Silhouetted Military Aircraft at Sunset

A collection of silhouetted military aircraft, including jets and helicopters, against dramatic sunset backgrounds. The images convey a sense of calm and anticipation in training settings.

USA, Washington State, Whidbey Island, Coupeville, Fort Casey State Park

A T-37 aircraft, foreground, frames two T-38 Talon aircraft taking off at sunrise on a training mission. Base: Williams Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-89-00965. Subject Operation/Series: SHADOW HAWK Base: King Faisal Air Base, Al Jafr Country: Jordan (JOR)

050911-F-5964B-160. Base: New Orleans State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

F-16 at sunset during Exercise NATO Tiger Meet 2018, Poland.

Maj. Kevin Fogler and Maj. Matthew Sowder from the 85 Test and Evaluation Squadron, prepare their F-15EX Eagle II before take off at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, July 19, 2022. The F-15EX was first delivered to Eglin AFB in February 2021.

Silhouette of a person stepping out of an airplane, C-130 Hercules, US Air Force

220627-N-XN177-1037 EAST CHINA SEA (June 27, 2022) - F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 121 and MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 sit on the flight deck of amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), June 27, 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.

USA, Washington State, Whidbey Island, Coupeville, Fort Casey State Park

A Russian MI-8 helicopter waits to take Expedition 56 Flight Engineer Ricky Arnold of NASA from the Soyuz MS-08 landing site to the Karaganda Airport in Kazakhstan on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018. Arnold, Expedition 56 Commander Drew Feustel of NASA, and Expedition 56 Flight Engineer and Soyuz Commander Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos returned after 197 days in space where they served as members of the Expedition 55 and 56 crews onboard the International Space Station.

A U.S. Airman from the 67th Aircraft Maintenance Unit prepares an F-15C Eagle for take off during Exercise Pitch Black 2022 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, Australia, Sept. 1, 2022. PB22 is the latest in long standing, multilateral exercises designed to enhance participating countries air operations. This year, 17 nations are participating in PB22, and is scheduled from Aug. 19 to Sept. 8, 2022.

A flight deck crew member chocks the wheels of an F-14A Tomcat aircraft aboard the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) as the vessel is underway in support of Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Red Sea

Silhouette of engine nacelle and proprotor assembly of a United States Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan

040606-F-4884R-001. Base: Balad Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ)

An F/A-18C Hornet lands on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Unknown

221005-N-LI114-2106 SEA OF JAPAN (Oct. 5, 2022) An F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to the Diamondbacks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, descends for a landing on the flight deck of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), in the Sea of Japan, Oct. 5. The Diamondbacks conduct carrier-based air strikes and strike force escort missions, as well as ship, battle group, and intelligence collection operations. 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.

A C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from the 452nd Air Mobility Wing, March Air Reserve Base, Calif., delivers relief supplies in support of Haiti earthquake relief efforts at Toussaint Louverture International Airport, Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Jan. 17, 2010. The C-17 crew is assigned to the the 729th Airlift Squadron, March ARB, Calif.

DN-ST-85-05540. Country: Unknown

A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to refuel at a forward arming and refueling point as part of Realistic Urban Training (RUT) on Fort Barfoot, Virginia, Jan. 14, 2024. RUT provides the 24th MEU the opportunity to operate in unfamiliar environments, integrate the units of the Marine Air Ground Task Force, and train towards being designated as special operations capable.

A U.S. Air Force U-2 Dragon Lady aircraft prepares to take off from an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia on Nov. 24, 2010. The U-2 is a high altitude reconnaissance aircraft that reaches altitudes above 70,000 feet.

A 62nd Airlift Wing C-141 Starlifter from McChord AFB, WA, flown by a crew from the 707th Airlift Squadron, 315th Airlift Wing (Associate ) Charleston AFB, SC, departs from the International Airport, after off loading Army personnel and equipment. Subject Operation/Series: UPHOLD DEMOCRACY Base: Port Au Prince Country: Haiti (HTI)

A U.S. Marine with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 conducts an air delivered ground refueling (ADGR) on multiple aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 27, 2022. VMGR-152 conducted ADGR to train toward rapid-refueling in austere environments for aircraft that cannot be refueled in flight, allowing them to stay in the fight.

