Aerial Operations and Training

Photos capturing pilots and co-pilots in military aircraft, emphasizing training missions and operational readiness during rescue operations.

U.S. Air Force 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron Pilots Capt. Ryan Clipper Reers (left) and Capt. Jantzen Whisper Deppe look out of their B-52H Stratofortress cockpit while a German Air Force F-16 flies in formation to another U.S. Air Force 23EBS B-52H. This BTF mission integrated with German and Belgian Air Forces, demonstrating the United States commitment and assurance to NATO allies and partners.

US Air Force Major Jeff Waldman, Pilot, and US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Larry Rohekohr, co-pilot, from the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, Moffett Federal Field, fly an MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft above the Pacific Ocean during a training rescue operation. The 129th is one of only three Rescue units in the ANG, and the only one on the west coast. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

030906-F-7910D-005. State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Marines

Commonly known as an Elephant Walk, a group of six U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Georgia Air National Guards 165th Airlift Wing are on the taxiway prior to take off in Garden City, Georgia on Sept 11, 2022. This elephant walk showed the wing's ability to synchronize large-scale take-offs and showcased the recently completed modernization of the C-130 Hercules fleet, now called "Iron Hercs".

U.S. Air Force 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron Pilots Capt. Ryan Clipper Reers (left) and Capt. Jantzen Whisper Deppe look out of their B-52H Stratofortress cockpit while a German Air Force F-16 flies in formation to another U.S. Air Force 23EBS B-52H. This BTF mission integrated with German and Belgian Air Forces, demonstrating the United States commitment and assurance to NATO allies and partners.

Pilots with 517th Airlift Squadron prepare to take off aboard a C-17 Globemaster III before an upcoming airborne operation onto Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 8, 2024. JPMRC 24-02 depends on joint, multi-component and multinational partners to succeed, including U.S. Air Force air and ground crews, U.S. Marines, and international military participants from more than five countries, a testament to the realism and authenticity of its world-class training capability. Army

Cockpit view of US Marine Corps aviators flying a KC-130J Super Hercules over western Iraq during a combat operation

Pilots from the 193rd Special Operations Group fly an EC-130J Commando Solo aircraft during their final training flight in Middletown, Pennsylvania, Sept. 17, 2022. Airmen from the 193rd Special Operations Wing brought to a close a 54-year chapter in unit history as one of the three Commando Solo aircraft delivered its final broadcast during the Lancaster Community Days Air Show event.

A view of the cockpit of a KC-10A Extender aircraft during take-off. The aircraft is being used during exercise Ocean Venture '82. Subject Operation/Series: OCEAN VENTURE '82 Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Frank Von Heiland, 41st Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron co-pilot, checks his oxygen mask on an EC-130H Compass Call aircraft at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan Sept. 12, 2014. The 41 EECS provides premier counter-communications electronic attack capabilities. The unit has flown 6,600 sorties and 38,000 hours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Von Heiland is deployed from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. and a native of Anaheim, Calif.

041010-F-6440B-008. Subject Operation/Series: OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM Base: C-130 Hercules Cargo Aircraft

The pilot and co-pilot of a 71st Air Rescue Squadron (71st ARS) HH-3E Jolly Green Giant helicopter prepare for take off on the final stage of the HH-3E's journey to the for the final stage of its trip to the Aircraft Maintenance and Regeneration Center at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. Another of the squadron's HH-3Es is remaining at Kirtland. The helicopters are being relocated in preparation for the squadron's deactivation on June 1, 1991. The 210th Air Rescue Squadron, Air National Guard, will take over Alaskan rescue missions. Base: Kirtland Air Force Base State: New Mexico(NM) Country: United States Of America(USA)

050108-F-1740G-005. Base: Phuket Country: Thailand (THA)

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 10, 2022) Aviation Machinists Mate 3rd Class Christopher Hickman Okeechobee, Fla., guides an MH60-R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the “Raptors” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71 into the hangar bay for stowage aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Photos from Aviation Training Center, Mobile - 26-HK-426-15. Showing the Admiral around. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Air Force Maj. Zachary Masters, a 73rd Special Operations Squadron pilot physician, pilots an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship during Agile Ghost near Macdill Air Force Base, Florida, on Feb. 8, 2024. Agile Ghost demonstrated Air Force Special Operations Commands ability to deploy to dispersed locations and adapt quickly. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Capt. Shane Dunn, a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot with the 190th Air Refueling Wing, Kansas Air National Guard, adjusts a knob during a preflight inspection May 11, 2022, at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. Three air refueling units from across the Air National Guard provided in-flight refueling in support of Sentry Savannah 2022, the ANGs premier counter air exercise which encompasses 10 units of fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft, tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a simulated near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

