Modern U.S. Military Exercises

Photos of current U.S. military personnel performing checks and preparations for flight missions, emphasizing integrated operations and training exercises.

A U.S. Navy pilot assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131, Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, climbs the ladder on an F/A-18 Super Hornet during Checkered Flag 22-2 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 12, 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 22-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-20, 2022.

A U.S. Marine assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 465 preforms a preflight check on a CH-53E Super Stallion during an integrated training exercise at Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 26, 2023. Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267 and HMH 465 conducted integrated training as a proof of concept for future distributed operations.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Hunter Hayes, A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot assigned to the 924th Fighter Group, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, prepares to take off in support RIMPAC 22 at Marine Corps Base Hawaii July 25, 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel - including Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 624 RSG -- are participating in #RIMPAC2022 from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971, which aims to strengthen partners' collective forces and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Haden Gator Fullam, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team pilot and commander, performs post-flight inspections in Goshen, Indiana, July 9, 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.

U.S. Air Force Cadet puts on her helmet on July 20, 2022 on Beale Air Force Base, California. The cadet was getting ready to take off on a training exercise.

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Miranda T-Rex Jones, pilot, 157th Fighter Squadron, South Carolina Air National Guard, prepares for take off in an F-16 Fighting Falcon during exercise Sentry Savannah 22-1 at the Air Dominance Center in Savannah, Georgia, May 11, 2022. Sentry Savannah is the Air National Guards premier counter air exercise, encompassing 10 units of fourth- and fifth- generation fighter aircraft, which tests the capabilities of warfighters in a simulated near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

DN-SC-86-05711. Base: USS Saratoga (CV 60) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

070320-M-2166H-034. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Al Asad Air Base State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: VMAQ-1

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Alyssa Murillo, an aircraft electrical systems technician from Houston, Texas, assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), conducts routine maintenance on an F/A-18 Hornet during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, April 12, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

A U.S. Navy pilot assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131, Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, climbs the ladder on an F/A-18 Super Hornet during Checkered Flag 22-2 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 12, 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 22-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-20, 2022.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle pilot and weapons system officer prepares to depart Andravida Air Base, Greece, April 8, 2022. The 48th Fighter Wing from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England was one of the many nations that participated in INIOCHOS 22, a Hellenic air force-led operational and tactical level field training exercise, hosted by the Hellenic Air Tactics Center at Greeces fighter weapons school.

220801-N-XN177-1050 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 1, 2022) - Lt. Michael Monson, a pilot assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, conducts pre-flight checks on an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter on the flight deck aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Aug. 1, 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.

Capt. Jun "Shredder" Kim, a Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) pilot, and his weapon systems officer coordinate with ground crews to receive fuel during Agile Combat Employment exercise Agile Tuskegee” July 12, 2022, at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. The exercise allowed 14 Airmen, assigned to the 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron’s Petroleum, Oils and Lubricants section, the ability to train on hot pit” refueling operations.

Capt. Taylor Ham, 14th Fighter Squadron F-16C Fighting Falcon pilot, gives a ready for takeoff signal to Senior Airman Destin Johnson, 14th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, as part of a week-long Agile Combat Employment training exercise geared to enhancing multi-capable Airmens skillsets at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 11, 2022. Yokota Airmen practicing rapid airlift capabilities fielded four C-130Js belonging to the 36th Airlift Squadron that were escorted by eight F-16Cs belonging to the 14th Fighter Squadron, Misawa Air Base, Japan, in a joint airdrop training mission. During the ACE training event, Misawa and Yokota Airmen worked together to sustain a competitive edge over adversaries, and execute their mission - to protect U.S. interests in the Pacific, defend Japan, and deter adversaries through presence, readiness, and ability to project agile combat air power.

