Soldiers Boarding Aircraft

A line of soldiers in military gear boarding a transport aircraft, showcasing readiness and teamwork in a clear, sunny environment.

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, prepare to board a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 86th Air Wing at Aviano Air Base, in preparation for airborne operations onto Juliet Drop Zone, Pordenone, Italy Feb. 21, 2019. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility.

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, prepare to board a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 86th Air Wing at Aviano Air Base, in preparation for airborne operations onto Juliet Drop Zone, Pordenone, Italy Feb. 21, 2019. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility.

Alaska Air and Army National Guardsmen return to Fairbanks, Alaska, Sept. 30 from assisting Nome community residents affected by the remnants of Typhoon Merbok. The Alaska Joint Task Force members removed more than 180,000 pounds of storm-related debris and logged more than 3,000 work hours across 32 communities. (Alaska National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

040220-F-1646R-137. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Air Force Airmen walk on the flight line at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 17, 2022. The Airmen, assigned to the 55th Rescue Squadron, were returning from deployment.

127th Communications flight personnel, Selfridge Air National Guard Base Michigan, arrive at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, where they will install 29 miles of LAN cable to connect 250 computers to the bases computer network. In addition they will be connecting 9,500 feet of fiber optic cable to the bases existing computer network. Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Soldiers and equipment of Minnesota National Guards Pine City-based B Troop, 1-94th Cavalry Squadron are loaded onto aircraft of the 133rd Airlift Wing Jan. 16, 2021. National Guard units from across the country are providing support to local law enforcement in Washington D.C. for the 59th Presidential Inauguration later this month.

More than 600 personnel from the Idaho National Guards largest unit deployed August 9 and 10 in support of Operation Spartan Shield in Southwest Asia. The 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Teams Task Force Rattler trained for more than two years in anticipation of this mobilization. Idaho Soldiers will comprise nearly 65 percent of the task force during this rotation, and will include other Soldiers from Montana, Ohio, Oregon and South Carolina. OSS is a joint mission under the United States Central Command and is part of Operation Enduring Freedom. OSS is an ongoing operation and supported primarily by Army National Guard combat units from across the country. The deployment is anticipated to last approximately 12 months and is the second rotation the 116th CBCT is supporting. The first task force deployed in November 2021 and will return in October. The Soldiers mobilizing Wednesday will receive 45 days of additional training stateside before deploying overseas.

Staff Sgt. Dexter Callais, 41st Aerial Port Squadron cargo processing specialist, backs a forklift onto a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 815th Airlift Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., Sept. 10, 2022. Airmen from across the 403rd Wing participated in an event dubbed Smoked Mullet that provided hands-on and observational experience with tasks outside of their Air Force Specialty Codes.

The U.S Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) in conjunction with local Fort Bragg and partner nations' airborne organizations conduct the Randy Older Memorial Operation Toy drop 2.0, a combined airborne training event at Fort Bragg, NC from 4-12 DEC 2022 to increase joint airborne proficiency an community relations.

Straight on medium long shot as US Army troops from the 1ST of the 508th Infantry Airborne Battalion Combat Team (ABCT), 173rd Airborne Brigade, from Vicenza, Italy, board a US Air Force C-130 Hercules from the 37th Airlift Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, before a drop into Bunker Drop Zone at Grafenwohr, Germany for Lion Drop 12 on 09 August 2000. Subject Operation/Series: LION DROP 12 Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

709th Airlift Squadron poses for a squadron photo, April 2, 2022, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware.

U.S. Marines with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, prepare to board an MV-22 Osprey attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 during a Joint Air-Ground Task Force Demonstration as part of the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 13, 2022. The air show provided an opportunity to showcase the aircraft, equipment and capabilities of the armed forces to the local community. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to celebrate MCBHs longstanding relationship with the local community.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron board a C-130 to return to Poland from Ørland Main Air Station, Norway, Sept. 19, 2022. The 90 EFS forward deployed to Norway to conduct an arctic agile combat employment (ACE) exercise with the Royal Norwegian Air Force and NATO Allies and partners. The joint training and integration provided in this ACE exercise improves the resilience and survivability of coalition airpower.