Accompanied by an instructor, an undergraduate helicopter training student pilots his UH-1U Iroquois helicopter during a training flight near Fort Rucker. As the center of Army aviation, Fort Rucker produces hundreds of aviation course graduates each year. While the majority of these students are soldiers, approximately 50 are Air Force personnel. State: Alabama(AL) Country: United States Of America(USA)

A view inside the cockpit of a US Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 517th Airlift Squadron, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska as US Air Force Captain Dennis C. King pilots the aircraft during a landing approach. STAFF Sergeant Chris Olsen, the Flight Engineer aboard the aircraft keeps a visual check though the cockpit window. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE 2001 Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DA-ST-85-02276. Subject Operation/Series: URGENT FURY Country: Grenada (GRD)

DN-SC-89-06168. Base: Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-86-09730. Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

120723-F-IE715-448JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (July 23, 2012) Lt. Col. Randy Sauer and Maj. Jeff Milburn, both KC-135 Stratotanker pilots assigned to the 465 Air Refueling Squadron from Tinker Air Force Base, Texas, perform pre-flight checks during the Rim of the Pacific 2012. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating are participating in the biennial RIMPAC exercise from June 29 to Aug. 3, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971.

A pilot assigned to the 815th Airlift Squadron, flies a C-130J Super Hercules over Guatemala, in support of Resolute Sentinel 22, June 11, 2022. Resolute Sentinel 22 is a multi-national training opportunity that offers real-world benefits to U.S. and partner nation military personnel and the people of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador by promoting well-being and readiness in addition to building long-term partnerships.

U.S. Air Force Major Jimmy Simon, C-17 Globemaster III pilot, assigned to the 16th Airlift Squadron adjusts his radio frequency to coordinate airspace entry in support of mission generation exercise over Charleston, SC, Jan. 5, 2023. This mission generation exercise kicks off Mobility Guardian 23 and involved the launch of 24 C-17s for the largest-ever show-of-force formation flight over Charleston Harbor. After the flyover, the formation dispersed to sharpen agile combat employment concepts that leverage rapid mobility to maximize lethality.

Maj. David Swan, 1-230th Attack Helicopter Battalion commander and UH-60 Blackhawk pilot, left, and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Danny Randolph, UH-60 Blackhawk pilot, both with the Tennessee Army National Guard perform preflight checks for an upcoming air assault mission during Northern Strike in Grayling, Mich., on Aug. 12, 2022. Northern Strike 22 brings approximately 7,400 participants from 19 states and four coalition countries to Northern Michigan to validate the readiness and interoperability of multicomponent, multinational and interagency partners from Aug. 6 to 20, 2022, at the National All Domain Warfighting Center.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and aides to Pima County, Arizona for tours of the Mexican border area, discussions with local Interior staff and Customs and Border Patrol personnel

U.S. Air Force Capt. Christian Dahl, 23rd Bomb Squadron aircraft commander, looks out the window as the B-52H Stratofortress flies over the Pacific Ocean, Feb. 12, 2024. The strategic bomber missions offer opportunities for U.S. integration with regional allies and partners, as well as theater familiarization for aircrew members. Air Force

A U.S. Air Force Bell UH-1N Twin Huey flight crew with 40th Helicopter Squadron from Malmstrom Air Force Base Great Falls, Montana, overlook the training area at Gowen Field Air National Guard Base, Idaho, May 4, 2022. Garnet Rattler is a joint training exercise between elements of the 3d Littoral Anti-Air Battalion, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force to conduct simulated sea control operations and joint time on target strikes.