Col. Helphinstine, 4th Fighter Wing commander, returns from his final flight at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, May 2, 2022. This was Helphinstines final flight before leaving the 4th FW.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Clayton Fowler, 65th Air Base Squadron transient alert mechanic, performs maintenance on an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, at Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal, May 13, 2022. More than a refueling pit stop, Lajes and the Airmen who support its operations provide expeditionary forces with a strategically located and welcome checkpoint, addressing any and all mission-essential needs.

U.S. Air National Guard Lt. Col. Eric Cleveringa, pilot, 114th Fighter Wing, puts on his flight gloves before a training sortie during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., April 6, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

U.S. Air National Guard Lt. Col. Jeremy Doohen, pilot, 114th Fighter Wing, completes pre-flight operational checks prior to a flight during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., April 5, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

040901-F-2295B-001. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040519-F-3488S-012. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

INDIAN OCEAN (June 4, 2013) Aviation Electricians Mate 3rd Class Amber Parmerlee, of Ellensburg, Wash., and currently assigned to the Gray Wolves of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142, climbs onto a EA-6B Prowler on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

DF-ST-87-00563. Subject Operation/Series: COMMANDO WEST IX Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA)

A 67th Fighter Squadron pilot conducts post-flight checks on a F-15C Eagle during the aviation training relocation program at Japan Air Self-Defense Force Tsuiki Air Base, Fukuoka, Japan, Nov. 12, 2022. ATR is a result of the May 2006 United States-Japan roadmap for realignment implementation, a bilateral program aimed at increasing operational readiness and improving interoperability.

030115-F-7203T-008. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Bagram Air Base State: Parwan Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

Maintenance Airmen from the 138th Fighter Wing readies F-16 Vipers during Agile Rage at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Mich., June 9, 2022. Agile Rage provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy. (Oklahoma Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Alyssa Smalley)

A U.S. Marine with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, Marine Air Group 31, uses hand signals to guide an F/A-18 Hornet to the runway at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Oct. 2, 2022. Pilots with VMFA-312 departed for the Unit Deployment Program in order to provide forward presence and assist commanders around the globe.

960910-F-0954H-005. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: Prince Sultan Air Base Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

Lt. Gen. Scott Rolls Pleus, 7th Air Force commander, removes his helmet after a F-16 flight at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 5, 2022. Gen. Pleus is a command pilot with more than 2,500 flight hours. (U.S. Air Force photos by Tech. Sgt. Timothy Dischinat)

990229-F-9796L-001. Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force U.S. Air Force Capt. Tyler Rico Parker, right, an instructor pilot assigned to the 90th Flying Training Squadron, conducts preflight inspections on a U.S. Air Force T-38C Talon aircraft at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, July 21, 2022. The 90th FTS, a unit of the 80th Flying Training Wing, aids in instructing students in the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program. The ENJJPT program, conducted by the 80th FTW, is the world's only multi-nationally manned and managed flying training program chartered to produce combat pilots for NATO.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kyle Daley, 44th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, performs routine maintenance checks on an F-15C/D Eagle at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Oct. 6, 2022. "I'm very excited to be here! This is my first TDY. it's fun to get to work in a different environment and to be a part of RED FLAG-Alaska."

DN-SC-87-00509. Base: USS Saratoga (CV 60) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

061022-N-7427G-002. Base: New Orleans State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NEW ORLEA

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Wade Lawrence, an airframes mechanic with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533, arrives at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 8, 2022. U.S. Marines with VMFA(AW)-533 received an opportunity to participate in an incentive flight aboard F/A-18D Hornet aircraft as a way to increase unit morale.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Leo Johansson, 142nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon, conducts launching procedures on an F-15C Eagle during Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.08 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 17, 2022. WSEP is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

011119-F-3886C-006. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Army Staff Sgt. Edward J. Barham inspects a CH-47 Chinook helicopter for any discrepancies during phase maintenance.

US Air Force Senior Airmen salute the Captain in an F-15 Eagle during a demonstration routine

Airmen from the 355th Logistics Readiness Squadron's Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants section from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, prepare equipment for a Forward Area Refueling Point (FARP) training during Black Flag 22-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, May 11, 2022. 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.

