Modern Military Aviation Operations

Images of modern military aircraft in flight, including helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, showcasing aerial maneuvers and military exercises.

2 helicopter S-70 Black Hawk of Austrian Army St. Marienkirchen an der Polsenz Hausruckviertel Oberösterreich, Upper Austria Austria

PHILIPPINE SEA (May 17, 2022) An E-2D Hawkeye, assigned to the "Wallbangers" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117, flies over the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

F/A-18 Super Hornets attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 fly over the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Oct. 8, 2022. The Gerald R. Ford carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) is deployed in the Atlantic Ocean, conducting training and operations alongside NATO Allies and partners to enhance integration for future operations and demonstrate the U.S. Navys commitment to a peaceful, stable and conflict-free Atlantic region.

Afghanistan, Kunar Province, Kunar Valley, United States Army OH-58 Kiowa Warrior flying through storm

Members assigned to joint special operations forces jump out of a C-130J Hercules aircraft assigned to the 815th Airlift Squadron, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, over MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Nov. 3, 2022. Joint special operations forces members assigned to U.S. Special Operations Command, Special Operations Command Central and Joint Communications Support Element conducted an administrative non-tactical freefall operation over MacDill as part of a monthly training requirement.

A T-33 Shooting Star aircraft performs during the 2022 Ellsworth Air and Space Show at Ellsworth Air Force Base May, S.D., 14, 2022. In addition to aerial acts, visitors were able to meet the Airmen that make up the 28th Bomb Wing and learn about the global strike mission..

Military aircrafts making a stunt with fireworks. Russia, Moscow Airshow in July 2017

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The U.S. Army Golden Knights demonstrate precision skydiving as part of the World Space Expo aerial salute at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Other aircraft joining in the expo salute include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Demonstration Squadron, the U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornets, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle, P-51 Mustang Heritage Flight, and the U.S. Air Force 920th Rescue wing, which was responsible for Mercury and Gemini capsule recovery. The World Space Expo held Nov. 1-4 was an event commemorating humanity's first 50 years in space while looking forward to returning people to the moon and exploring beyond. The expo showcased various panels, presentations and educational programs. It also was a part of NASA's 50th anniversary celebrations, highlighting the 45th Anniversary of the Mercury Program celebration featuring original NASA astronauts John Glenn and Scott Carpenter and the Pioneering Women of Aerospace forum featuring

U.S. Airman with the 492nd Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Wing from Lakenheath, United Kingdom fly an F15 Eagle over the Grafenwoehr Training Area during exercise Dynamic Front 22 at Grafenwoehr, Germany, July 14, 2022. Dynamic Front 22 is the premier U.S. led NATO and partner integrated exercise focused on fires interoperability throughout the U.S. European Command Theater.

A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, conducts a heavy equipment airdrop during exercise Kodiak Mace 22 near Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, May 16, 2022. This annual exercise is designed to develop unit-level skills, work with joint forces, and maintain a high level of squadron readiness.

220822-N-EV253-1050 An F/A-18 assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 192 flies over Pyramid Cove during a mine countermeasure (MCM) live fire training exercise off the coast of San Clemente Island, Aug. 22, 2022. The MCM live fire is realistic, relevant training that enables our joint, multi-domain forces to integrate and rehearse a critical capability and complex skillset.

An F-35 Lightning II assigned to Hill Air Force Base, Utah and two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs with the 442nd Fighter Wing prepares to land at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, April 5, 2022. Exercise Agile Tiger builds unity of effort and mission across components, commands and services. Units from ACC, AMC and AFGSC will participate in Agile Tiger.

Members from the 124th Fighter Wing, Idaho Air National Guard, travel aboard a C-17 Globemaster III from the 105th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard, in route to Alpena, Michigan June 4, 2022. This effort is in support of Agile Rage 22 which provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

Two KC-135 Stratotankers from Fairchild Air Force Base and two B-52 Stratofortress flew over the state capitol grounds in St. Paul, Minn., June 27, 2023. They fly over was in celebration of 100 years of air refueling, in which 1st Lt. Virgil Hine and 1st Lt. Frank W. Seifert, flying a DH-4B, passed gasoline through a hose to another DH-4B flying beneath it carrying Capt. Lowell H. Smith and 1st Lt. John P. Richter accomplished the first aerial refueling.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 354th Air Expeditionary Wing prepares takes off from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 8, 2022. The 354th AEW sent equipment and personnel to MCAS Iwakuni to train on agile combat employment tactics, techniques and procedures.

