Modern Military Flight Preparation

Air force and army personnel prepare for flights, including checks on aircraft and safety gear, emphasizing the training and readiness of military operations.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ernest Brunelle, an Oakham, Mass., native and a fixed wing aircraft safety equipment mechanic with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533, dons a helmet in preparation for an incentive flight at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 30, 2022. Incentive flights are periodically awarded to Marines and Sailors for meritorious actions and service.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Brent J. Kenney (right), 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron superintendent, puts in ear protection before his first familiarization (FAM) flight, August 31, 2022, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Kenney was selected for this FAM flight after winning the 2022 Spark Tank competition. Spark Tank is an annual event where Airmen and Guardians are given the opportunity to pitch their top innovation ideas to senior leadership and compete for funding to turn their ideas into reality.

SPC Cody Willard 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment, North Dakota Army National Guard, performs aircraft checks prior to an exercise in support of the Golden Coyote Training Exercise at Camp Rapid, South Dakota, June 16, 2022. Golden Coyote is a three-phase, scenario-driven exercise conducted in South Dakota and Wyoming, which enables commanders to focus on mission essential task requirements, warrior tasks and battle drills, including performing a hot-cold litter carry

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Levon Compton, adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard, tours a French A400M Atlas aircraft, during a visit to the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Course, at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, in St. Joseph, Missouri, September 21, 2022. While at the AATTC, Compton was able to greet members of the French Air Force, as they were the first aircrew from France to attend the Advanced Tactics Aircrew Course. Since 1983 the training center has provided advanced tactical training to airlift aircrews from the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command, Air Mobility Command, U.S. Marine Corps and 17 allied nations.

Search and Rescue Operations - Helicopter - 26-HK-261-2. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ernest Brunelle, an Oakham, Mass., native and a fixed wing aircraft safety equipment mechanic with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533, dons a helmet in preparation for an incentive flight at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 30, 2022. Incentive flights are periodically awarded to Marines and Sailors for meritorious actions and service.

A United States Marine Corps Aviator, wearing the JHMCS, or Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System helmet, climbs into the cockpit of an F/A-18D Hornet at Kuantan Air Base, Malaysia

020701-F-5435R-014. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

Royal Australian Air Force Flight Lt. Beaker Skene, No. 2 Squadron E-7A Wedgetail pilot, poses for a photo during Weapons System Evaluation Program East-22.08 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 17, 2022. WSEPs are formal, two-week evaluation exercises designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Brent J. Kenney (left), 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron superintendent, steps to his first familiarization (FAM) flight, August 31, 2022, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Kenney was selected for this FAM flight after winning the 2022 Spark Tank competition. Spark Tank is an annual event where Airmen and Guardians are given the opportunity to pitch their top innovation ideas to senior leadership and compete for funding to turn their ideas into reality.

Navy Talent Acquisition Group Southwest Commanding Officer Cmdr. David C. Yoon is strapped into a parachute by a member of the U.S. Navy Parachute Team, Leap Frogs, before jumping out of an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter prior to a change of command ceremony. Each member of the official party executed a controlled tandem-jump and landed safely onto Turner Field at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, California May 18, 2022.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Cameron Kindrick, plane captain assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 223, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, prepares to launch an AV-8B Harrier for a mission, during Green Flag-West 24-04 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 17, 2024. Green Flag exercises provide critical joint training for approximately 25,000 joint and coalition personnel per year, including 450 sorties, 900 flight hours, and the expenditure of over 100,000 pounds of live and training ordnance. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Zachary Nordheim, 325th Fighter Wing public affairs apprentice, documents Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 16, 2022. WSEP-E 22.12 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Chris Ray, a bulk fuel specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171, disconnects a fueling hose from a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft with Patrol Squadron Eight at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 22, 2022. MWSS-171 Marines cooperate with joint forces to support aerial operations in the Indo-Pacific through timely and efficient aircraft refueling.