Tech. Sgt. Austin Schwier, 39th Rescue Squadron loadmaster, scans the sky during a turkey shoot competition off the coast of Florida, June 16, 2022. During the competition aircrew members competed on skills such as aircraft weapons employment, helicopter air to air refueling, degraded navigation, degraded search, and confined hoisting.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Joshua Blake, a fixed wing aircraft mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 refuels an F-35B Lightning II, embarked aboard the amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 14, 2022, in preparation of a joint maritime strike rehearsal to demonstrate service components fires and effects capabilities in the maritime environment during exercise Valiant Shield 22 (VS 22). Exercises such as Valiant Shield allows the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Task Force the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct long-range, precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Task Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A U.S. Sailor with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131, Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, climbs down the ladder of an F/A-18 Super Hornet during Checkered Flag 22-2 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 12, 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 22-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-20, 2022.

020305-F-6565E-006. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force pilot with the 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron boards a F-16 Fighting Falcon at 86th Air Base, Romania, April 30, 2022. This was the 510th EFSs first mission from the 86th Air Base located at Fetesti, Romania, supporting the enhanced Air Policing operations over NATO airspace. The multinational NATO Alliance currently hosts more than 100 combat aircraft on alert in the region, performing 24/7 patrols along the eastern borders.

220526-N-CY569-1047 ADRIATIC SEA (May 26, 2022) Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Christian Cano, from San Jose, California, assigned to the Fighting Checkmates” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211, unscrews a panel of an F/A-18E Super Hornet on the flight deck of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), May 26, 2022. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied and Partner interests.

A United States Marine Corps weapons and sensors officer in the rear seat of an F/A-18D Hornet at Kuantan Air Base, Malaysia.

U.S. Navy Seaman Ralif Mohammed, Strike Fighter Squadron 25 aviation structural mechanic, signals to 1st Lt. Claire Clark, VFA-25 F-18E Super Hornet pilot, during pre-flight checks prior to a training sortie as part of the Red Flag 22-2 exercise at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 16, 2022. The VFA-25 squadron, known as the Fist of the Fleet, has nearly an 80 year lineage with the U.S. Navy and has been utilizing the carrier-capable F-18E Strike Eagle since 1999. Red Flag-Alaska is the only exercise of its kind that provides allied nations and joint-partner forces the opportunity to see mock combat and high operational working tempo in a simulated deployed environment.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Mario Bautista, 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, salutes the crew of a U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit at Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley, Australia, during a Bomber Task Force training mission, July 28, 2022. Together alongside Allies and partners, the United States is dedicated to maintaining a region comprised of nations that adhere to the international rule of law.

040610-F-3431H-108. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

U.S. Air Force Col. Razvan Radoescu, 355th Operations Group commander, renders a salute to an Airman during a change of command ceremony at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, June 24, 2022. The 355th OG has four squadrons that are critical for DM's diverse mission sets. it has two squadrons that host the Air Force's only A-10 Thunderbolt II training mission(355th Training Squadron and 357th Fighter Squadron), as well as an operational A-10 squadron(354th Fighter Squadron). The 355th Operation Support Squadron is responsible for maintaining and running Air Combat Command's busiest single runway for 11 different aircraft units.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Brent Boren Jr., a native of Illinois and a fixed-wing aircraft mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, inspects an F/A-18D Hornet in preparation for Exercise Nordic Response 24 at Andenes, Norway, Feb. 23, 2024. Exercise Nordic Response, formerly known as Cold Response, is a NATO training event conducted every two years to promote military competency in arctic environments and to foster interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and allied nations. Marine Corps

110729-N-BT887-043PACIFIC OCEAN (July 29, 2011) Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Elizabeth Clark, from Phoenix, Ore., performs a post-flight inspection aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group is on its way to the western Pacific Ocean and the Arabian Gulf for a scheduled deployment.