970311-F-0994L-509. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT GUARD Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

U.S. Marines Corps Capt. Aaron Royer, left, an aircraft commander, and Capt. Seth VanGorder, a pilot, both with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, land a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Davao International Airport, Davao City, Philippines, Feb. 14, 2024. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the U.S. Marines of III Marine Expeditionary Force are supporting the U.S. Agency for International Development in providing foreign humanitarian assistance to the ongoing disaster relief mission in Mindanao. The forward presence and ready posture of III MEF assets in the region facilitated rapid and effective response to crisis, demonstrating the U.S.s commitment to Allies and partners during times of need. Royer is a native of Tennessee and VanGorder is a native of Georgia. Marine Corps

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tyler Espinoza, 909th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, prepares to refuel an B-52 Stratofortress, assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, over the Pacific, Oct. 27, 2022. Boom operators directly control the metal arm located in the rear of refueling aircraft, commonly known as the "boom," to refuel ally aircraft in mid-air.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Cristopher Gossett, a C-130 Hercules combat systems operator, assigned to the 165th Operations Group, Georgia Air National Guard, completes pre-flight checklists prior to its departure from Savannah, Georgia on March 30, 2022 en route for Europe. The Airmen are deploying in support of U.S. Air Forces Europe by providing logistical support and a tactical airlift package supplying military aid.

An Alaska Air National Guard HH-60G Pave Hawk pilot, assigned to the 210th Rescue Squadron, conducts a pre-flight inspection on a HH-60G Pave Hawk at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Sept. 1, 2022. The 210th RSQs Guardsmen provide rescue support in Alaska in the case of injuries or natural disasters, recovering personnel in Alaskas extreme conditions.

Brigadier General Steve Vonderheide, Commander of the 152nd Air Wing, Nevada Air National Guard, sits behind the pilot of an Air National Guard C-130 Hercules aircraft during a Scathe View Mission part of Exercise NORNTHERN EDGE 2001. The Scathe View program allows aircraft to acquire imagery up to 17,000 ft off the ground and can instantly transmit the imagery to ground forces. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE 2001 State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Master Sgt. Marshall N. Rice Jr., front, boom operator, 108th Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, assigned to Joint Base McGuire Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., refuels a B-2 Spirit bomber April 2, 2014. The air refueling mission provided 25 Air Force ROTC cadets from Detachment 750, St. Joseph's University, Philadelphia, Pa., the opportunity to observe the mission as part of the 108th Wing's orientation flight program. The orientation flight offers the cadets an opportunity to observe the pilots and aircrew perform their jobs in a real world environment. The B-2 Spirit, which is part of Air Force Global Strike Command is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions, is stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.

KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (July 26, 2022) U.S. service members and Royal Australian Navy Sailors transport simulated patients to Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, in a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 363, in support of a joint-service medical training exercise during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 26, 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 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.

DM-ST-88-07884. Base: Virginia Beach State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force pilot assigned to the 968th Expeditionary Airborne Air Control Squadron operates a U.S. Air Force E-3G Sentry to approach a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker to conduct aerial refueling above the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, April 1, 2022. The E-3 Sentry is an airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft with an integrated battle management command and control (BMC2), surveillance, target detection, and tracking platform.

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Brian Tang, 36th Airlift Squadron pilot, co-pilots for a C-130J Super Hercules across Japan from Yokota Air Base, Oct. 13, 2022. Yokota recently took place in the annual Samurai Readiness Inspection designed to improve mission readiness for Airmen.

Aerial and Satellite Images - 26-HK-19-128. Hurricane Katrina

Co-pilot Capt. Dave Carr, a 328th Aerial Refueling Squadron pilot, flies a KC-135 Stratotanker on an aerial refueling mission scheduled to strengthen military relationships, meet local training requirements, and gain flying hours. Members of the 328th ARS joined forces with the 93rd Bomb Squadron, assigned to the 307th Operations Group at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, to complete annual training requirements, continuing the efforts to keep pilots safe and flying high.

Lt. Col. Dave Gentile, WC-130J aircraft commander, and Maj. Alex Boykin, pilot, fly a 53rd Weather Reconnaissance aircraft into Hurricane Ian Sept. 27, 2022. The 53rd WRS, or Hurricane Hunters, fly missions into hurricanes to collect data for forecasters at the National Hurricane Center.

Members from the 143d Airlift Wing, Rhode Island Air National Guard, and the 56th Troop Command Charlie Company, Rhode Island National Guard, take part in a Joint Airborne training mission Jan. 20, 2022, at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center , Starke, Fla. The joint training mission was done to maintain the mission capabilities of the Rhode Island Air and Army National Guard.(U.S. Air National Guard photos by Senior Airman Brittni Capozzi)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael Sanches, Crew Chief, 801st Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron, describes parts and functions of an HC-130J Combat King II aircraft to 332d Air Expeditionary Wing Commander Col. Jason Houston, as part of the Red Tail Connection program at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, September 21, 2022. These immersion visits provide greater insight into the unique skillsets every Airman brings to the 332d AEW Red Tail team.