040505-F-6844O-019. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFSPC

030314-F-9528H-007. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force Maj. Kristof Lieber (left), the assistant director of operations for the 34th Bomb Squadron, and Lt. Col. Ross Hobbs (right), the commander of the 34th Bomb Squadron, greet each other at Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, after landing a B-1B Lancer for a Bomber Task Force mission on June 2, 2022. Bomber Task Force missions contribute to joint force lethality and deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific by demonstrating the United States Air Force's ability to operate anywhere in the world at any time in support of the National Defense Strategy.

030806-F-6701P-006. Subject Operation/Series: JTF LIBERIA Base: Lungi Airport Country: Sierra Leone (SLE)

U.S. Air Force Col. David Shevchik, former commander of the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing, prepares to take off for his final flight in a F-35A Lightning II from the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Nov. 6, 2022. It is tradition for pilots to be recognized and celebrate the final flight of their military career.

U.S. Marine Corps pilots with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312 greet each other after successfully landing at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Jan. 26, 2023. VMFA-312 traveled from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam to conduct joint-level training as a part of the Aviation Training Relocation Program and enhance the squadrons readiness and combat capabilities.

US Air Force STAFF Sergeant Roland Reves from the 21st Airlift Squadron, Travis Air Force Base, California, flips over roller plates on a C-5 Galaxy aircraft in preparation to download four Army helicopters (not shown), two cargo palettes (not shown), and a government vehicle (not shown), to be used in Exercise ROVING SANDS '96, the largest annual joint air defense exercise. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS '96 Base: Biggs Army Air Field, El Paso State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

CPT Mark Wright, an F-4E Phantom II pilot of the 336th Tactical Fighter Squadron, makes a preflight inspection of the aircraft during the exercise Crested Cap. Subject Operation/Series: CRESTED CAP Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Pilot Jacob Vaughan, 125th Fighter Squadron, speaks to a group of airmen during a tour of the F-16 fighter jet during Agile Rage at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Mich., June 10, 2022. Air National Guard aircraft that participated in Agile Rage included the A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-16 Viper, C-130J Hercules, and the MQ-9 Reaper. (Oklahoma Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Alyssa Smalley)

DM-SC-85-08915. Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Delaney E. Smith, an aircraft maintenance crew chief assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing, Indiana Air National Guard, refuels an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft during Guardian Blitz at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 24, 2023. Guardian Blitz is the 122nd Fighter Wings final training exercise with A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft before converting to the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.

Staff Sgt. Trenton Mouser, middle, a 621st Contingency Response Wing C-5 crew chief, learns about fighter aircraft maintenance with F-16 maintainers during Exercise Bamboo Eagle, Feb. 1, 2024, Naval Air Station Point Mugu, California. A contingency response team regularly trains in tasks outside their primary duties, employing the multi-capable airman concept. Air Force

Rear Adm. Greg Huffman, left, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12, and Cmdr. Drew Huston, commanding officer of the the "Bear Aces" of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 124 prepare to board an E-2D Hawkeye, Oct. 14, 2022. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCG) 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

030418-F-5712B-035. Base: Tallil Air Base State: Dhi Qar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jonathan Kuntz, 94th Fighter Squadron commander, exits an F-22 Raptor assigned to Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, prior to Checkered Flag 23-1 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 27, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise held at Tyndall which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th- and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 23-1 iteration of the exercise was held Oct. 31 - Nov. 10, 2022.

Senior Airman Chloe Chavers, 357th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons armament technician, finishes mounting an air-to-ground bomb on an A-10 Thunderbolt II at the live ordnance loading area at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Sept. 13, 2022. These bombs were used as part of continual training for both maintainers and pilots to further their skills in projecting airpower anywhere, anytime.

050712-F-7564C-011. Base: Volk Field State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry boards a helicopter for the flight from Amman, Jordan, to Ramallah, West Bank, to meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on July 19, 2013.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan Chavez, a fixed wing aircraft mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, awaits to signal an F-35B Lightning II aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 28, 2022. Marines with VMFA-242 conducted close air support with inert GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs at Combined Arms Training Center, Fuji in support of 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment. This training marked the first-ever live close air support missions in Japan with an F-35B Lightning II aircraft.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Cameron Owans, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 225 powerline mechanic, performs a preflight check on an F-35B Lightning II during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 10, 2022. RF-A is a premier training event for joint units to bolster interoperability, during which some service members partake in the tradition of growing a deployment mustache’ to increase a sense of morale and camaraderie among deployed service members. Owans had been growing his mustache for three months.