Electronics Technician 3rd Class Shavara Gaines, assigned to the Vanguard” of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14 (HM-14), monitors maintenance operations prior to the squadron’s last flights Dec. 8, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Capt. William Studley, a student pilot assigned to the 149th Fighter Wing, Air National Guard, conducts preflight checks prior to launch during Coronet Cactus, April 4, 2023, at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. The annual training event deploys members of the 149th Fighter Wing, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, to another environment in order to familiarize them with accomplishing mission objectives in an unfamiliar location.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Brent J. Kenney, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron superintendent, gives a thumbs up while preparing for his familiarization (FAM) flight, August 31, 2022, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. FAM flights familiarize individuals with little-to-no flight experience to flight operations while flying under the supervision of a flight instructor.

DF-ST-89-03625. Base: Holloman Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jerico Oco,414th Maintenance Squadron avionics technician, performs routine fuel gauge calibration at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, July 8, 2022. The 414th Fighter Group hosts the only F-15E Strike Eagles in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

U.S. Air Force Col. Timothy B. Murphy, 35th Fighter Wing vice commander, smiles at his family from the cockpit of an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 18, 2022. Murphy's wife and kids joined him on the flightline to celebrate this career milestone.

An Aircraft Maintainer Works on an F-16

Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman Cameron Fuller, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103, conducts post-flight cleaning of an F/A-18F Super Hornet during a training detachment at Naval Air Station Fallon, April 14, 2022. 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, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, HSC-5, and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

Staff Sgt. Kaleb Julius, crew chief with the 924th Fighter Group, cleans the canopy of an A-10 Thunderbolt II as part of pre-flight procedures prior to a flight out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 29, 2022. More than 200 Airmen and 10 A-10s from the 924th FG of the 944th Fighter Wing are working out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii July 21-Aug. 4, during the units participation in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Senior Airman Vicente Villa, 77th Expeditionary Fighter Generation Squadron Engine Aerospace Propulsion journeyman deployed from Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, performs flight pre-checks on a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon for Exercise Iron Falcon at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates on Nov. 23, 2022. Exercise Iron Falcon provided opportunities to increase interoperability between the U.S. and UAE Air Forces.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Evan Boulais, 104th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, signals an F-15C Eagle after arriving for Checkered Flag 22-2 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 6, 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 22-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-20, 2022.

011126-F-4406B-016. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jacob Dastas, 325th Fighter Wing public affairs journeyman, documents Weapons System Evaluation Program East-22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 14, 2022. WSEP is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

050715-F-7564C-008. Base: Volk Field State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

Portrait of a female Marine First Lieutenant, who has served two tours in Iraq flying a Cobra attack helicopter.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Rocky Littlewind, a flight captain on an AV-8B Harrier from Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Ariz., performs a pre-flight inspection on his aircraft prior to a mission in support of Emerald Warrior at Tyndall AFB, Fla., on March 9, 2011. Emerald Warrior is a U.S. Special Operations Command-sponsored, multiservice exercise designed to leverage lessons learned from Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom to provide trained and ready forces to combatant commanders.

DF-ST-86-12801. Subject Operation/Series: COPE MAX 85 Base: Misawa Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Air Force and Massachusetts Air National Guard crew chief Tech Sgt. Darius Zienkiewicz signals to pilot Maj. Eric Armentrout that the aircraft, an F-15C Eagle, is chalked. Maj. Armentrout is returning from a Frisian Flag 2016 exercise mission, April 19, 2016. Frisian Flag 2016 is a Royal Netherlands Air Force multilateral training exercise designed to foster military cooperation between member nations.