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), airlifts a Humvee during a helicopter support team (HST) exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 19, 2023. The HST exercise was conducted to certify pilots in sling load operations and improve tactical proficiency. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Derek Delamater, an aerial observer assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, looks out the rear of a CH-53 Super Stallion during Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise I (MEUEX I) over Marine Corps Outlying Field Oak Grove, North Carolina, Dec. 13, 2022. Marines with VMM-162 and the Battalion Landing Team conducted flight operations heading to a forward arming and refueling point (FARP) during Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise I. FARPs are designed to supply fuel and ordnance necessary during helicopter and fixed-wing operations.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 378th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, conduct maintenance checks on a KC-10 Extender aircraft assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dec. 9, 2022. The KC-10 is one of the airframes in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility that provides air refueling capability to provide global reach for overseas contingency operations.

Alaska Army National Guard pilots, assigned to Joint Task Force-Alaska, fly out to the villages of Golovin and Koyuk, Alaska, Sept. 27, 2022. More than 130 members of the Alaska Organized Militia, which includes members of the Alaska National Guard, Alaska State Defense Force and Alaska Naval Militia, were activated following a disaster declaration issued Sept. 17 after the remnants of Typhoon Merbok caused dramatic flooding across more than 1,000 miles of Alaskan coastline. (Alaska National Guard photo by Pfc. Bradford Jackson)

070330-N-5345W-082. Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 378th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, conduct maintenance checks on a KC-10 Extender aircraft assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dec. 9, 2022. The KC-10 is one of the airframes in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility that provides air refueling capability to provide global reach for overseas contingency operations.

A ground crewman cleans the canopy of a Fighter Squadron 302 (VF-302) F-14A Tomcat aircraft parked on the flight line during Reconnaissance Air Meet (RAM) '88. Base: Bergstrom Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Helicopter fighting wildfire in Yosemite area, California, United Staes

An A-7E Corsair II aircraft lands on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70) at sunset. Country: Persian Gulf

USA, Washington State, Whidbey Island, Coupeville, Fort Casey State Park

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Keith Lohoeffer, a crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 369, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, scans for targets in support of an offensive air support exercise during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-19 in Yuma, Arizona, April 2, 2019. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), which emphasizes operational integration of the six functions of Marine Corps aviation in support of a Marine Air Ground Task Force. WTI also provides 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.

An MQ-1 Predator and an MQ-9 Reaper assigned to the 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron remain ready for their next mission at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. The two aircraft have provided intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

Silhouetted by the setting sun, flight deck crewmen walk toward a row of aircraft parked on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62). The INDEPENDENCE is participating in Operation Southern Watch, a multinational effort establishing a no-fly zone for Iraqi aircraft south of the 32nd parallel in Iraq. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown

220626-N-XN177-1126 PHILIPPINE SEA (June 26, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 121 launches from the flight deck of amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), June 26, 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.

040404-F-9796L-003. Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

NORTH ARABIAN SEA (April 13, 2013) An F/A18E Super Hornet assigned to the Pukin Dogs of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143 prepares to launch from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Dwight D. Eisenhower is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility promoting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

A 926th Tactical Fighter Group A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft is silhouetted by the sun during exercise PATRIOT PEARL. Subject Operation/Series: PATRIOT PEARL Base: Nas, Roosevelt Roads State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-88-05600. Base: Naval Air Station, Cecil Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The Navmar Applied Sciences Corporations TigerShark prepares for its final takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems integration in the National Airspace Systems, Flight Test Series Six (FT6) project. FT6 flight tests took place at NASAs Armstrong Flight Research Center in California and focused on low size weight and power sensors for Detect and Avoid (DAA) operations in controlled airspace to inform the FAA through the RTCA Special Committee DAA Working Group on the phase 2 minimum operational performance standards for DAA and air-to-air radar.

U.S. Soldiers with the 4-501st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, clean an AH-64D "Apache" after a training exercise with the U.S. Navy while embarked on the USS Ponce in the Arabian Gulf. The 36th CAB is currently deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Three hawk rockets on a launcher. The Hawk was developed for intercepting aircraft at low height, and was completely mobile.3e group of led weapons in Blomberg.

A member of the Armée de l'Air et de lEspace (French Air and Space Force) conducts daytime static load rehearsal training for future infiltration/exfiltration operations on a U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 352d Special Operations Wing during infiltration/exfiltration training for exercise Athena on Cazaux Air Base, France, May 5, 2022. The 352 SOW supported exercise Athena, a French-led joint and combined Special Operation Forces exercise that validates the full spectrum of integrated component and partner capabilities.Training with our joint and combined Allies and partners increases our lethality and enhances interoperability, allowing our forces to counter military aggression and coercion by sharing responsibilities for a common defense.