A U.S. Army Soldier with 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division prepares for aerial gunnery at the Douthit Gunnery Complex, Fort Riley, Kansas on August 1st, 2022. Aerial gunnery tables develop and test the proficiency of individual, crew, and unit gunnery techniques at the basic, intermediate, and advanced levels.

030325-F-0558K-130. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

California Air National Guard Pararescuemen MASTER Sergeant Ken Chapman, Technical Sergeant John Saftner, SENIOR AIRMAN T.J. Conklin and MASTER Sergeant Larry Hiyakumoto of the 129 Air National Guard Unit, Moffett Federal Airfield, California transport the specialized equipment needed to perform their mission across the flight-line at Moffett Airfield, CA. Base: Moffett Federal Air Field State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Matthew Kopchinski, 77th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, pauses during an integrated combat turn during exercise Iron Hand 22-09 at North Auxiliary Airfield, S.C., Aug. 23, 2022. The exercise was designed to combine traditional maintainers with support personnel who both received continuation multi-capable Airmen training and evaluation of newly learned skills.

220614-N-GW654-1245 NAVAL AIR STATION NORTH ISLAND, Calif. (Jun. 14 , 2022) - Vice Adm. Eric Janicot, Admiral Naval Aviation (ALAVIA), Marine Nationale (French Navy), right, speaks to Capt. Scott Wastak, deputy commodore, Airborne Command & Control and Logistics Wing, during a visit to Naval Air Station North Island, Calif. ALAVIA is the French counterpart to Commander, Naval Air Forces, and his visit exemplifies the longstanding alliance between the U.S. and France.

DA-ST-85-12857. Country: Unknown

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Robert Hegmann, a bulk fuel specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, observes 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.

Nicolas, public affairs Teen Shadow Day participant, left, interviews U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Zach Newfrock, 41stRescue Squadron special missionsaviator, during Teen Shadow Day at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, June 22, 2022. Teens gained hands-on knowledge about various U.S. Air Force Jobs during Teen Shadow Day.

DF-ST-87-00550. Subject Operation/Series: COMMANDO WEST IX Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA)

DN-SD-03-08756. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Chance, right, a 909th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator instructor, advises Tech. Sgt. Jayson Swift, a newer 909th ARS boom operator, while flying over the Pacific Ocean, Oct. 14, 2022. Boom operators refuel aircraft from the boom pod while in flight, communicating simultaneously with the aircraft they are refueling and their own pilots.

DF-ST-85-05120. Subject Operation/Series: THUNDERHOG V Base: Myrtle Beach Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster, 6th Air Refueling Wing public affairs specialist, documents the departure of a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 6th ARW at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 23, 2022. Air Force public affairs specialists share the Air Forces story by managing various media and conducting community engagement events.

021022-F-1545M-005. Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Shannon Kunz, a UH-1Y Venom crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 167, observes the landscape during a familiarization flight near Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, Aug. 6, 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.

030813-F-6701P-022. Subject Operation/Series: JTF LIBERIA Base: Lungi Country: Sierra Leone (SLE)

F-16 Pilots After a Mission

110303-N-RY232-001EL CENTRO, Calif. (March 3, 2011) Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Vincent Dunhill-Cooper looks off to the flight line to watch the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds arrive at Naval Air Facility El Centro. The Thunderbirds are visiting the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, to conduct exchange orientation flights before starting the official 2011 show season.

U.S. Army Warrant Officer 1 Elizabeth Quam, a Blackhawk pilot with the 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, speaks to a child as he sits in the cockpit of a UH-60 Blackhawk, September 24, 2022, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Quam was present with several other 1st CAB Soldiers as part of the Frontiers in Flight airshow.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Paige McGraw, an aircraft armament systems specialist assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing, Indiana Air National Guard, loads a GBU-38 bomb onto an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft during Guardian Blitz at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 24, 2023. Guardian Blitz is the 122nd Fighter Wings final training exercise with A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft before converting to the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.