Missouri National Guards Public Affairs Office (PAO) traveled on a UH 60 Blackhawk to train Soldiers in Mo., Sept. 21, 2022. The Public Affairs team trains units around the state about the fundamentals of social media while giving public affairs guidance to Soldiers and Airmen. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Rose Di Trolio)

Missouri National Guards Public Affairs Office (PAO) traveled on a UH 60 Blackhawk to train Soldiers in Mo., Sept. 21, 2022. The Public Affairs team trains units around the state about the fundamentals of social media while giving public affairs guidance to Soldiers and Airmen. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Rose Di Trolio)

Cpt. Lacie Jonas, a pilot with 2nd General Aviation Support Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment, Utah National Guard, flies a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter behind another UH-60 Black Hawk during a theoretical-medical evacuation as part of Western Strike 22, at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho, June 7, 2022. Western Strike 22 is an eXportable Combat Training Capabilities exercise led by the 65th Field Artillery Brigade, Utah National Guard, that provides National Guard Soldiers immersed training similar to a combat training center and aims to increase participating unit's readiness and lethality.

View inside the cockpit of a Air Mobility Command's 63rd Military Airlift Wing's C-141 Starlifter, showing the Norton AFB, California crew in position during a flight at dusk. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker pilots assigned to the 190th Air Refueling Wing, Kansas Air National Guard perform run through preflight checklists prior to a sortie supporting Sentry Savannah 22-1, at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, May 3, 2022. Sentry Savannah is a joint, total force integrated exercise that showcases the nation's combat aircraft readiness, tests the capabilities of warfighters in a near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Mark Pool, a pilot assigned to the 300th Airlift Squadron, inputs flight data during a mission in support of the U.S. Army Jumpmaster School on the flight line Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Aug. 17, 2022. The cooperation between the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force is vital to the success of the training curriculum of the Army Airborne School and Jumpmaster School.

Maryland Task Force 1 (MD-TF1) and Virginia Task Force 1 (VA-TF1) of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) train during an Urban Search and Rescue Task Force exercise, at Montgomery County Airpark and Public Safety Training Academy (PSTA), Feb. 15, 2024. The training represents a new partnership for members of the D.C. National Guards Aviation Detachment, nicknamed District Dustoff, designed to improve interoperability and familiarity between partners involved in disaster response in the DMV. Air National Guard

A CH-47 Chinook assigned to Army Aviation Support Facility #2 (AASF #2) flies over Michigan on Nov. 14, 2022. The AASF #2 was stood-up on Sept. 22, 2002, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Harrison Township, Michigan.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 133rd Maintenance Squadron, test out the repaired lighting control units in a C-130 H3 Hercules in St. Paul, Minn., April 7, 2022. The Airmen are part of a team of maintainers from five different maintenance squadrons who came together to repair aging lighting control units for their C-130 H3 Hercules fleets. This ingenuity restored the operational status of 11 of 16 lighting control units and saved the U.S. Air Force approximately 1.6 million dollars.

030410-F-7194F-008. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

Aftermath and Relief - 26-HK-295-115. C-130 Ride. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Air Force Capt. Kristie Ciampa-Mangers, a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, flies a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker during a refueling mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Jan. 1, 2022. The KC-135 delivers U.S. Air Forces Central a global reach aerial refueling capability to support joint and partner nation aircraft throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

U.S. Air Force 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron B-52H Stratofortress Pilot 1st Lt. Mark Gerken operating out of RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, pilots a B-52 over the Baltic Sea as a U.S. Air Force 100th Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotanker operating out of RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, aerially refuels a 23 EBS B-52 during a Bomber Task Force mission, Sept. 2, 2022. Bomber Task Force operations are conducted with NATO Allies and partners to demonstrate and strengthen the shared commitment to global security and stability.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Daniel Ha and Capt. Jessica Wallander, 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker pilots, run through the pre-flight checklist prior to a refueling flight in support of Exercise Southern Beach at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 15, 2022. Bilateral training builds trusting relationships among foreign and domestic forces and ensures the 18th Wing and host-nation allies are able to come together to effectively respond to demanding scenarios.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Kade Atwood, UH-1Y aviation technician (left) and Cpl. Brandon Taylor, UH-1Y Huey aviation mechanic (right), Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 167, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, conducts routine maintenance on a UH-1Y Huey on Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Sept. 14, 2022. HMLA-167 aviation maintenance Marines conduct routine preventative maintenance on the AH-1Z Vipers and UH-1Y Hueys to ensure a constant state of readiness. MCAS New River provides aviation support, force protection, infrastructure, and community services to promote the readiness, sustainment and quality of life for II Marine Expeditionary Force and other military forces, tenant commands, personnel and their families.

