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

DN-ST-87-02253. Base: USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

A Royal Australian Air Force C-17 Globemaster III flies over the Pacific Ocean during Exercise Global Dexterity 2022 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, May 4, 2022. Exercise Global Dexterity included side-by-side training of C-17s from the U.S. Air Force, Hawaii Air National Guard, and the Royal Australian Air Force to better develop tactics between the three forces.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Alexander Scott, 74th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, opens a quick release panel on an A-10C Thunderbolt II at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Oct. 23, 2022. This aircraft flew from Moody AFB, Georgia, in support of a Dynamic Force Employment operation which is designed as a way for Pacific Air Forces to exercise their ability to generate combatair power from dynamic force elementswhile continuing to move, maneuver, and sustain these elements in geographically-separated and contested environments.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dakota Dennis, a special missions aviator assigned to the 46th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, conducts a post-flight check on an HH-60 Pave Hawk during a combat search and rescue exercise at an undisclosed location, July 5, 2022. Air Force Central Commands ERQSs are organized, trained, equipped and postured to conduct full spectrum personnel recovery to include both conventional and unconventional combat rescue operations within the Central Command theater of operations. Special warfare operators assigned throughout the combined joint operational area conduct operations in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Edwin Watkins, a crew chief with the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., looks over the landing gear of an A-10 Thunderbolt II for a training mission during the Green Flag West 11-2 exercise at Nellis Air Force Base Nev., Dec. 10. Green Flag-West provides a realistic air-land integration training environment for forces preparing to support worldwide combat operations.

Airman tightens down an F-16 Fighting Falcon canopy after a periodic inspection at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

A U.S. Air Force air crew with the 4th Special Operations Squadron participates in a training sortie on an AC-130J Ghostrider, April 14, 2022 at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The 4 SOS regularly performs training sorties on the AC-130J in order to ensure readiness to perform special operations missions any time, any place.

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, depart after in-flight refueling over the Pacific Ocean, Japan, Sept. 9, 2022. The U.S. can operate from the sanctuary of bases across the Indo-Pacific region, increasing interoperability and lethality.

U.S. Marines run through CS gas during the hike portion of the 1st Marine Division (MARDIV) Super Squad Competition at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 30, 2018. The competition tests the Marines in a broad spectrum of infantry related skills to include offensive and defensive operations, patrolling techniques, and combat marksmanship, to determine the best squad within 1st MARDIV.

Members of Headquarters and Headquarters Co., 6th Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment., 6th Inf. Div., retrieve their gear from a C-130H Hercules aircraft during exercise Brim Frost '87. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST '87 Base: Galbrieth Lake State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II pilot assigned to the 421st Fisgter Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, receives fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, over the Pacific Ocean, while conducting Agile Combat Employment (ACE) rehearsals, June 28, 2022. ACE shifts operations from centralized physical infrastructures to a network of smaller, dispersed locations that can complicate adversary planning and provide more options for joint force commanders.

230412-N-YD731-1329 STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR (April 12, 2023) A Sailor assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, checks an M240 machine gun, April 12, 2023. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and the George H.W. Bush CSG. The squadrons of CVW-7 are Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, VFA-103, VFA-86, VFA-136, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, HSC-5, and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46. The George H.W. Bush 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 U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron prepares to refuel a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon during a refueling mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Jan. 1, 2022. The KC-135 delivers U.S. Air Forces Central a global reach aerial refueling capability to support joint and partner nation aircraft throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

A close-up view of a 27th Tactical Fighter Wing F-111 aircraft instrument panel. Country: Unknown

WESTERN ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 13, 2022) A MH-60R Romeo attached to Navy Helicopter Squadron Spartans (HSM) 70 takes off the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) during UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 13, 2022. UNITAS is the worlds longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Brazil, it brings together multinational forces from Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Namibia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and the United States conducting operations in and off the coast of Rio de Janeiro. The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations through the execution of anti-surface, anti-submarine, anti-air, amphibious and electronic warfare operations that enhance warfighting proficiency and increase interoperability among participating naval and marine forces.

DF-ST-88-05400. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD Country: Unknown

President Barack Obama salutes as he disembarks Marine One, as seen from Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Md. The President is en route to Everett, Wash., before heading to Tokyo, Japan, April 22, 2014.