030801-F-6701P-031. Subject Operation/Series: JTF LIBERIA Base: Lungi Country: Sierra Leone (SLE)

A U.S. Air Force pilot sits in an F-15C Eagle at Muniz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico in support of North American Aerospace Defense Commands (NORAD) Operation Noble Defender (OND), 1 July, 2022. As a part of OND, which is a recurring operation, the Continental U.S. NORAD Region coordinated and conducted joint operations with the U.S. Navy while concurrently launching jets from different locations across the United States' gulf coast and Puerto Rico. OND, is an integrated air and missile defense operation designed to ensure the defense and security of the northern and southern approaches to North America. This particular OND allowed NORAD units to exercise maneuvers designed to defend the southern approach to the United States from simulated cruise missile threats. NORAD is a bi-national Canadian and American command that employs a network of aerial, ground-based, and space-based sensors, air-to-air refueling tankers, and fighter aircraft controlled by a sophisticated command and

U.S. Marines with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533 load an AIM-9X Sidewinder missile onto an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 28, 2022. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, VMFA-242 and VMFA(AW)-533 conducted a live-fire missile exercise to increase weapon proficiency and enhance squadrons combat readiness in the air-to-air environment.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Benjamin Fortson, left, and Sgt. Johnathan Whitaker, right, both fixed wing aircraft mechanics with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242, do maintenance work on an F-35B Lightning II aircraft in support of RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, May 5, 2022. RF-A serves as an ideal platform for international engagement, enabling the exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures while improving interoperability in order to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Air Force Col. Joseph Turnham, 355th Wing commander, completes pre-flight inspections on the flight line at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, June 30, 2022. Col. Turnham served as commander from June 2020 to June 2022.

A Brazilian Marine stands with a U.S. Marine with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 772, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII, as they conduct forward arming and refueling point operations at Santa Cruz Air Force Base, Rio de Janeiro, during exercise UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 6, 2022. UNITAS 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.

010915-F-0017M-017. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Byrd Field State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Isaiah Herring, 92nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron flying crew chief from Fairchild Air Force Base, prepares a KC-135 Stratotanker for launching during Operation Noble Defender at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Sept. 13, 2022. Recurring operations like Noble Defender contribute to NORAD's ongoing efforts to address current and evolving threats to North American defense and security.

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Staff Sgt. Charles Kirchen, 36th Airlift Squadron, uploads pallets of boron onto a C-130 Hercules, before departing for Hyakuri Air Base March 19. Japanese forces will use the boron to help stabilization efforts at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 77th Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., receives fuel from a KC-10 Extender from the 2nd Air Refueling Squadron, Joint Base McGuire, N.J., as part of The Falcon Air Meet 2010 near Azraq Air Base, Jordan, Oct. 20, 2010. The purpose of The Falcon Air Meet is to improve international military relations and joint air operations.

British Royal Navy Lt. Chris Avison, an F-35B Lightning II fighter jet pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 501, enters the cockpit of an F-35B Lightning II fighter jet at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Louisiana, Oct. 25, 2022. VMFAT-501 deployed to NAS JRB New Orleans to increase entry-level pilots' proficiency in offensive-air support, electronic warfare, and routine flight operations for their future fleet assignments. VMFAT-501 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

DN-SC-90-04270. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

220530-N-DW158-1015 PHILIPPINE SEA (May 30, 2022) Sailors remove safety chains from an F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to the Dambusters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195, on the flight deck of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). The Dambusters earned their nickname on May 1, 1951 when the squadrons Skyraiders destroyed the heavily defended and strategically positioned Hwacheon Dam in North Korea with aerial torpedoes by making precise low-level runs. 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.

DF-ST-85-11779. Subject Operation/Series: OPPORTUNE JOURNEY 84 Base: Naval Air Station, Barbers Point State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Brig. Gen. Dann S. Carlson, outbound commander of the 154th Wing, vacates an F-22 Raptor Sept. 7, 2022, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Carlson was greeted with a reception of friends and family as he completed the final flight of his military career. The 154th Wing saw some of the Air National Guard's highest-level awards under his leadership, including the Outstanding Unit Award and the Gen. Spaatz Trophy.

U.S. Air Force Airman from McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base aids in hot-pit refueling of a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, TN, Oct. 6, 2022. Two KC-135 Stratotankers simultaneously conducted 72-hour single-aircraft endurance missions, demonstrating multi-day tanker mission generation capabilities.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jacob Miller, 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.