Members of the 437th Security Forces Squadron, Charleston AFB, board a C-141B Starlifter from the 305th Air Mobility Wing, McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, as they deploy to the Persian Gulf in support of DESERT FOX. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT FOX Base: Charleston Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Maintainers from the 151st Air Refueling Wing train Sailors assigned the Naval Air Station about essential procedures about the KC-135R Stratotanker during an unprecedented joint exercise on Aug. 30, 2022 at Fallon, Navada. This joint force exercise incorporates more than seven military entities across three branches creating innovative operational concepts to allow quick response to an ever changing wartime horizon

The international observers walk into a C-130 as a means of departure on Tinian, Feb. 13, 2024. Exchanges such as this supports collaboration and integration amongst allies and partners and creates an asymmetric advantage through access, interoperability, increased partner capacity, and increased domain awareness. Air Force

020305-F-6701P-004. Subject Operation/Series: ANACONDA Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

U.S. Soldiers with the 25th Infantry Division, Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii, board a C-17 Globemaster III during Exercise Golden Bee at Northwest Field, Guam, Sept. 28, 2022. Exercise Golden Bee is a joint readiness exercise designed to provide training integration and rehearse strategic and operational objectives in the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

220722-N-VH871-1009 U.S. FIFTH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (July 22nd, 2022) CENTCOM leaders board a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft assigned to the "Grey Knights" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 46, deployed with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, for a flight to showcase the abilities of the platform, July 22. CTF 57 aircraft conduct missions in support of maritime operations to ensure security and stability in the Middle East region.

Members of the 3rd Corps Support Command and the 30th Medical Brigade, both from Weisbaden, Germany, board a C-141 Starlifter from the 437th Airlift Wing, Charleston Air Force Base, SC, bound for Tazar Airfield Hungary. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Rhein-Main Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Various Air Force Support personnel such as Security Police, Services and Finance Specialists exit the aircraft upon their arrival. This is the relocation of Operation Southern Watch and the 4404th Wing (Provisional ) from Dhahran after a terrorist bomb killed 19 Air Force personnel in June. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT FOCUS Base: Prince Sultan Air Base Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

011010-F-4406B-001. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

Members of the Tinker Company Grade Officer Council visit the 507th Air Refueling Wing to learn about the Air Force Reserve, the KC-135 Stratotanker and wing's aerial refueling mission October 4, 2022, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

The 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division gather for a photo after a challenge coin ceremony hosted by British Maj. Gen. Michael R. Keating, the deputy commanding general - support, III Armored Corps and Fort Hood, during the 22-09 rotation at the National Training Center on Fort Irwin, California, August 29, 2022. Keating recognized 14 Soldiers for their hard work and operational readiness.

031120-M-3856G-054. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: VMFA 115

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Beau Howes, an AH-1Z Viper pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 167, speaks to U.S. Army Soldiers from the 463rd Engineer Battalion at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, Aug.14, 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.

SENIOR AIRMAN Reuben Brazelton, an Air transportation Journeyman, with the 723rd Air Mobility Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany assists with the download of cargo of a Charleston Air Force Base, C-17A Globmaster III after it arrives with cargo and passengers at Ramstein Air Base. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

030206-F-4441R-072. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: March Air Reserve Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFRC

A KC-46APegasus from McConnell Air Force Base,Kansas stopped at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio for a routine stop and allowed base personnel to tour the aircraft Oct. 12, 2022.

U.S Air Force reservists from Travis Air Force Base, Army National Guard members from Fairfield, and U.S. Airmen with the 129th Rescue Wing are participating in Exercise Nexus Rising, Moffett Federal Airfield, Calif., June 3-5, 2022. Nexus Rising is a readiness exercise designed to test the ability of the 349th Air Mobility Wing to generate, employ and sustain air operations in a simulated combat environment. Missions in NEXUS RISING include air rescue, aeromedical evacuation, airlift for cargo and personnel, aerial refueling deployment processing, aerial port operations, and command and control.

The 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment, Utah National Guard, load four AH-64D Apache helicopters onboard a C-5 Galaxy, to be transported to Morocco in support of African Lion 22, a U.S. Africa Command annual exercise on Saturday, June 18, 2022.The 1-211th ARB aircraft maintaniners prepped the aircraft for loading onto the C-5 by folding the blades and then members of the 151st Air Refueling Wing, Utah Air National Guard, assisted in loading and securing the helicopters on the C-5 from Travis Air Force Base, California, for transportation to Morocco.