A Marine with Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/1, descends 35 feet down a thick, plaited rope rigged to a helicopter parked on the amphibious assault ship Makin Island. The battalion is the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit's ground combat element. The unit is currently deployed aboard the amphibious assault ship as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, which is a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force. The group is also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

A McChord AFB, WA, 62nd Military Airlift Wing's C-141B Starlifter flying over the snow and ice covered expanse of Antarctica. It is returning to Christchurch, New Zealand after dropping containers of supplies and food to the Deep Freeze personnel who spend the winter darkness at McMurdo Base and South Pole station. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: MID-WINTER AIR DROP Country: New Zealand (NZL)

View of the cockpit of NASA's F-14, tail number 991. This aircraft was the first of a series of post-Vietnam fighters, followed by the F-15, F-16, and F-18. They were designed for maneuverability in air-to-air combat. The F-14s had a spin problem that posed problems for its ability to engage successfully in a dogfight, since it tended to depart from controlled flight at the high angles of attack that frequently occur in close-in engagements.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Rob Moore, commander of the 15th Airlift Squadron, stationed at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, reviews flight documentation during flight in a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III above the Pacific Ocean, Dec. 3, 2022. Airmen assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing conducted off-station training in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibilities to hone global reach and readiness capabilities.

120115-N-OY799-389ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 15, 2012) An F/A-18C Hornet from the Warhawks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 97 launches off the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

DN-ST-89-02377. Country: Unknown

Front Viet of a U.S. Air Force F-100 Landing at Tuy Hoa Air Base Following a Combat Mission. Front Viet of a U.S. Air Force F-100 Landing at Tuy Hoa Air Base Following a Combat Mission.

050728-A-2098S-008. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Combat Outpoist Rawah State: Rawah Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 40588

Naval Amphibious Base. An AV-8B Harrier aircraft flies overhead as Assault Craft Unit 4 air-cushioned landing craft head toward shore after separating from the dock landing ship USS PENSACOLA (LSD-38), right, during an amphibious demonstration for the 14th Annual Inter-American Naval Conference. Base: Naval Amphibious Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Tech. Sgts. Rogelio, Naranja, 413th Flight Test Squadron Detachment 1 operator, looks for landing zone waypoints before performing a High-Altitude High-Opening (HAHO) jump from a HC-130J Combat King II during BLACK FLAG 22-1 training mission May 12, 2021, over the Nevada Test and Training Range, Nevada. Black Flag 22-1 is focused on developing and validating large force tactics and integration required to deliver combat capability and tactical advantage for the Combat Air Force to build readiness that credibly deters and successfully defeats adversaries.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class James, left, 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron load crew member, helps Senior Airman Spencer, middle, 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron load crew member, load a missile on an MQ-9 Reaper as Senior Airman Nathan, right, 432nd Maintenance Group Weapons Standardization squadron lead crew member, judges their maneuvers during the Load Crew of the 3rd Quarter competition at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, Oct. 14, 2022. The crews are scored on their ability to perform well under stress and quickly load weapons onto the aircraft while adhering to safety precautions.

Close-up of pilots inside the cockpit of a Russian Navy Su-30SM jetfighter during flight.

DF-ST-85-09775. Subject Operation/Series: WILLIAM TELL '84 Country: Unknown

A left rear view of a Marine Corps KC-130F Hercules aircraft assigned to the Blue Angels flight demonstration team as it makes a jet-assisted takeoff (JATO). Country: Unknown

An Airman from the 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepares a jet for armament during a payload competition at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Oct. 21, 2022. The competition uses practice Guided Bomb Units that are made of cement to simulate the weight of a real unit.

A Marine watches as a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter taxis past an Air Force C-5 Galaxy aircraft during the multinational relief effort Operation Restore Hope. Subject Operation/Series: RESTORE HOPE Base: Modadishu Country: Somalia (SOM)

An HC-130J Combat King II sits on the runway at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Jan. 10, 2024, preparing to depart for exercise Red Flag 24-1. Red Flag exercises provide aircrews the experience of multiple, intensive air combat sorties in the safety of a training environment.

Vehicles are driven up to the rear ramp of a U.S. Air Force C-5 Galaxy aircraft. The U.S. is providing airlift support for Canadian troops that are part of a United Nations-sponsored peacekeeping force that will monitor the cease-fire between Iran and Iraq. Base: Canadian Forces Base, Trenton State: Ontario (ON) Country: Canada (CAN)

DA-SN-86-08516. Country: France (FRA)

DF-ST-89-04128. Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-87-03595. Base: USS Constellation (CV 64)

DN-ST-87-02670. Base: USS Coral Sea (CV 43) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Alexis Sanchez, a 517th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, hangs up an American flag on a C-17 Globemaster III assigned to 3rd Wing during Polar Force 22-4 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, March 31, 2022. This is the first Polar Force led by the 3rd Wing, with the 673d Air Base Wing as a supporting participant. PF 22-4 provides effective, flexible and capabilities-centered forces, ready for deployment worldwide, and enables real-world proficiency in response to variety crises.