041105-F-0756R-010. Base: 115th Fighter Wing State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

1st. Lt. Alex Harpi Vance, 25th Fighter Squadron pilot, poses for a picture after a mission at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, April 15, 2022. Its customary for military pilots to fly in groups of two or more aircraft in order to maximize safety and efficiency.

031009-F-0704A-004. Base: Ellsworth Air Force Base State: South Dakota (SD) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Master Sgt. Burt Trainer, 1st Combat Camera Squadron aerial program manager, stands on the flightline prior to a mass generation exercise on Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Jan. 5, 2023. This mission generation is just one exercise leading up to Exercise Mobility Guardian 23, and involved the launch of 24 C-17s in a formation flight over Charleston Harbor. After the flyover, the formation broke up into four teams, each accomplishing training using agile combat employment concepts.

U.S. Air Force SENIOR AIRMAN Christopher Ozella works to de-panel a KC-135 Stratotanker to do boom troubleshooting March 4th, 1999. SRA Ozella, a Hydaulics SPECIALIST assigned to 92nd (AGS) Aircraft Generation Squadron, Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, is deployed to Moron Air Base Spain. This mission is in direct support of Joint Task Force Noble Anvil. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE ANVIL Base: Moron Air Base State: Sevilla Country: Spain (ESP)

Lt. Col. Charles Steffens, II recovers from being sprayed after completing his final flight "Fini-Flight" in the C-130 Hercules July 21, 2022 at Nevada Air National Guard Base in Reno, Nev. It's tradition to spray the aircrew with fire hoses and champagne upon arriving to base from their Fini-Flight in the aircraft. Steffens is set to retire later this year after 27 years of service.

A member of the Turkish Air Force cleans an F-16 Fighting Falcons canopy during Exercise Poggio Dart at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Nov. 7, 2022. The exercise optimized the integration between participants and strengthens interoperability between allied air forces during joint operations.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Phillip Smith, a fixed-wing aircraft mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, communicates to ground crews during pre-flight checks at Japan Air Self-Defense Force Nyutabaru Air Base, Japan, Nov. 9, 2022. Under the Unit Deployment Program with Marine Aircraft Group 12, VMFA-312 participates in the Aviation Training Relocation Program to improve operational readiness and interoperability with Japan Air Self-Defense Forces in the Indo-Pacific theater.

Members of the 33rd Rescue Squadron, Detachment 1 51st Civil Engineer/Fire department and 51st Medical Group, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, team up during a simulated emergency landing of a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter. The landing, with fire, smoke, and all but one aircrew member injured, was simulated during a Combat Employment Readiness Exercise held in conjunction with exercise Foal Eagle. Subject Operation/Series: FOAL EAGLE '98KOREA CD Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

SSGT Robert Olesen checks the internal components of an F-15 Eagle aircraft during Reforger-Crested Cap III. Subject Operation/Series: REFORGERCRESTED CAP III Base: Bad Soellegan Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

030406-F-0762P-008. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U..S. Air Force Senior Airman Gordon Massett, 36th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron C-130J loadmaster, takes a break before conducting a low-cost, low-altitude bundle drop over Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia, Dec. 8, 2022, during Operation Christmas Drop 2022. The aircraft, call sign Santa 51, delivered 9 bundles to islands in the Federated States of Micronesia. OCD is the longest-running Department of Defense humanitarian and disaster relief mission. Each year, the USAF partners with countries in the Pacific Air Forces area of responsibility to deliver supplies to remote island communities in the South-Eastern Pacific.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Alexandra Shaw, an MV-22B Osprey crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365, adjusts gear during Exercise Raven (RavenEx) 22-5 at Combat Readiness Training Center, Gulfport, Mississippi, May 12, 2022. VMM-365 provided assault support for Marine Forces Special Operations Command during a predeployment training exercise to enhance combat readiness in an unfamiliar expeditionary environment. VMM-365 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

DN-ST-89-04321. Base: Naval Air Station, North Island State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

CPT Howard Jacobi, a military policeman, discusses the unloading of troops with Steven Wuenandy, commander of the airport. A C-141 Starlifter aircraft is in the background during exercise Reforger '80. Subject Operation/Series: REFORGER '80 Base: Luxembourg International Airport Country: Luxembourg (LUX)