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363, Marine Corp Base Hawaii, air inserts 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division opposing forces on Pohakuloa Training Grounds, Hawaii, Nov. 3, 2022. Bilateral and multilateral exercises strengthen relationships and enhance interoperability with allies and partners through shared experiences and tough, realistic training. We routinely invite and encourage allies and partners to participate in JPMRC rotations.

U.S. Air Force cargo specialists with the 21st Airlift Squadron, oversee the final transfer of cargo for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, on a C-17 Globemaster III in support of KAMANDAG 6 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines, September 27, 2022. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Dominick Kirk, MV-22 Osprey crew chief assigned to the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163, sits on the ramp during landing on Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, July 13, 2022. VMM 163 deployed to Camp Lemonnier in support of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa by providing capabilities for personnel recovery and casualty evacuation of U.S. forces throughout East Africa.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task ForceCrisis ResponseCentral Command (SPMAGTF-CR-CC), prepares to take off in order to perform external loads qualifications at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Dec.13, 2015. With the assistance of a U.S. Marine helicopter support team with Combat Logistics Battalion 1, SPMAGTF-CR-CC, the pilots were able to perform multiple rotations of the training. The squadron is deployed in support of units operating within the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility. (Marine Corps

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268, conducts aerial refueling with a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 above Northern Territory, Australia, Aug. 29, 2022. Exercise Pitch Black is the Royal Australian Air Forces largest and most complex Large Force Employment exercise. Pitch Black 2022 is being conducted at RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal, and Amberley from 19 August to 8 September 2022. This Years exercise will host up to 2500 personnel and around 100 aircraft from 17 participating nations from around the globe.Activities such as Exercise Pitch Black recognize Australias strong relationships and the high value we place on regional security and fostering closer ties throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Exercise Pitch Black features a range of realistic, simulated threats which can be found in a modern battle-space environment and is an opportunity to test and improve our fo

US Navy Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handler) Milton Jimison directs a F-14 Tomcat aircraft, assigned to Fighter Squadron Thirty-Two (VF-32), onto catapult one on the flight deck of USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) in order to launch it on a mission in defense of the no fly zone over the Persian Gulf. Truman is on station in the Persian Gulf in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. (Duplicate image, also see DN-SD-02-09645 or 010208-N-1058W-001). Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

U.S. Air Force loadmasters from the 535th Airlift Squadron and the Royal Australian Air Force No. 36 Squadron sit on the ramp of a C-17 Globemaster III during a training mission around the Hawaiian islands as part of Global Dexterity 2022 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, May 3, 2022. The 15th Wing invited the RAAF No. 36 Squadron to join in a bilateral C-17-focused exercise to better increase interoperability for future Indo-Pacific operations.

An F-14 "Tomcat" engages it's afterburners prior to a night launch off the flight deck of the U.S. aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71). ROOSEVELT and its embarked carrier air wing are participating in strikes missions over the former Yugoslavia in support of NATO Operation Allied Force. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Country: Adriatic Sea

040515-F-7823A-004. Base: Balad Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ)

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- A B-1B Lancer sits on the flightline while receiving a post-flight inspection, Nov. 9. The B-1 can rapidly deliver massive quantities of precision and non-precision weapons against any adversary, anywhere in the world.

Closeup view of a searchlight

U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook aircrew fly a mission in support of Operation Inherent Resolve at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 12, 2022. The CH-47 provides U.S. Forces with heavy lift capabilities, troop transport, medical evacuations, and aircraft recovery capabilities.

Airmen assigned to the 628th Aerial Port Squadron winch an R-11 refueler aboard a C-17 Globemaster III during exercise Palmetto Challenge, May 21, 2019, at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C. The exercise develops and maintains full-spectrum readiness and ensures Joint Base Charlestons forces are equipped and trained to conduct rapid global mobility operations in support of Air Mobility Command and Defense Department priorities.