GULF OF ADEN (Aug. 18, 2013) Marines in an MH-53 Super Stallion assigned to the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266 observe the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) during flight operations. San Antonio is deployed as part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU), is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

AIRMAN Ben Goynes performs routine maintenance on an F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft of the 401st Tactical Fighter Wing during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Qatar(QAT)

A plane captain signals "thumbs up" as a TA-4J Skyhawk aircraft taxis toward one of the catapults on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS FORRESTAL (CV 59). The FORRESTAL will assume the role of the Navy's training carrier in early 1992, taking over for the auxiliary aircraft landing training ship USS LEXINGTON (AVT 16). Country: Gulf Of Mexico

Air Force technicians load two inert Raytheon versions of the advance medium range air-to-air missiles under the left wing of an Air Force F-15A Eagle aircraft. Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SD-03-06276. Subject Operation/Series: UNIFIED SPIRIT Base: Uss Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

F-14B Tomcat US Navy

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipmentman) Third Class John Mozdzien takes cover as an S-3 Viking from Carrier-Based Antisubmarine Squadron Twenty-Two (VS-22), "Checkmates", launches from catapult four on the waist of the flight deck on board USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). TRUMAN is on station in the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. SOUTHERN WATCH establishes a southern no fly zone over Iraq and extends to the borders to just south of Baghdad, capital city of Iraq. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

DF-SC-86-07104. Country: Unknown

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Pima County, Arizona's border area with Mexico, where he joined U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel for meetings, tours, flights, inspections

030211-M-5266H-015. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT)

A C-141B Starlifter aircraft from the 443rd Airlift Wing (443rd AW) refuels from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft. Country: Unknown

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Angel Delao, a native of Phoenix, Arizona, and a joint forward observer with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group writes down the effectiveness of the close air support coordination during a simulated nighttime close air support exercise at Barry M. Goldwater Range, Gila Bend, Arizona, March 30, 2023. 1st ANGLICO utilizes the training to enhance their technical proficiency in close air support techniques in conjunction with pilot currency training.

A flight deck crewman stands on the wing of an Air Anti-submarine Squadron 22 (VS-22) S-3B Viking aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) during Fleet Ex 1-90. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EX 1-90 Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Commander Dan Taylor - Rescue - 26-HK-281-74. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brigette Waltermire, left, a public affairs specialist with the 137th Special Operations Wing (SOW), Oklahoma National Guard, documents a loadmaster inside an MC-130J Commando II at RAF Mildenhall, U.K., Aug. 2, 2022. Three 137th SOW Guardsmen conducted annual training with the 352d SOW Public Affairs office to gain experience integrating with an active-duty AFSOC wing, experiencing its air mission and working in a coalition environment.

A view of the side plate of a P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft named Scat VII showing the score board for the aircraft with 24 Nazi aircraft shot down. This is the actual aircraft flown by Major Robin Olds in WWII. He purchased the plane from surplus after the war. The aircraft is taking part in Freedom Flight America and is making a stop over Andrews en route to New York City to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II. Subject Operation/Series: FREEDOM FLIGHT AMERICA Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force pilots assigned to the 20th Bomb Squadron perform pre-flight inspections on a B-52 Stratofortress before takeoff at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. on August 23, 2022. The B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions and has been the backbone of U.S. strategic bomber forces for more than 60 years.

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 under the Central Command Area of Responsibility.

U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and Philippine Air Force service members offload Department of Social Welfare and Development family food packs from a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Davao International Airport, Davao City, Philippines, Feb. 12, 2024. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the U.S. Marines of III Marine Expeditionary Force are supporting the U.S. Agency for International Development in providing foreign humanitarian assistance to the ongoing disaster relief mission in Mindanao. The forward presence and ready posture of III MEF assets in the region facilitated rapid and effective response to crisis, demonstrating the U.S.s commitment to Allies and partners during times of need. Marine Corps

Mar 1992...Cramped quarters in this Fightertown, USA F-14 Tomcat aircraft cockpit is illustrated by this long lens compression photography. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

CAPT. Rebecca Goody, right, medical crew director of the 118th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (AES), Tennessee Air National Guard, Nashville, Tenn., discusses an upcoming mission with technicians from the 2nd AES, Rhein Mein Air Base, Germany, during Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

J.D. Estes, trying out 30-calibre Machine Gun that he just Installed in Navy PBY Plane, Naval Air Base, Corpus Christi, Texas, USA, photograph by Howard R. Hollem, U.S. Office of War Information, August 1942

Weapons crew members from the 178th Tactical Fighter Group, Ohio Air National Guard, load 20mm ammunition into an A-7D Corsair II aircraft during Operation Coronet Cove. Subject Operation/Series: CORONET COVE Base: Howard Air Force Base Country: Panama (PAN)

A plane director guides an E-2C Hawkeye aircraft on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) during FLEET EX '90. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EX '90 Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

CPT Ron Stanfill, FB-111A aircraft weapons officer, and LTC Ernie Perkins, squadron commander, left to right, make a preflight check of their aircraft during exercise Brim Frost '81. The pilots, simulating aggressors, are assigned to the 391st Tactical Fighter Squadron. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST '81 Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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

A U.S. Air Force pilot assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan, flies a C-130J Super Hercules over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex during a sortie for RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2, June 17, 2022. The JPARC airspace covers more than 77,000 square miles and provides a realistic training environment, allowing Airmen to train for full spectrum engagements, ranging from individual skills to complex, large-scale joint engagements.