DF-ST-89-07330. Subject Operation/Series: MIGHTY WARRIOR 88 Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A technician guides a pallet of cargo to the drop zone using a remote control parachute. Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An aircrew flies a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter over North Post during training operations June 14, 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.

An aircrew with the Wisconsin National Guards 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment operates a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter Jan. 3, 2024, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Members of the unit regularly complete training operations at Fort McCoy and the unit also supports numerous training events at the installation each year. 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.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform for the Fairchild Skyfest Air Show at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, May 13, 2022. The Thunderbirds represent the pride, precision, and professionalism of nearly 700,000 total force American Airmen around the globe.

040605-F-2788H-027. Base: Little Rock Air Force Base State: Arkansas (AR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

F-14A Tomcat aircraft take part in a formation fly over upon their return from deployment in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm. Returning aircraft are from Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17) and Carrier Air Wing 3 (CVW-3). Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Miscellaneous - Coast Guard Operations - 26-HK-433-68. Hurricane Katrina

An Army soldier of the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C., parachutes to the ground after jumping from a C-130 Hercules as part of an airborne operation.

Fort Bragg, North Carolina: c: 1947 A paratrooper exercise out of Fort Bragg using USAF Fairchild C-82 Packet aircraft and C-119 Flying Boxcars for the drop.

A U.S. Air Force Lockheed U-2, nicknamed Dragon Lady, conducts an aerial demonstration during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 23, 2022. The U-2, a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft with U.S. Air Force 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, California, provides day and night, high-altitude, all-weather intelligence-gathering and reaches altitudes above 70,000 feet. 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.

A 44th Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle flies overhead at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 14, 2022. The 18th Wing routinely executes various training scenarios to maintain combat readiness and safeguard U.S. national interests and the collective defense of allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, conducted a bilateral exercise with Republic of Korea Air Force 7 June, 2022 to demonstrate the ability of the combined US-ROK forces to respond quickly to crisis events. The ROK-U.S. Alliance remains committed to peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and throughout the Indo-Pacific. The U.S. commitment to the defense of the ROK remains ironclad.

Aircrafts - Sand Baggers - 26-HK-57-38. Helicopter in flight with sand bag -- 050929. Hurricane Katrina

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 3rd Wing flies next to a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 117th Aerial Refueling Squadron, Forbes Field, Kansas during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, Alaska, Aug. 2, 2022. This exercises goal is to provide unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint, coalition and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 transport aircraft prepares to land at Wiesbaden Army Airfield, Clay Kaserne, Germany, Sept. 1, 2023. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment (Attack Battalion), 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, loaded two AH-64D Longbow helicopters onto the C-17 aircraft after unloading two AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters, at Wiesbaden Army Airfield, Clay Kaserne, Germany, Sept. 1, 2023. The AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopter upgrade is part of the 12th CAB modernization efforts, ongoing training, and new equipment fielding.12th CAB is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe. They work alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retain command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

050402-F-8769K-022. Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A successful Orion parachute test takes place at U.S. Army Yuma Proving ground in Arizona on March 8, 2017. This is the second test in a series of eight that will certify Orion's parachutes for human space flight.

Two United States Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets refuel in-flight from a United States Marine Corps C-130 Hercules aircraft over Queensland, Australia during exercise Crocodile '99, a combined U.S./Australian exercise. Subject Operation/Series: CROCODILE '99 State: Queensland Country: Australia (AUS)

Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge - MSO St. Louis Operations - 26-HK-390-49. Hurricane Katrina

060730-N-7981E-143. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

BAKU - 26 June 2011 - Miliatary Parade in Baku, Azerbaijan on Army Day

Two C-130J Super Hercules fly over Yokota Air Base, Japan, during the Samurai Readiness Inspection, Oct. 12, 2022. The full-scale exercise is designed to enhance base readiness through training and practicing skillsets, ensuring the base is ready to respond to real-world contingencies.