030313-F-5795G-006. Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

011107-F-0308N-190. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

A Fighter Squadron 33 (VF-33) F-14A Tomcat aircraft is launched from the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71). Base: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A B-1B Lancer, assigned to 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, waits on a taxiway at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, after returning from a Bomber Task Force mission with the Royal Australian Air Force, June 20, 2022. Bomber Task Force missions provide opportunities to train alongside our allies and partners to build interoperability and bolster our collective ability to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A 173rd Airborne Paratrooper, left, waits with a Canadian Paratrooper to board the UH-60 Black Hawk for a jump exercise, as a part of persistent presence, at Adazi Training Area, Latva on June 22, 2014. Paratroopers from 173rd Airborne Brigade are training with NATO allies in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, as part of a land-forces exercise to demonstrate commitment to NATO obligations and sustain interoperability with allied forces.

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 79th Fighter Squadron takes off from the runway during the night scenarios of exercise Red Flag-Nellis (RF-N) 23-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, March 16, 2023. The 20th Fighter Wing is one of 21 units from across the coalition core function forces participating in RF-N 22-3.

050915-A-5679R-001. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Kandahar Army Air Field Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

Pfcs. Greg Zecher and Nicholas Roberts, machine gunners with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, illuminate the night sky by firing tracer rounds and then reloading their weapons during Exercise Clear, Hold, Build 3 on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Sept. 21, 2011. The two-day evolution part of the Enhanced Mojave Viper training exercise enabled “America’s Battalion” to improve its capabilities as the ground combat element of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force. The exercise is their final pre-deployment training event before deploying to Afghanistan’s Helmand province next month to support Operation Enduring Freedom. Zecher, 19, is from Jacksonville, Fla. Roberts, 20, is from Erie, Pa.

Leaving a trail of dust in its wake, an MC-130J Commando II takes off April 2, 2015, at Melrose Air Force Range, N.M. The aircraftÕs crew demonstrated its capability to take off, land and perform airdrops in remote areas during a joint exercise.

Tech. Sgt. Jordan Brown refills a C-130H Hercules with liquid oxygen as the super moon sets over a frozen flightline in the early morning at the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio, Dec. 14, 2016. The 179th Airlift Wing is always on a mission to be the first choice to respond to state and federal missions with a trusted team of Airmen.

060505-N-4166B-055. Base: USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)

F/A-18 Hornet aircraft's from the US Navy Blue Angels perform maneuvers during aerial demonstration that was featured at the Navy Lakehurst 2001 Airshow on 2 June 2001. Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 spins up during Keen Sword 23 at Kumamoto Airport, Japan, Nov. 15, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial training event that exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force and the Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF). This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. Military and JSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance.

Crew members and volunteers prepare to board an HC-130J Combat King II, belonging to the 211th Rescue Squadron, Alaska Air National Guard, after a successful Operation Santa Claus visit in St. Michael, Alaska, on Dec. 5, 2017. Operation Santa Claus is an Alaska National Guard annual community outreach program that provides Christmas gifts, books, backpacks filled with school supplies, fresh fruit and sundaes to youngsters in rural communities.

B-1B Lancer pilots assigned to the 34th Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base prepare their B-1B aircraft to take off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam to participate in a Bomber Task Force Mission, June 22, 2022. Bomber 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.

Military personnel dressed in cold weather gear walk along the flight line during the joint service exercise Brim Frost '89. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST '89 Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Airmen in a C-17 Globemaster III simulate an aerial drop over Saipan during an Air Force Force Generation certification event, Dec. 4, 2022. Mobility Airmen consistently train to execute the agile combat employment concept to strengthen the DoDs global capabilities and lethality.

220626-N-XN177-1114 PHILIPPINE SEA (June 26, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 121 taxis on the flight deck aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), June 26, 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.

U.S. Airmen assigned to Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, prepare to load live munitions onto an F-15E Strike Eagle at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, March 29, 2023. Agile Combat Employment is a key operational concept for how the U.S. Air Force will fight in a contested and modern environment.

150501-N-VO234-059SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 1, 2015) An MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned aircraft system from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35 performs ground turns aboard the littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3). Fort Worth is on a 16-month rotational deployment in support of the Indo-Asia-Pacific Rebalance.