040925-F-0986R-006. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Captain Brett "Zipper" Robinson stands next to his F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 398th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron (EFS), in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Alonso Carrillo, loadmaster with the 4th Airlift Squadron, performs pre-flight checks with a member of the 62d Airlift Wing inspection team during Exercise Rainier War 22B at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Oct. 18, 2022. Rainier War 22B is a full-scale readiness exercise with an Air Force Generation prioritization; demonstrating the ability to generate, employ and sustain a combat force during a rigorous wartime scenario.

220414-N-VH871-1090 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (April 14, 2022) Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Arnel Del Rosario, left, and Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class Phillip Pate, assigned to the "Grey Knights" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 46, deployed with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, install rivets on a P-8A Poseidon aircraft, April 14. CTF 57 aircraft conduct missions in support of maritime operations to ensure security and stability in the Middle East region.

U.S. Air Force 961st Aircraft Maintenance Unit Airmen prepare an E-3 Sentry for takeoff Feb. 12, 2024, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, during Cope North 24. The E-3 Sentry is an Airborne Warning and Control System operated by crews of 15 to 20 people working in unison to deliver battlefield management command and control to U.S. and allied aircraft throughout the multinational agile combat employment exercise. Air Force

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Zachary Bradshaw, a high mobility artillery rocket system (HIMARS) operator with 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, tests a radio during a HIMARS set up, in support of Valiant Shield 22, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 13, 2022. Marine Air Control Group 18 integrated with forces across the Indo-Pacific to train in operations that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Noah Velazquez, lead firefighter, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, gives students from Sprayberry High School a tour of the Oshkosh P-19R Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting vehicle at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, Nov. 3, 2022. The students came to MCAS Beaufort to better familiarize themselves with Marine Corps Aviation.

A Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile pilot adjusts his helmet prior to a training flight in preparation for storm response operations Sept. 28, 2022 in Mobile, Alabama. Coast Guard assets are being staged outside of the predicted path of Hurricane Ian at Aviation Training Center Mobile Alabama.

DATE: 9-10-12LOCATION: Ellington Field - Hangar 276 - Tarmac SUBJECT: Expedition 36/37 crew member Karen Nyberg and Expedition 40/41 crew member Reid Wiseman during T-38 Out and Back exercise.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Dominick Martin, 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, prepares a C-17 Globemaster III for relocation prior to the arrival of Hurricane Ian at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Sept. 28, 2022. To effectively prepare the aircraft, base personnel worked together to ensure the C-17s were properly fueled, and loaded with the necessary equipment.

030424-F-5098W-008. Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF

Date: 03-09-12Location: Ellington FieldSubject: Expedition 35 (Soyuz 33S) crew member Tom Marshburn preparing for his T-38 fligh with NASA pilot Thomas Parent.

031001-M-7120M-026. Base: Paya Lebar Country: Singapore (SGP) Scene Major Command Shown: VMFA-212

A U.S. Air Force crew chief with the 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron performs preflight checks on a F-16 Fighting Falcon at 86th Air Base, Romania, July 12, 2022. The 510th EFS is deployed from the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy to support NATOs Enhanced Air Policing operations.

040819-F-7552L-002. Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

020607-F-5701K-001. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Peter J. Ganci Jr. Air Base State: Chuskaya Oblast Country: Kyrgyzstan (KGZ)

Airmen from the 152nd Communications Flight and 152nd Operations Group participate in the Mountain Flag exercise in Mammoth Lakes, Calif. May 25, 2022. The exercise was executed to prepare Airmen for Agile Combat Employment (ACE), an Air Force concept which enables Airmen to conduct operations from distributed locations at higher and faster levels of complexity.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Complex 39, STS-117 Mission Specialist Patrick Forrester is helmeted and ready to practice driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier. The astronauts on the STS-117 crew are participating in M-113 armored personnel carrier training during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities, a dress rehearsal for their launch, targeted for March 15. The M-113 could be used to move the crew away from the launch pad quickly in the event of an emergency. The TCDT also includes pad emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. The mission payload aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, along with a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) commander, shakes the hand of Capt. Sean Cahill, 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron F-16CM Fighting Falcon pilot, after flying a mission together at an undisclosed location, September 7, 2022. Grynkewich flew an F-16 Fighting Falcon alongside AFCENT Airmen and coalition partners in support of Operation Inherent Resolve as part of Operation Agile Spartan III. OAS III tested rapid troop and equipment movement to and from dispersed locations around the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