Staff Sgt. Joe Braunwarth kneels on the ramp aboard a C-17 Globemaster III July 25, 2014, during parking operations for Arctic Thunder Open House 2014 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Arctic Thunder, a biennial event, features more than 40 Air Force, Army and civilian aerial acts. It is the largest two-day event in the state and one of the premier aerial demonstrations in the world. Braunwarth is a loadmaster with the 517th Airlift Squadron.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Devin Gould, an aircraft ordnance technician with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 prepares an AIM-9X Sidewinder missile at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 28, 2022. Marines with VMFA-121, VMFA-242 and Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 conducted a live-fire missile exercise to increase weapon proficiency and enhance squadrons combat readiness in the air-to-air environment.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Cesar Arguello, 43d Fighter Generation Squadron assistant dedicated crew chief, kneels as he performs launching procedures at Savannah Hilton Head International Airport, Georgia, May 3, 2022. The 325th Fighter Wing sent more than 200 personnel and 22 aircraft to participate in Sentry Savannah, a near-peer training exercise hosted by the Air National Guards Air Dominance Center.

US Air Force AIRMAN First Class Chad Armold connects his microphones for a post-flight check on a F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. Base: Cannon Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle pilot assigned to the 131st Fighter Squadron, Massachusetts Air National Guard, taxis on the flightline prior to launch during exercise Eagle Claw, a readiness exercise, June 11, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. The exercise assessed Barnestormers ability to maintain air dominance in a simulated contested, degraded, and operationally limited environment and test their implementation of the Agile Combat Employment deployment concept.

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Gabriel Martinez (right), 87th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot, climbs into a T-38 Talon with 1st Lt. Julian Flores (left), 47th Student Squadron student pilot, in the front seat at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, July 25, 2022. Laughlin trains the most pilots of any training base in the Air Force and is dedicated to producing combat-ready Airmen, leaders and pilots.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kiley Craig, left, and Sr. Airman Vincent Connett, both aircraft armament systems specialists assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing, Indiana Air National Guard perform an Integrated Combat Turn maneuver while the pilot waits in the cockpit of an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft during Guardian Blitz at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Jan. 26, 2023. ICT maneuvers involve refueling and rearming the aircraft while the pilot waits in the cockpit with engines running before taking off again to maximize time in the air. During Guardian Blitz, the 122nd FW positioned the main force at MacDill Air Force Base while stationing a self-sufficient contingency force at Moody Air Force Base to further project combat power and sustainability in a contested environment.

The West Coast F-18 demonstration team performs during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 29, 2022. Hailing from Naval Air Station Lemoore, Lemoore, Calif., the VFA-122 West Coast Rhino Demonstration Team showcases the power and capabilities of the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet.

041112-F-9528H-007. Base: Biggs Army Airfield State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A special missions aviator from the 129th Rescue Squadron waits for the next round of passengers during the 129th Rescue Wing spouse flight, Sept. 11, 2022, at Moffett Air National Guard Base near Mountain View, California. The orientation flights built greater connection between family members and the wing, while simultaneously providing aircrew with training in how to work with non-military passengers.

A special missions aviator from the 129th Rescue Squadron waits for the next round of passengers during the 129th Rescue Wing spouse flight, Sept. 11, 2022, at Moffett Air National Guard Base near Mountain View, California. The orientation flights built greater connection between family members and the wing, while simultaneously providing aircrew with training in how to work with non-military passengers.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Brandon Bylina, 75th Fighter Squadron A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot, shows U.S Air Force Academy Cadet 2nd Class Wesley Bailey the inside of an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, June 24, 2022. USAFA cadets came to Moody AFB for Operation Air Force, a required summer program that gives cadets the opportunity to see an operational Air Force base. Cadets spent a day learning about the life of a fighter pilot and had the opportunity to sit in the seat of an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft.

010417-F-5772H-007. Subject Operation/Series: JRTC 01-06 Base: Alexandria Airport State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

of 4