During a C-5 Galaxy airdrop test a formation of six Air Mobility Command C-5s fly over the drop zone on Fort Bragg near Pope AFB, North Carolina. Country: Unknown

220812-N-NO874-1003 ADRIATIC SEA (Aug. 12, 2022) Sailors direct an E-2D Hawkeye, attached to the "Seahawk" of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 126 on the flight deck of the Nimtiz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), Aug. 12, 2022. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

061116-N-7130B-013. Base: USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76)

A midnight view of Marine and Air Force KC-130 Hercules' parked on the ramp at a forward operating base in the Operation ENDURING FREEDOM area of operations. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

U.S. Marine aircrafts AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom helicopters assigned to 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, USS Kearsarge, prepare to land at the Targi Kielce Congress Center helipad for the 30th annual International Defense Industry Exhibition (MSPO) at Kielce, Poland, Sept. 5, 2022. More than 185 defense industry exhibitors from more than 15 countries participated in MSPOan international exhibition designed to showcase the latest land, sea, air and national security defense systems and military projects to a highly specialized audience from the Polish and international community.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nitophon Pumpanean, 921st Contingency Response Squadron air transportation craftsman, waits for the next pallet of cargo to be loaded onto an all-terrain 10K forklift in eastern Europe, April 29, 2022. The 621st Contingency Response Wing recently deployed Airmen as a Contingency Response Element to move resources in support of U.S. European Command operations.

A U.S. Navy Basic Underwater Demolition/Sea-Air-Land (SEAL) (BUD/S) trainees carry rubber boat boats up a sand dune during a "hell week" exercise. Phase I of BUD/S training concludes with "hell week," when students' physical, emotional and mental abilities are tested under adverse conditions. Base: Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

200506-N-RG587-1084 ARABIAN SEA (May 7, 2020) An E/A-18G Growler attached to the Zappers of Electronic Attack Squadron 130 launches from the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), May 6, 2020. The Navy is marking the 109th anniversary of U.S. naval aviation. Ike is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.

GREAT LAKES, Ill. (Oct. 18, 2022) The 64th Annual Recruit Cardinal Division march to their evaluation aboard USS Trayer (BST 21) at Recruit Training Command, Oct. 18, 2022. Trayer, more commonly referred to as "Battle Stations," is the crucible event that recruits must pass prior to graduation, testing their knowledge and skills in basic seamanship, damage control, firefighting, and emergency response procedures. Cardinal Division is named after the St. Louis Cardinals, who have sponsored such groups annually since 1958, and is the U.S. Navys longest-running special recruit division.

Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), conduct a night live fire iteration during a combined arms maneuver live fire exercise on Dec. 12, 2022, at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. Our commitment to defending NATO territory is ironclad and the United States will continue to bolster our posture to better defend our NATO allies. (U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Malcolm Cohens-Ashley, 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs.)

020218-F-0365G-030. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Kandahar International Airport Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

An F-16 Viper sits on the flight line 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)

Flares and artillery simulators light up the sky during the M4 Rifle Night Qualification event at the 2010 Dept. of the Army Best Warrior Competition at Fort Lee, Va., Oct. 21. The Army Best Warrior Competition is the premier event to determine the top NCO and junior enlisted Soldier in the Army.

Marines assigned to Reconnaissance Company, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepare to board a UH-1Y Viper, assigned to the White Knights of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 (Reinforced), during a training exercise aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25) while underway in the Pacific Ocean, Jan. 9, 2024. The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of USS Boxer (LHD 4), Somerset, and USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), and the embarked 15th MEU are underway conducting integrated training and routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

220416-N-NK931-591 PACIFIC OCEAN (April. 16, 2022) - An MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter assigned to the Wildcards of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 prepares to launch during night flight operations on the flight deck of Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8). LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence.

A General Dynamics F-16 of 323 Squadron approaches the runway of the Leeuwarden airbase on the day that the Squadron has again received the releasing status.

A forklift driver from the 353rd Special Operations Group unloads medical supplies from an MC-130P Combat Shadow at Sendai Airport, Japan, March 19. The 320th Special Tactics Squadron reopened Sendai Airport's runway to fixed-wing aircraft March 16, allowing supplies to be flown-in more rapidly to support Operation Tomodachi. The 320th STS is supporting U.S. military efforts to provide assistance to Japan following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

DF-ST-90-01659. Subject Operation/Series: MARKET SQUARE II Base: Fort Bragg State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-87-09623. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Hawk-Launcher with three rockets of the 3rd group of arms led in Blomberg in West-Germany.The Hawk was designed for the fight against aircraft at low height. In addition, the weapon system was mobile.

A U.S. Army M1A2 Abrams tank assigned to 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, fires during night gunnery table V, Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, June 7, 2022. The 3/4th ABCT is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces.

120403-N-JV638-019SUEZ CANAL (April 4, 2012) A Sailor looks up at the Friendship Bridge from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) while transiting the Suez Canal. Enterprise is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

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