Leadership of the 1st Infantry Division and the 1st Cavalry Division greet Soldiers from 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division as they arrive in Poznan, Poland, July 26, 2022. The 3/1 ABCT, and Finish and British army units trained in Finland to further strengthen the relations and interoperability between the nations.

FORT RILEY, Kan. - Soldiers of B Company, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, walk toward a UH-60 Helicopter to conduct training on the helicopter prior to an air assault mission to Smoky Hill Trainiing Area in Salina, Kan. September 27, 2011.

Members of the 736th Security Force Squadron board a C-130 Hercules Aug. 21 for their second jump during static line training on the Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, flightline. Before the flight, the jumpmasters receive a briefing from the aircrew regarding the flight path, different jump scenarios and safety precautions.

U.S. Soldiers with the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division arrive in Poznan, Poland, July 20, 2022. The 3/1 ABCT, and Finish and British army units trained in Finland to further strengthen the relations and interoperability between the nations.

DF-ST-85-03191. Subject Operation/Series: URGENT FURY Country: Grenada (GRD)

The Airmen of the 167th Airlift Wing stand in formation in front of one of the wings eight C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, Shepherd Field, Martinsburg W.Va., June 13, 2022. The wing photo concluded an extended unit training assembly held June 9-12, which focused on job-specific skills training the first two days followed by readiness training classes.

BELLOWS AIR FORCE FIELD, Hawaii (July 14, 2022) Australian Army Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, boards U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 (VMM-363), at Bellows Air Force Station, Hawaii during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four 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 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. (Royal Australian Air Force photo by Corporal John Solomon)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Doug Ferrette, a C-17 pilot with the 729th Airlift Squadron at March Air Reserve Base, California, arrives back at March after completing his fini flight. The fini flight is an Air Force tradition marking pilots' departure from a unit, or the last time they fly an aircraft. Air Force

050104-F-9232E-009. Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Air Force Col. Van Thai, 100th Operations Group commander, leads a flight of 100th OG Airmen in front of "Black Jack" the KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft with Thais name on it, at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, May 20, 2022. Black Jack was one of the first B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft assigned to the Bloody Hundredth Bomb Group during World War II.

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers prepare to board a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 19th Airlift Wing, Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, at the start of the Airborne 23 exercise at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 31, 2023. Nine C-130J aircraft assigned to Yokota Air Base and Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, were used to carry approximately 300 JGSDF paratroopers to drop zones at Higashi-Fuji training field during the static-line personnel jump portion of the exercise. Airborne is a large-scale exercise which integrates air and ground forces from Japan and the U.S., highlighting the increased efficiency of partner forces working together.

Airmen assigned to the 50th Air Refueling Squadron are welcomed home by loved ones at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, June 6, 2022. The Airmen with the 50th ARS returned from a six-month deployment in support of U.S. Air Forces Central Command to sustain a regional presence in partnership with Qatar.

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171 and U.S. Sailors with Patrol Squadron Eight pose for a photo in front of a P-8A Poseidon aircraft 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.

Educators from across the State of Wyoming visit the Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center for the 2nd Annual Educator Leadership Rendezvous held Aug. 2-4, 2022. Experiencing several different aspects of the military, they climbed aboard a c-130 Hercules to view and learn about the plane the Wyoming Air National Guard uses. The three-day event builds an enhanced relationship between the military and the education sector.

030602-F-3354H-011. Base: Middletown State: Pennsylvania (PA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Evacuees from Galena Airport board a 17th TActical Airlift Squadron C-130 Hercules aircraft as they prepare to depart from the facility to avoid flooding in the area. Country: United States Of America(USA)

Air Force personnel embark a C-141 Starlifter aircraft during Exercise Opportune Journey 4. Subject Operation/Series: OPPORTUNE JOURNEY 4 Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