PHOTO DATE: 02-07-13LOCATION: Ellington Field - Hangar 276 - Tarmac SUBJECT: Scott Kelly during T-38 flight prep and getting into aircraft along with Stephanie Wilson.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Noah Kincel, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team crew chief, performs post-flight inspections in Tyler, Texas, June 29, 2022. The A-10 Demonstration Team is made up of 11 personnel, including a pilot, nine maintenance personnel and a public affairs specialist. The mission of the A-10 Demonstration Team is to recruit, retain and inspire.

Cadets from the Air Force Academy visit the 149th to see what being a Gunfighter is all about at the 149th Fighter Wing on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, 26 July, 2022. During their tour, they were able to see a wide range of career fields and gain valuable insights from our members' many years of experience.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Joseph Gilstrap is a fixed-wing loadmaster with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California. VMGR-352 is a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J squadron that provides aerial refueling capabilities to support air operations along with the transportation of equipment and supplies. (U.S Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emely Gonzalez)

221023-N-YD731-1096 ADRIATIC SEA (Oct. 23, 2022) Naval Air Crewman 2nd Class Brandon Terry, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, poses for a photo in an MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter Oct. 23, 2022. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of CSG-10 and the GHWBCSG. The squadrons of CVW-7 are Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, VFA-103, VFO-86, VFA-136, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, VAW-121, 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.

U.S. Air Force A1C Ezekiel Rucker, 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron munition systems technician, tightens the bolt of a KMU-572 tail kit onto a GBU-38, August 11, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Munition systems technicians are a vital part of the maintenance force that ensure their aircrafts are mission-ready.

NORFOLK, Va. (Jan. 14, 2024)- A Sailor assigned to the Rawhides of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40, reunites with his family after returning to Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, Jan. 14, following a more than eight-month deployment with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. While deployed, the squadron accomplished 1,640 flight hours over 610 sorties.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Christian Hoffmann, C-17 Globemaster III loadmaster, assigned to the 16th Airlift Squadron signals Mission Complete, during a mission generation exercise Jan. 5, 2023. This mission generation exercise kicks off Mobility Guardian 23 and involved the launch of 24 C-17s for the largest-ever show-of-force formation flight over Charleston Harbor. After the flyover, the formation dispersed to sharpen agile combat employment concepts that leverage rapid mobility to maximize lethality.

030407-F-0856M-168. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: Centaf

Public Affairs - General - 26-HK-414-8. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Makoto Jacobs, the operations officer for Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, inspects a UH-1Y Venom helicopter before a close air support exercise on Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 8, 2023. HMLA-775, along with the other squadrons on the air station, provide aviation support that enables I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton tenant commands and visiting units to maintain and enhance their mission capabilities and combat readiness.

EAGLE LAKE, Texas An agent from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration visits with cadets at the Texas Challenge Academy to talk about the dangers of illicit drug use, especially the current threat of fentanyl poisoning in illicit drugs during a semesterly visit to the school Sept. 9, 2022, in Eagle Lake, Texas. The Texas National Guard Joint Counterdrug Task Force partners with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration twice a year to host a presentation from a DEA Agent at each semester of the Texas Challenge Academy to provide updated information, statistics and warnings to the cadets regarding illicit drug use, overdose deaths and the dangers of illicit drugs pose to the cadets, their friends and thier loved ones. (National Guard photo by Army Sgt. Christina Clardy)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Taylor Bryant, 94th Fighter Generation Squadron dedicated crew chief, directs an F-22 Raptor pilot prior to Checkered Flag 23-1 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 27, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise held at Tyndall which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th- and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 23-1 iteration of the exercise was held Oct. 31 - Nov. 10, 2022.

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