220716-N-XN177-1161 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 16, 2022) - An MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 flies over amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), July 16, 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.

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 112, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, provides simulated close air support at Rattlesnake Range, Camp Shelby, Mississippi, during Marine Forces Reserve Tactical Air Control Party Fire Exercise 23-1 Oct. 27, 2022. The purpose of TACP FIREX 23-1 is to maintain joint fires proficiency and readiness to support the total force.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Haden Gator Fullam, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team pilot and commander, flies over Klamath Falls, Oregon, June 24, 2022. The A-10 Demonstration Teams jet has a heritage paint job to pay tribute to the 355th Tactical Fighter Wings contributions in the Vietnam War, including special dedication to personnel who were killed in action or became prisoners of war.

Airborne troops parachute from a U.s. Army UH-1 Iroquois helicopter during the joint Thai-U.S. training exercise Cobra Gold '92. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD '92 Base: Korat Country: Thailand (THA)

Four kites of 315 squadron, Major Wim Hermsen, Captain Arie van Nugteren and the first lieutenants Ben Hesseling and Karel Vonders give a beautiful show in a four-formation with their Northrop NF-5A FREEDOM FIGHTER during the open day at the TWENTHE airbase.

Two U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors assigned to the 3rd Wing, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, fly over Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, during Polar Force 22-4, March 31, 2022. This is the first time the 3rd Wing has led a Polar Force exercise, with the primary focus on developing Agile Combat Employment and U.S. Pacific Air Forces ability to fight in a contested area. ACE is a proactive and reactive method of generating combat airpower using resilient, survivable and flexible manpower strategies.

F-4 Phantom II aircraft pass by the Washington Monument in a missing man formation during the dedication day parade for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division (Arctic Angels) jump from a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III operated by the 517th Airlift Squadron over Malemute Drop Zone, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Oct. 20, 2022. Following the airborne training some of the paratroopers simulated jump casualties for 673d Medical Group Airmen participating in the Arctic Warrior Challenge 2022. The Arctic Warrior Challenge was a scenario-based field training exercise designed to hone the 673d Medical Group Airmens tactical combat casualty care (TCCC) skills, improve operational readiness, and foster unit cohesion. TCCC outlines prehospital combat medicine devised to provide lifesaving care to injured combatants, to limit the risk of further casualties, and to help achieve mission success.

Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems (MAFFS) C-130 aircrew practice drops at Hot Tea drop zone near Gowen Field Air National Guard, Idaho, April 26, 2022. The MAFFS units are training for a U.S. Northern Command mission. In the event of activation during the fire year; First Air Force (AFNORTH); U.S. Northern Command's Air Component Command; is the DoD's operational lead for the aerial military efforts to support USDA Forest Service-National Interagency Fire Center requests for fire suppression support.

Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge - The City - 26-HK-383-27. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, conduct airborne operation after exiting a U.S. Air Force 86th Air Wing C-130 Hercules aircraft at Juliet Drop Zone, Pordenone, Italy, Oct. 20, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility.

B-17 Flying Fortresses of the 490th Bomb Group fly in formation during a mission.

The C-17 East Coast Demo Team showcases the capabilities of a C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 317th Airlift Squadron, JB Charleston, S.C. at the Joint Base Andrews 2022 Air & Space Expo Airshow, JB Andrews, Md., 17 September, 2022. Airshows provide an opportunity for people to see U.S. military air capabilities in action and meet the service members who fly and maintain the equipment.

The Oberlausitz military training area opened its Tor tor to thousands of visitors for the Open Day at the Oberlausitz military training area to give them an insight behind the scenes of the Bundeswehr in Saxony. The soldiers present a variety of large and small equipment and impressively demonstrate what they are capable of. Sikorsky CH-53 transport helicopter with Bundeswehr identification 84+50, open day at the Oberlausitz military training area, Weißkeißel, Saxony, Germany, Europe

An AH-1Z Cobra flies above the flight line during the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration of the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 23, 2022. The MAGTF Demo displays the coordinated use of close-air support, armor, artillery and infantry forces and provides a visual representation of how the Marine Corps operates. 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.

