew members from the 436th Airlift Wing at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, prepare to load an MJ-1 bomb loader onto a C-5B on the Green Ramp in the early morning hours. The loader along with numerous other pieces of support equipment and 60 23rd Fighter Group personnel, deployed to the Kosovo area of operations to maintain and support four A-10A Warthog Thunderbolt II ground attack aircraft of the 23rd FG that departed Pope AFB the previous morning. Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Midsi Martinez, a UH-1Y Venom crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 167, laughs at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, Aug. 8, 2022. HMLA-167 trained with U.S. Army National Guard and U.S. Air National Guard units during joint exercise Northern Strike 22-2. HMLA-167 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

DN-ST-88-00747. Base: Naval Operating Base, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A safety checker signals to the catapult officer prior to the launch of a Fighter Squadron 33 (VF-33) F-14A Tomcat aircraft on the flight deck of tghe aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV-64).. Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jason Williams, a C-17 Globemaster III pilot assigned to the 317th Airlift Squadron, approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker during an aerial refueling mission near Joint Base Charleston, SC, May 24th, 2022. Aircrew members routinely perform low-level procedures, aerial refueling, and touch and go maneuvers in South Carolina to sharpen their proficiency and mission readiness.

A close up view of CAPT. Ross Swezey, an F-4 Phantom pilot from the 192nd Reconnaissance Squadron, Reno, Nev., in the cockpit as he arrives at Roswell Industrial Air Center during the annual air defense exercise. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS '95 Base: Roswell State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

111207-N-XE109-076 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 7, 2011) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Clarissa K. Quick signals to a C-2 Greyhound, assigned to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40, as it launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). George H.W. Bush and the embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 conducted the fly-off of fixed wing aircraft as the ship completed its first combat deployment.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Eli Schrag, Cpl. Daniel Nielsen and Cpl. Joseph Crisp, all loadmasters with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, go over an aviation delivered ground refueling plan during exercise Kodiak Mace 22 near Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, May 12, 2022. This annual exercise is designed to develop unit-level skills, work with joint forces, and maintain a high level of squadron readiness.

970204-F-5774B-002. Subject Operation/Series: PHOENIX THUNDER 97-B Base: Seymour Johnson Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-88-03415. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH Base: Chitose Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

DF-ST-89-00387. Base: Indian Springs Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

As seen from the back seat of a Fighter Squadron 41 (VF-41) F-14A Tomcat aircraft, LT. Scott Ginder brings the aircraft in for an arrested landing on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) during Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

Flight deck crewmen prepare a KA-6D Intruder aircraft for launch from the aircraft carrier USS FORRESTAL (CV-59) during exercise West Wind '88. Subject Operation/Series: WEST WIND '88 Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A 190th ARW KC-135 refuels an A-10, June 15. Guard members supported a joint exercise called Gunslinger.

An Italian Air Force member explains HH-101A helicopter features to U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 52nd Operations Support Squadron within the cockpit of an HH-101A during a tour of the aircraft at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Oct. 19, 2022. The integration was designed to increase the awareness of the mutual commitment that allies and partners have both in the region and abroad.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Evelio Picaz, MV-22B Osprey avionics technician, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 261, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, troubleshoots the avionic belts on a MV-22B Osprey on Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, July 12, 2022. VMM-261 aviation maintenance Marines conduct routine preventative maintenance on MV-22B Ospreys to ensure a constant state of readiness. MCAS New River provides aviation support, force protection, infrastructure, and community services to promote the readiness, sustainment and quality of life for II Marine Expeditionary Force and other military forces, tenant commands, personnel and their families.

030202-F-0193C-007. Base: Charleston Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

PACIFIC OCEAN (March 21, 2021) U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Seth Stewart, a quality assurance officer with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 214, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts flight operations aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). U.S. Navy and Marine Corps integration training provides the Essex Amphibious Ready Group/11th MEU its first opportunity to plan, brief, and execute multiple mission packages. Essex is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. Third Fleet.