Troops from 2nd Bn., 25th Marines, 4th Marine Div., wait to board a C-130D Hercules aircraft for transportation to Fort Drum, N.Y., during Exercise Sentry Castle '81. Subject Operation/Series: SENTRY CASTLE '81 Base: Hancock Field State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-85-03686. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR '83 Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Throughout the days and nights of Oct. 24th through Oct. 26th, 2022, four planes full of National Guard Soldiers arrived at Fort Bliss, Texas, after a yearlong deployment overseas. Leadership from Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Florida, shook the hands of more than 1,000 Soldiers to welcome them home upon their arrival. The majority of the Soldiers are from the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team headquartered in Boise, Idaho, with components in Montana, Nevada and Oregon. Soldiers from the Florida National Guard joined the deployment as an augmentation. The Soldiers returned home from Southwest Asia in support of Operation Spartan Shield and were part of Task Force Griz, which deployed last November.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, Force Headquarters Group, Marine Corps Forces Reserve, and British Royal Marines board a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft during a bilateral training exercise on Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 4, 2022. 3rd ANGLICO conducted low-level static line parachute insertion operations in order to enhance the tactical and operational readiness of its Marines for exercises and real-world operations.

U.S. Marine Corps Brigadier Gen. George Rowell, assistant wing commander of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, left, meets Lt. Col. Clayton Gard III, commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, center, Maj. Michael Golike, operations officer for VMFA-312, right, and Sgt. Maj. Matthew Robinson, sergeant major of VMFA-312, far right, at Japan Air Self-Defense Force Nyutabaru Air Base, Japan, Nov. 9, 2022. U.S. 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.

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force stand in formation during the III MEF change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 26, 2024. The ceremony was held to commemorate the transfer of responsibilities from Lt. Gen. James W. Bierman, the off-going commanding general of III MEF, to Lt. Gen. Roger B. Turner, the oncoming commanding general.

Lt. Col. John Burnett and Lt. Col. Robert Campbell, both pilots assigned to the 97th Airlift Squadron, take the Washington state civil air patrol cadets on a tour and answer questions about the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft on May 26, 2022, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Civil Air Patrols Washington Wing cadets and senior staff join 446th Airlift Wing crew members from the 97th and 313th Airlift Squadrons for a familiarization flight.

Military personnel prepare to board C-141B Starlifter aircraft after being flown to Travis from Naval Station, Subic Bay and Clark Air Force Base, Republic of the Philippines. The servicemen and women, along with dependents, were evacuated in the aftermath of Mount Pinatubo's eruption. The volcano, which erupted for the first time in over 600 years, forced the U.S. military to coordinate Operation Fiery Vigil evacuation efforts to remove more than 20,000 evacuees from the area. Subject Operation/Series: FIERY VIGIL Base: Travis Air Force Base State: California(CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of the 82nd Airborne Division board a C-141 Starlifter aircraft (with camouflage paint) during Operation URGENT FURY. Subject Operation/Series: URGENT FURY Country: Grenada (GRD)

Hurricane Dolly, Welasco,TX, July 25, 2008 Members of the Texas Search and Recover Team, Texas-Task Force 1 and aircrew members of the Texas Army National Guard teamed up together to rescue two survivors trapped in their car along the levee near Edinburgh,Tx, three days after Hurricane Dolly stranded them. Barry Bahler/FEMA.. Photographs Relating to Disasters and Emergency Management Programs, Activities, and Officials

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force 1st Airborne Brigade soldiers line up on the flightline at Yokota Air Base, Japan, during a bi-lateral jump training with the 36th Airlift Squadron, April 19, 2022. A total of 50 personnel are planned to perform static line jumps throughout the three-day training event, with an expected total of 600.

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Dylan Raess, left, 319th Special Operations Squadron U-28A combat systems operator, and Capt. Kevin Montes-Gregsamer, 319th SOS U-28A pilot, walk to a U-28A Draco to begin pre-flight operations at Duke Field, Fla., Oct. 28, 2022. The U-28A is a modified, single-engine Pilatus PC-12 aircraft and is part of the Air Force Special Operations Commands manned, airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance fleet.

U.S. service members with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) render honors during an honorable carry ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, April 14, 2022. Contained within the transfer cases are possible osseous material recovered from past military conflict in the Philippines. The mission of DPAA is to achieve the fullest possible accountability for missing and unaccounted for U.S. personnel and return them to their families and our nation.