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the New Jersey Air National Guard's 108th Wing prepare a KC-135R Stratotanker for a training flight on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, April 21, 2022. The 108th Wing's principal mission is air refueling for Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps aircraft as well as aircraft of allied nations.

110805-N-BA418-208 SEATTLE (Aug. 5, 2011) Lt. Ben Walborn, lead solo pilot, looks up toward the other F/A-18 Hornets flying in the delta formation as the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, perform during the 62nd annual Seattle Seafair Fleet Week. Seafair activities allow U.S. and Canadian sailors and Coast Guard personnel to experience the local community and to promote awareness of the maritime forces.

Official U.S. Navy photo illustration by Photographer's Mate Second Class (NAC) Jeffrey S. Viano, Fleet Combat Camera Group Pacific. The images in the illustration include a F/A-18 Hornet taxiing, USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) flight deck personnel and a F/A-18 Hornet taking off. The title of the illustration is Southern Watch. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS George Washington (CVN 73) Country: Persian Gulf

Paratroopers from the 2nd Bn., 325th Infantry Regt., 82nd Airborne Div., board C-141B Starlifter aircraft in preparation for a night mission during exercise Market Square III. Subject Operation/Series: MARKET SQUARE III Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Navy Sailors with Naval Beach Unit 7 communicate during well deck operations aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 1, 2022. Landing craft, air cushions are used to transport vehicles and personnel from ship to shore. The 31st MEU is operating aboard the ships of the Tripoli Expeditionary Strike 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.

Two M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems are transported to the Danish island of Bornholm in a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, May 24, 2022. Soldiers with Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery Regiment, 75th Artillery Brigade participated in an air-land raid on Bornholm using the HIMARS, displaying American and Danish capability to rapidly deploy weapons systems as part of DEFENDER-Europe 22.

040414-F-9032T-007. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: Suffolk Country: United Kingdom (GBR)

A flight deck crewman services the rotor hub of a helicopter during PACEX '89. Subject Operation/Series: PACEX '89 Country: Unknown

SGT. Carl Paskey from the 20th Bomb Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., bleeds a hydraulic line on a B-52H Stratofortress engine during a post flight inspection. The 2nd Wing from Barksdale deployed 12 aircraft and 430 people to participate in exercise Mighty Force 93-6. Subject Operation/Series: MIGHTY FORCE 93-6 Base: Roswell State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Monument to war metal and stone with a shield used in battles centuries ago.

The Blue Angels are currently conducting winter training at Naval Air Facility (NAF) El Centro, California, in preparation for the upcoming 2024 air show season. Navy

Mayor Diane Feinstein, second from left, aboard a helicopter en route to the aircraft carrier USS CORAL SEA (CV-43) to welcome the ship back into port after a Western Pacific (WESTPAC) cruise. Base: San Francisco State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Luke Weyhmuller, 157th Fighter Squadron F-16 fighter jet pilot, assigned to the 169th Fighter Wing at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina, conducts preflight checks before takeoff at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport in West Columbia, South Carolina, September 15, 2022. The 169th Fighter Wing is temporarily flying out of Columbia Metropolitan Airport while the McEntire Joint National Guard Base runway undergoes construction.

221005-N-LI114-2088 SEA OF JAPAN (Oct. 5, 2022) Lt. William Peters, from Webster, Massachusetts signals for the launch of an EA-18G Growler, attached to the Shadowhawks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141, on the flight deck of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), in the Sea of Japan, Oct. 5. The primary role of EA-18G Growlers is to disrupt the ability to communicate between units in combat through the use of electronic warfare. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

An Air Force officer monitors a radar screen. Country: Unknown

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.

DF-ST-88-10131. Base: Travis Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060218-N-6652A-089. Base: USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

240214-N-TY639-1004 ATLANTIC OCEAN, (Feb. 14, 2024) Lt. j.g. Russel Woodham, a native of Lanett, Alabama, attached to the Pukin Dogs of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, mans the cockpit of an F/A-18E Super Hornet on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), Feb. 14, 2024. Truman is the flagship of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group and is currently underway conducting flight deck certification as part of the basic phase. Navy

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