U.S. Marines with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, ride on an MV-22B Osprey during Readiness Exercise 22.2 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 26, 2022. The purpose of REDEX 22.2 is to validate worldwide crisis-response capabilities and demonstrate deployment readiness.

041118-F-9528H-018. Base: Biggs Army Air Field State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A student assigned to the 4007th Combat Crew Training Squadron undergoes training in the full-motion FB-111 bomber flight simulator. Base: Plattsburgh Air Force Base State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

United States Air Force Captain Mike Irwin, a Pilot with the 50th Airlift Squadron out of Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, flies a C-130 Hercules aircraft. Captain Irwin and his crew will be delivering personnel, equipment and supplies (not shown) to Tuzla Air Base in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in support of Operation Joint Guard. United States Air Force Captain Mike Irwin, a Pilot with the 50th Airlift Squadron out of Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, flies a C-130 Hercules aircraft. Captain Irwin and his crew will be delivering personnel, equipment and supplies (not shown) to Tuzla Air Base in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in support of Operation Joint Guard.

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Ryan Durgarian, 70th Aerial Refueling Squadron KC-10 Extender pilot, prepares for take off Jan. 1, 2022, at Travis Air Force Base, California. The 70th ARS and 79th ARS offloaded 55,000 pounds of fuel to a B-2 spirit bomber in support of a flyover at the Rose Bowl and Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena California.

Capt. Riley Germanovich, 61st Airlift Squadron pilot, prepares to land a C-130J Super Hercules before the onset of the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center training exercise over Oahu, Hawaii, Oct. 31, 2022. Three aircrews from the 61st and 41st Airlift Squadrons attended the exercise with two C-130s.

A C-17 crew member is at the flight controls during the flight to Howard AFB, Panama. Subject Operation/Series: SAFE HAVEN Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force KC-10 crew, assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refuel Squadron, prepares to receive fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker over an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Oct. 24, 2022. The KC-10 not only has the capability of providing air-to-air refueling to aircraft throughout the CENTCOM AOR, but can also receive fuel from other refueling aircraft.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Lauren Hotaling, 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron in-flight refueling specialist, refuels an E-3 Sentry over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, April 7, 2022. Hotaling and the rest of the crew were the last KC-10 crew deployed from McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, to fly a deployed, air-refueling sortie. As McGuire AFB transitions to the KC-46 Pegasus, no more KC-10 crews will be deployed from the base.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Meghan Griffin, a pilot assigned to the 317th Airlift Squadron, runs through a preflight check in a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft on the flight line at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Jan. 27, 2022. The mission of the 317th Airlift Squadron is to recruit, train and support combat ready aircrews in order to meet global taskings. (U.S. Air Force photo be Senior Airman Taylor Crul)

DF-ST-88-06656. Subject Operation/Series: KEYSTONE BADGER Country: Unknown

US Air Force SENIOR MASTER Sergeant Derek Townsend, a KC-10 Extender Flight Engineer with the 32nd Aerial Refeuling Squadron, McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, adjusts a fuel panel during a night refueling operation while deployed to a forward location in the European theatre. The image was shot through a Starlight Night Vision Lens System. This mission is in direct support of Joint Task Force Noble Anvil. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE ANVIL Country: Unknown

Two C-130 Hercules with the Peoria Air National Guards 182nd Airlift Wing participate in integrated combat turns at the Combat Readiness Training Center, Alpena, MI, June 9, 2022. During Agile Rage 22, airmen from across the Air National Guard, to include the Idaho Air National Guards 124th Fighter Wing, came together to execute the Air Forces agile combat employment mission.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Charles Cornett, KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling specialist assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, prepares to perform aerial refueling operations over the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility during exercise Agile Phoenix, June 28, 2022. Agile Phoenix is a joint agile combat employment exercise focused on enhancing interoperability and ensuring regional security.