041203-F-1166S-001. Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

US Air Force Honor Guard members from Hawaii unload the caskets of American service members from a C-17 Globemaster III. The reparation ceremony was held on August 29th, 2000 at Hickam Air Force Base, HI. Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030810-F-4310B-006. Base: Will Rogers Ang Base State: Oklahoma (OK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030227-F-0017M-010. Base: Byrd Field State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines prepare to board an MV-22B Osprey for a long-range insertion of more than 800 miles during Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force Exercise from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma on Okinawa to mainland Japan, June 9, 2022. III Marine Expeditionary Force executed these actions as part of a series of integrated no-notice drills to maintain a high state of readiness and demonstrate U.S. resolve to maintain regional security. 3/2 is forward-deployed under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as a part of the Unit Deployment Program.

Army troops line up to board a C-5A Galaxy aircraft that will take them to Southwest Asia for participation in Bright Star '83. Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030306-F-5611J-024. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Savannah International Airport State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

020603-F-3123T-025. Base: Mountain Home Air Force Base State: Idaho (ID) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Col. Van Thai, 100th Operations Group commander, discusses the history of "Black Jack" the KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft with Thai's name, at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, May 20, 2022. Black Jack was one of the first B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft assigned to the Bloody Hundredth Bomb Group during World War II.

Marines of the 1ST Platoon, 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company, board a 437th Military Airlift Wing C-141B Starlifter aircraft. The Starlifter will transport them to Bardufoss, Norway, to take part in exercise Cold Winter '89. Subject Operation/Series: COLD WINTER '89 Base: Volk Field State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Airmen speak with the Honorable Richard Marles, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, during a visit to Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, Australia, Aug. 26, 2022. Marles visit coincided with Exercise Pitch Black 2022, 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.

California Civil Air Patrol cadets pose for a photo and stand on the wing of a KC-135 Stratotanker, Feb. 6, 2024, at Beale Air Force Base, California. Maintainers escorted the cadets onto the wing to ensure their safety and conducted a foreign object debris walk at the conclusion of the tour. Air Force

Airmen from the 8th Civil Engineer Squadron conduct a foreign object debris walk during a training event at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 18, 2022. Airmen from the 8th CES tested their ability to repair airfield damage in a contested environment as part of a training event.

Standing in the heat and pounded by the drone of the KC-130/Rs Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines running, Marines, with their MOLLE (Modular Light weight Load-carrying Equipment) packs fully loaded, wait to board the aircraft. As soon as the KC-130/R from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron-352 (VMGR-352)s ramp is down and extensions in place the Marines will board and head back into Kandahar, Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: 26th MEU

Participants from Exercise Agile Tiger wrap up the four-day interoperability exercise, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., April 7, 2022. The collaboration from units across the U.S., allowed the units to employ agile combat employment concepts, while integrating capabilities across between bomber and fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

Airmen and Air Force civilians line-up to perform a FOD walk Apr. 25, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The Great Texas Airshow concluded Apr. 24 and a FOD walk was conducted to remove foreign object debris from the runway areas prior to reopening the airfield.

Cadets board a C-130J Hercules during the Louisiana Civil Air Patrol Encampment at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, June 28, 2023. More than 50 cadets attended the Encampment from June 20-30.

COL Clifton Bray, American Task Force commander for Joint Task Force Shining Hope, takes US congressman and senators on a tour of the Rinas flight line during their tour in Albania, Apr. 17, 1999. Congressman Bill Young, Republican from Florida's 10th District, walks to the right of COL Bray (screen left). To his right is the US Ambassador to Albania, Marisa Lino and to her right is US Senator Ted Stevens, Republican from Alaska. A Charleston C-17 from the 437th Air Mobility Wing, transported the visitors to and from Albania. This mission is in direction support of Operation Sustain Hope. Subject Operation/Series: SUSTAIN HOPE Base: Rinas State: Tirana Country: Albania (ALB)

060127-N-9640K-295. Base: Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Soldiers from the Norwegian Home Guard land at the Minnesota Air National Guard 133rd Air Wing at Fort Snelling in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on February 1st, 2024. The Norwegians are in Minnesota as a part of the Minnesota National Guards 51st Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange and partnership with the Norwegian Home Guard (Minnesota Army National Guard

020505-F-3717R-005. Subject Operation/Series: GURRDIAN CHALLENGE 2002 Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Navy Adm. John C. Aquilino, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visits with Airmen from the 131st and 509th Bomb Wings during a visit to the B-2 Spirit Bomber Task Force at Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley, Australia, July 30. The bomber aircraft deployed as part of a rotational BTF, supporting the Enhanced Air Cooperation Initiative under the Force Posture Agreement between the United States and Australia. The BTF will conduct joint training and missions alongside Allies and partners in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assemble for an aircraft fire safety brief with firefighters from the Royal Air Force of Oman at Thumrait Air Base, Oman, May 18, 2022. The information shared during exercise Accurate Test 22 from both RAFO and U.S. Airmen helped ensure both forces operate with the best safety practices.