A U.S. Air Force Pilot from the 77th Fighter Squadron (77th FS) dons his helmet inside a F-16C Fighting Falcon on the flightline at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct. 17, 2022. The 77th FS deployed to provide combat air support, gain information, and protect destabilizing regions within the Central Command Area of Responsibility.

A loadmaster assigned to the 41st Airlift Squadron prepares for a mass container delivery system airdrop during the Gnarly Explodeo readiness exercise at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, Feb. 1, 2024. During this exercise, the 19th AW executed The Rocket Launch Playbook, a supplement to the bases Installation Deployment Plan that provides a means for the wing to rapidly deploy eight of its C-130J Super Hercules aircraft in an extremely accelerated timeline to enable the Joint Force scheme of maneuver. Air Force

A U.S. Marine assigned to amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25) loads equipment onto Landing Craft, Air Cushion 58, attached to Assault Craft Unit 5, to prepare for in-stream offload in support of Exercise Cobra Gold in the Gulf of Thailand Feb. 23, 2024. Cobra Gold demonstrates the U.S. commitment to the region by building interoperability, multilateral cooperative arrangements, advancing common interests, and a commitment to our allies and partners in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Marine Corps

A U.S. Airman assigned to the 621st Contingency Response Wing guides a C-130 Hercules aircraft onto a ramp during a joint operational access exercise (JOAX) at Mackall Army Airfield, N.C., Sept. 12, 2011. A JOAX is a joint airdrop exercise designed to enhance service cohesiveness between U.S. Army and Air Force personnel, allowing both services an opportunity to properly execute large-scale heavy equipment and troop movement.

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct pre-flight procedures on an AH-1Z Viper aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD-20), in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 2, 2023. The Marines participated in specific weapons delivery training that increased the squadrons weapons proficiency in close air support. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Air Force Major John McCormick, C-130 Hercules aircraft commander assigned to the 96th Airlift Squadron, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Air Reserve Station, Minnesota, flys a C-130 Hercules assigned to the 96th AS during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2 over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, June 15, 2022. RF-A provides training for deployed maintenance and support personnel in sustainment of large-force deployed air operations. (U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Julia Lebens)

Members of the 1ST Helicopter Squadron look down on the crash site of a Grumman AA-1B aircraft, owned and operated by COL Edwin L. Harvey, Headquarters, Tactical Air Command. The accident occurred near Andrews Air Force Base. Base: Brandywine State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030306-F-1443F-028. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

DF-ST-86-10044. Base: Warner Robins Air Force Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Oberstleutnant Marco Brunhofer, Kommandofuehrer bei der Uebung Rapid Viking 2023. (vor einem Eurofighter) Keflavik Island, 03.08.2023

A U.S Air Force Special Tactics Operator assigned to the 23 Special Tactics Squadron prepares for a military free fall jump over Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, during Red Flag 22-2 June 13, 2022. RF-A 22-2 provides realistic combat training in a simulated environment.

US Air Force SENIOR AIRMAN (SRA) Aden, 45th Reconnaissance Squadron, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, inspects the lelvator and stab weight on the wing of an RC-135 while performing preflight maintenance. Base: Offutt Air Force Base State: Nebraska (NE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and U.S. Navy Sailors with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 lay concrete to expand a vertical take-off and landing pad as part of Exercise Turning Point at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, June 7, 2022. Turning Point is a combat operation readiness exercise designed to support and enable fleet maneuver and logistics, enhance joint interoperability, and increase the combat readiness of multiple services. 3rd Marine Aircraft Wings warfighting readiness directly enables aviation superiority in support of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force and joint operations and deters potential adversaries through its enduring relationships with allies and partners by demonstrating capabilities.

DN-SC-89-08028. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

As seen from the aircraft's rear seat, a Fighter Squadron 41 (VF-41) F-14A Tomcat aircraft comes in for a landing on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) during Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Saudi Arabia(SAU)

Senior Airman Caleb Roland, 4th Combat Camera aerial combat photojournalist takes photos of loadmasters from the 315th Airlift Squadron on the ramp of a C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base Charleston, SC., May 12, 2022. The 4th Combat Camera Squadron provides strategic imagery capabilities for the Department of Defense.