An Air Force pilot guides an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft over the airspace on South Post at Fort McCoy, Wis., on Oct. 12, 2022, as part of training operations at installation. Several A-10s completed taking off and landing at Young Air Assault Strip on South Post and flying routes over the installation. According to the Air Force fact sheet for the A-10C, the Thunderbolt II is the first Air Force 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. The A-10C offers excellent maneuverability at low airspeeds and altitude while maintaining a highly accurate weapons-delivery platform. They can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time, are capable of austere landings and operate under 1,000-foot ceilings (303.3 meters) with 1.5-mile (2.4 kilometers) visibility. Additionall

T-38 trainer jets carrying the STS-103 crew arrive in formation above Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility. The crew is here to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities this week. The TCDT provides the crew with emergency egress training, opportunities to inspect their mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay, and simulated countdown exercises. Participating are Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr., Pilot Scott J. Kelly, and Mission Specialists Steven L. Smith, C. Michael Foale (Ph.D.), John M. Grunsfeld (Ph.D.), Claude Nicollier of Switzerland, with the European Space Agency, and Jean-François Clervoy of France, also with the European Space Agency. The mission, to service the Hubble Space Telescope, is targeted for launch Dec. 6 at 2:37 a.m. EST aboard Space Shuttle Discovery

A contracted air plane drops humanitarian aide supplies for Aka Sadiq to Afghan National Army Soldiers and Marine Special Operation Command Marines at a drop site during a three-day combat reconnaissance patrol in Farah Prov., Bala Baluk District, Afghanistan, March 30. The coalition forces started the three-day CRP lead by the ANA with a dismounted patrol through Suji, Peyo and Pasaw, an air drop of humanitarian aide supplies for Aka Sadiq and a route recon through the mountainous terrain of eastern Bala Baluk.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Joshua "Cabo" Gunderson, commander of the Air Combat Command F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team from Langley Air Force Base, Hampton, Va., performs during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 30, 2022. The team flies at airshows around the globe, performing maneuvers that demonstrate the capabilities of the fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

TIGER support helicopter, Eurocopter, Bundeswehr helicopter, flight demonstration, Bueckeburg Army Airfield, Lower Saxony, Germany, Europe

Fouga CM-170R magisters of the Belgian Air Force Demonstration team The Red Devils. Fouga is also known under the name Potez.

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct flight operations during Resolute Dragon 22 at Yausubetsu Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 13, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

An Air Force pilot guides an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft over the airspace on South Post at Fort McCoy, Wis., on Oct. 4, 2022, as part of training operations at installation. Several A-10s completed taking off and landing at Young Air Assault Strip on South Post and flying routes over the installation. According to the Air Force fact sheet for the A-10C, the Thunderbolt II is the first Air Force 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. The A-10C offers excellent maneuverability at low airspeeds and altitude while maintaining a highly accurate weapons-delivery platform. They can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time, are capable of austere landings and operate under 1,000-foot ceilings (303.3 meters) with 1.5-mile (2.4 kilometers) visibility. Additionally

Fireworks, Cape Town, South Africa

Air National Guard A-10 jets during Exercise Air Defender 2023 in Jagel, Germany.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 36th Fighter Squadron takes off for a night sortie during a training event at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 14, 2022. Night sorties train pilots in nighttime operations and enable pilots to utilize strategies to increase their lethality in combat situations.

South Carolina Army National Guard AH-64D Apache helicopters from the 1-151st Attack and Reconnaissance Battalion, S.C Army National Guard, depart to Ft. Stewart, Ga., for gunnery qualifications and annual training from McEntire Joint National Guard Base, Eastover, S.C. April 23, 2016.

Marines from Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay, the United States of America, and Uruguay conduct static line and freefall parachute training from UH-1Y Venom helicopters with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII, at Santa Cruz Air Force Base, Rio de Janeiro, Sept. 6, 2022. Integrated air and parachute operations enable interoperability and the sharing of knowledge between partner nation forces supporting exercise UNITAS. UNITAS is the world's longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral and amphibious operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the U.S. Southern Commands area of responsibility.