060822-N-9195K-002. Base: Nas North Island State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The 182nd Airlift Wings recruiting and retention team pose for a group photo in Peoria, Illinois, Aug. 18, 2022. Recruits interested in joining the Illinois Air National Guard can contact them by phone at 800-241-1331.

Air Commandos from the 27th Special Operations Wing and local community leaders pose for a photo in front of 27th SOW aircraft following an African American/Black History Month proclamation signing on Feb. 9, 2024, at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. The 27th SOWs Air Commandos are Air Force Special Operations Commands competitive edge, and their perspectives and inputs are the defining factors behind its continued success as a high-performing unconventional force. Air Force

Lt. Col. Eric J. Tolska assumed command of the Battalion during the ceremony. (New Jersey National Guard photo by Mark C. Olsen)

NATO German paratroopers boarding an Airbus A400M during a NATO exercise German paratroopers boarding an Airbus A400M during a NATO exercise: soldiers in full gear, preparing for an airborne operation, coordinated entry into the modern military transport aircraft. Copyright: xZoonar.com/ThomasxFuhrmannx 22601727

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned with the 129th Rescue Wing California Air National Guard hosted members from the Nigerian Ministry of the Interior, Minister of Defense, Nigeria Security & Civil Services, and Nigeria Federal Fire Service as part of the State Partnership Program (SPP) visit at Moffett Air National Guard Base, California, June 13, 2022. The purpose of SPP is to enhance military ties and strengthen partnerships with nations around the world.

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (September 16, 2022) U.S. Maritime Expeditionary Security Forces (MSRON-1)pose for their command photo. MSRON-1, based at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti provides port and harbor security, high-value asset protection, and maritime security operations in coastal waterways of the Gulf of Tadjoura.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Tyler Williams, 437th Aircraft Maintenance crew chief, marshals a C-17 Globemaster III during relocation operations in preparation for Tropical Storm Ian at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Sept. 29, 2022. The base routinely relocates aircraft prior to extreme weather conditions in order to continue the rapid global mobility mission and to avoid potential damage. (U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sara Jenkins)

Spanish troops disembark from an aircraft upon arriving at Szczecin Airport.

040416-F-0681L-113. Base: Hector Iap/Angb, Fargo State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Hurlburt Field and Air Force Special Operations Command leadership greet U.S. Army Gen. Richard Clarke, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Aug. 24, 2022. Clarke visited Hurlburt field to provide guidance to AFSOC air commandos on staying ready today, relevant tomorrow, and resilient always.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 32nd Air Refueling Squadron depart the last KC-10 Extender from Central Command at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Apr. 19, 2022. The return marks an end to over thirty years of air refueling support provided to the U.S. and coalition partners through both peace and war, beginning with Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1990-91, through the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and punctuated by Operation Allies Refuge in 2021.

374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Airmen drag chocks across an aircraft ramp towards a KC-46A Pegasus assigned to McConnell Air Force Base at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 10, 2022. Chocks are wedge-shaped sturdy rubber blocks used to stop or prevent the motion of aircraft on ground.

Members from the 3rd Airlift Squadron, 436th Security Forces Squadron and 436th Mission Generation Group are greeted by family, fellow squadron and Team Dover members at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Oct. 3, 2022. Team Dover members returned to Dover after a four-month deployment to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. The C-17 Globemaster III, operated by 3AS, is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in a deployment area.

Alaska Air and Army National Guardsmen return to Fairbanks, Alaska, Sept. 30 from assisting Nome community residents affected by the remnants of Typhoon Merbok. The Alaska Joint Task Force members removed more than 180,000 pounds of storm-related debris and logged more than 3,000 work hours across 32 communities. (Alaska National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

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