A close-up view as a Canadian Forces CF-18A Hornet, lighted by the setting sun, is inflight refueled with a drogue from a KC-10 Extender. The CF-18A is assigned to the 441 Tactical Fighter Squadron at 4 Wing Cold Lake and is participating in the exercise that will test the response of the air intercept and air defense capabilities of the American and Canadian Forces, supporting the mission of NORAD (North American Air Defense command). SCREEN RESOLUTION ONLY. Subject Operation/Series: AMALGAM WARRIOR Base: Cold Lake State: Alberta (AB) Country: Canada (CAN)

The nose ramp of a Military Airlift Command C-5A Galaxy aircraft is open in preparation for offloading cargo during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Michael Jacobs, a helicopter crew chief with the Aviation Combat Element, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, flies in a UH-1Y Huey during flight operations in Norway, April 19, 2022. The 22nd MEU, embarked aboard the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, is participating in a bilateral training event with the Kingdom of Norways Armed Forces to strengthen U.S. and Norway interoperability, ensuring collective capabilities and steadfast partnerships among NATO allies and partners.

A Military Airlift Command C-5B Galaxy aircraft is parked on the flight line as another Galaxy comes in for a landing. The aircraft are stopping over on the island after transporting Finnish United Nations troops to Namibia to function as a peacekeeping force. Country: Ascension Island

Royal Air Force pilot LT. Clarke, aboard his Mirage aircraft, prepares for flight during exercise Pacific Consort. Subject Operation/Series: PACIFIC CONSORT Base: Raaf Williamstown Country: Australia (AUS)

A-10A Thunderbolt II aircraft with attack jaws painted on their noses, are parked on the flight line, as their pilots prepare for take-off during Operation Gunsmoke '81. Subject Operation/Series: GUNSMOKE '81 Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-90-00606. Base: Mcclellan Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Search and Rescue Operations - 26-HK-260-9. Hurricane Katrina

041112-F-9528H-016. Base: C-130 Hercules

220812-N-NO874-1001 ADRIATIC SEA (Aug. 12, 2022) An E/A-18G Super Hornet, attached to the Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137, sits aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) transits through the Mediterranean Sea, Aug. 12, 2022. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied and Partner interests.

A bombardier/navigator sits in the cockpit of his Attack Squadron 35 (VA-35) A-6E Intruder aircraft following his return to the air station from the Persian Gulf along with other members of Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17) and Carrier Air Wing 3 (CVW-3). The U.S. Navy personnel are being honored for their participation in Operation Desert Storm during homecoming ceremonies at the station. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A crewman aboard the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62) watches as a Fighter Squadron 154 (VF-154) F-14A Tomcat aircraft climbs after launch during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Northern Arabian Sea

Tech. Sgt. Jannet Freshley, an instructor loadmaster assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, performs pre-flight checks on the flightline at Yokota Air Base, Japan, before a container delivery system bundle drop as part of Airborne 22, Jan. 26, 2022. During the exercise, aircraft from Yokota and Dyess Air Force Base, Texas dropped more than 100 bundles weighing 1,100 pounds in support of JGSDF ground operations. Training events like this increase effective interoperability to gain advantages whenever both countries work together during bi-lateral operations. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Gustavo Castillo)

Medium shot of the left side fuselage on a C-130 Hercules. Three members of the 772nd Airlift Squadron, 463rd, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, do maintenance checks after changing a tire on the aircraft. This mission is in direct support of Operation Restore Hope. Subject Operation/Series: RESTORE HOPE Base: Mombasa Country: Kenya (KEN)

A Strike Fighter Squadron 81 (VFA-81) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft on the No. 2 catapult aboard the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) awaits the launch signal as a second VFA-81 Hornet stands by behind the jet blast deflector during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

980305-F-4116M-007. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Silhouetted view of a mechanic, as he sweeps out the cargo area of a C-130 Hercules aircraft from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 50 (VRC-50), at the end of a flight. Base: Naval Air Station, Cubi Point State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

HH-60H Seahawks US Navy

A U.S. Air Force crew chief assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron helps an F-22 Raptor pilot get ready for take-off to conduct a night training flight, Sept. 27, 2022 at Łask Air Base, Poland. Night training operations are essential for ensuring readiness and helps to maintain 24/7 operations in support of the NATO Air Shielding mission.