A U.S. Air Force AC-130J Ghostrider gunship gets into position to land on the flight line following a base wide repositioning Sept. 29, 2022 at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The repositioning was coordinated in preparation for possible impacts from Hurricane Ian.

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II flies in formation with a P-51 Mustang over Klamath Falls, Oregon, June 24, 2022. Heritage Flights are flown with current and former U.S. Air Force aircraft that pay tribute to Airmen, past and present, for their service and dedication to ensuring national security.

A U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk flies within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to practice Helicopter Air-to-Air Refueling (HAAR) operations with a HC-130J Combat King II assigned to the 1st Expeditionary Rescue Group, October 13, 2022. The primary mission of the Pave Hawk is to conduct day or night personnel recovery operations into hostile environments to recover isolated personnel during conflict. HAAR operations act as a force extender, keeping rescue assets in the air longer.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II fighter jet participating in exercise Northern Lightning flies over Volk Field Air National Guard (ANG) Base, Camp Douglas, Wisconsin, during exercise Northern Lightning on Aug. 18, 2022. Northern Lightning delivers a premier ANG joint training environment replicating today's battle space with current and future weapons platforms.

Aircrews with the Wisconsin National Guards 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment operate UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters Oct. 18, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Members of the unit regularly complete training operations at Fort McCoy and the unit also supports numerous training events at the installation each year. 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.

DF-ST-86-11987. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Paratrooper supplies coming down under parachutes.; Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Drone flying in air defence exercise for Nato operations

A B-2 Spirit takes off from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, during Exercise Agile Tiger April 5, 2022. The B-2 collaborated with several airframes throughout the exercise to accomplish mission objectives.

Aviation Training Center - Mobile Aircrew - Aftermath and Rescue - 26-HK-279-20. Hurricane Katrina

220523-N-ZQ263-1066 PACIFIC OCEAN (May 23, 2022) Gunners Mate 2nd Class Jaegar McComas, from Houston, Texas, fires at an unmanned aerial vehicle aboard the Arleigh Burke-Class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63). Stethem is underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations conducting surface warfare advanced tactical training (SWATT). SWATT is the surface forces premiere advanced tactical training exercise, increasing warfighting capability and tactical proficiency across all domains.

A Shaw Air and Space Expo attendee watches the Decathlon Demo Team perform over Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 3, 2022. The Shaw Air and Space Expo featured 12 aerial acts and 10 static display aircraft, as well as other attractions and displays which attracted more than 75,000 guests to attend.

U.S. Army MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missiles launch at simulated target during the first ever operational live-fire using a U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II targeting data in support of Valiant Shield 22 on Palau, June 15, 2022. Exercises such as Valiant Shield allow the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Great Lakes Search and Rescue Detachment - 26-HK-144-88. Hurricane Katrina

Cmdr. Andrew Imperatore, front, off-going commanding officer of the "Grey Wolves" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142, prepares to depart the formation of Cmdr. Andrew Thom, right, oncoming VAQ-142 commanding officer, and Commander, Carrier Air Wing 8 Capt. Daryl Trent during a VAQ-142 change of command ceremony, April 14, 2022. Thom, from Yorktown, Virginia, relieved Cmdr. Andrew Imperatore during the aerial change of command. USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 72) is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications and strike group integration as part of the ships tailored basic phase prior to operational deployment.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Storks seem to join the formation as the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels F/A-18 jets land on the runway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Blue Angels are at Kennedy to perform in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. The Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron will take to the skies in military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F/A-18 Super Hornet jets for the second annual Space & Air Show at Kennedy. This years show brings together the best in military aircraft, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event includes military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing.

Annual Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally "Ride for Freedom"--on behalf of the Prisoners of War-Missing in Action (POW/MIA) cause--through Washington, D.C., with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne among the participants

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Air Force Academy Cadets participate in the Parents' Weekend Parade at Stillman Field Sept. 2, 2022. The event is held over Labor Day weekend, providing Academy families an extended opportunity to reunite with their cadets and tour Academy facilities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Trevor Cokley)

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform an aerial demonstration during the Shaw Air and Space Expo at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 3, 2022. The expo featured 12 aerial acts and 10 static display aircraft, as well as other attractions and displays, which attracted more than 55,000 attendees.

of 3