DA-ST-87-08482. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST Base: Galbrieth Lake State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

imperial war museum north cockpit detail

An Airman from the 451st Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Aerial Port Flight transfers pallets to a C-17A Globemaster III for an airdrop June 27, 2013, out of Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. The Globemaster crew performed two airdrops in remote regions of Kandahar province.

The cockpit of an LC-130 Hercules aircraft, seventeen years after it crashed during a mission for the National Science Foundation. After it was determined that it would be less expensive to repair the craft that to buy a new one, a Navy field repair team spent 3 months working on it. The Hercules was flown from the crash site on January 10, 1988. Country: Antarctica (ATA)

Naval student's T-38 ground EGRESS training is closely monitored by an evaluator. The Air Force's joint pilot training program is active at Reese AFB. Ground and air EGRESS training is an integral part of the Air Force/Naval pilots survival education. Naval student's T-38 ground EGRESS training is closely monitored by an evaluator. The Air Force's joint pilot training program is active at Reese AFB. Ground and air EGRESS training is an integral part of the Air Force/Naval pilots survival education.

030421-F-0193C-006. Base: Baghdad International Airport Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Eric Wilde, 22nd Airlift Squadron pilot, operates a C-5M Super Galaxy over Northern California, April 28, 2022. The 22nd AS aircrew trained with a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Squadron, Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington.

A Sailor assigned to the "Ragin' Bulls" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37, conducts a post-flight inspection on an F/A-18E Super Hornet on first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) flight deck, Nov. 12, 2022. Exercise Silent Wolverine is a U.S.-led, combined training exercise that tests Ford-class aircraft carrier capabilities through integrated high-end naval warfare scenarios alongside participating allies in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean. The Gerald R. Ford Strike Group is conducting their first deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations.

Senior Airmen Giselle Toro and Tristen Geray, 37th Airlift Squadron loadmasters, prepare for a U.S. and Bulgarian air force formation flight over Plovdiv, Bulgaria, July 14, 2015. Loadmasters are responsible for the proper loading of cargo onto an aircraft and ensuring passengers are safe and comfortable during travel. In addition to securing cargo, Toro and Geray were both responsible for the safe departure of paratroopers from the aircraft during the flight.

NAIROBI, Kenya (July 23, 2015) A U.S. Marine with the Greyhawks” of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), wipes down an MV-22B Osprey after takeoff and landing drills at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The Marines are in Kenya to support President Barrack Obama’s visit. Elements of the 15th MEU, based out of Camp Pendleton, California, and embarked aboard the Essex, are conducting naval operations in the 6th Fleet areas of operation in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.

A C-17 Globemaster III aircraft assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing during the 6th ARW Agile Combat Employment capstone exercise, Aug. 23, 2022. The ACE concept underpins the Air Forces ability to mitigate the risks of adversarial technological advances through maneuverability and speed to prevail in conflict. The capstone exercise included 72-hours of continuous air refueling operations and a historic 56-hour KC-135 flight in a simulated contested environment focused on a notional theater of operations.

Photo reportage of a demonstration flight with a General Dynamics F-16A, flown by Captain G.booij, for a Vara television team.

120830-N-KB563-091PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 30, 2012) AV-8B Harrier jet aircraft assigned to Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 542 sit on the flight deck aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) at sunset off the coast of White Beach Naval Facility. Bonhomme Richard is the lead ship of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group.

DN-SC-87-06346. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-ST-86-03979. Base: USS Coral Sea (CV 43) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

220420-N-RU001-1047 PACIFIC OCEAN (April 20, 2022) Sailors participate in damage control fundamentals training on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), April 20. Vinson is currently underway conducting routine maritime operations in the Pacific Ocean.

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