Left side rear view medium close-up shot over the left shoulder of US Air Force Major Randy Smith, C-130 Hercules pilot Major Randy Smith, Pilot and Aircraft Commander with the 37th Airlift Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, comes around to line up before a personnel drop into Bunker Drop Zone at Grafenwohr, Germany for Lion Drop 12 on 09 August 2000. The 37th AS dropped members of the 1ST of the 508th Infantry Airborne Battalion Combat Team (ABCT), 173rd Airborne Brigade, from Vicenza, Italy (not shown). Subject Operation/Series: LION DROP 12 Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Members of Patrol Squadron 31 (VP-31) monitor controls in the cockpit of a P-3C Orion aircraft during a training exercise. Base: Naval Air Station, Moffett Field State: California(CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Maj. Joshua Brown, 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron pilot, flies a KC-135 over Afghanistan during a refueling mission that earned him his 18th oak leaf cluster for the Air Medal, July 30, 2011. Maj. Brown is deployed from the 93 Air Refueling Squadron at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash.

Bölkow BO-105C helicopter. Exercise together with the Royal Netherlands Army.

U.S. Air Force Reserve Tech. Sgt. J.J. Houck, crew chief, 315th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Joint Base Charleston, S.C., checks controls in the cockpit of a C-17 Globemaster III during a pre-flight update, Jan. 22, 2022, here. The C-17 is the work horse of the Air Forces cargo, aeromedical evacuation, and transport fleet and requires frequent preventative maintenance to ensure mission success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman William Brugge)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Max A. OburnJoyce, an MV-22B Osprey aircraft crew chief with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1, from Lewistown, Pennsylvania scans the ocean while conducting live hoist drills during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23, near San Clemente Island, California, Oct. 28, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assist in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

DF-ST-86-12740. Base: Charleston Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Alejandro Rodriguez, 909th Air Refueling Squadron pilot, starts the engines of a KC-135 Stratotanker at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 30, 2022. The 909th ARS executed rapid deployment of KC-135s, displaying Kadenas commitment to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine pilots with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, fly a UH-1Y Venom helicopter during a close air support exercise over Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 12, 2022. HMLA-775, along with the other squadrons on Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, provide aviation support that enables I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton tenant commands and visiting units to maintain and enhance their mission capabilities and combat readiness.

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the assigned to the Kansas Air National Guard can be seen from the cockpit of a KC-46A Pegasus assigned to the 344th Aerial Refueling Squadron, McConnell Air Base, Kansas, before receiving fuels during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 29, 2022. RF-A is designed to provide realistic training essential to the continued development and improvement of combined and joint interoperability in a simulated combat environment.

Pilots assigned to the New York Air National Guards 105th Airlift Wing head towards the Brazilian Air Force Base in Campo Grande, Brazil on August 20, 2022 while ferrying Airmen and HH-60 Pave Hawk rescue helicopters from the New York Air National Guards 106th Rescue Wing from Long Island to Brazil. The Airmen were in Brazil to participate in Exercise Tapio, a combined Brazilian- U.S. irregular warfare exercise in Campo Grade, Brazil. The New York Air National Guard dispatched 100 Airmen from the two wings to participate as part of the State Partnership Program relationship with Brazil,

A view over the shoulders of a British Royal Air Force pilot (Left seat) and co-pilot (Right seat) as they sit in the cockpit of a British VC-10 K3 tanker as it rolls down a runway in Kuwait. This mission is part of the Southwest Asia build-up. Country: Kuwait (KWT)

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

US Air Force Major Dean Pfab, co-pilot, at the controls of a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft just prior to descending onto the sea ice runway at McMurdo Station, Antarctica. This image was used in the the February 2000, AIRMAN Magazine article "Putting 'Em on Ice". The article describes the maiden C-17 voyage to Antarctica. Country: Antarctica (ATA)

040609-F-3488S-002. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

A Japanese Air Self Defense Force cadet looks out the boom operators window in a KC-135 Stratotanker during a tour at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 27, 2022. The tour gave cadets a better understanding of the U.S. military, promoting interoperability and cooperation between partner nations.

U.S. Air Force 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron B-52H Stratofortress Pilot Capt. Jonathan Hutniciki looks to the right during a flyover over a Jordanian Air Base as part of a Bomber Task Force mission, Sep. 4, 2022. The two B-52s deployed for this BTF mission departed from RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, and flew nonstop over the East Mediterranean, Arabian Peninsula, and Red Sea before returning to RAF Fairford.

Air Force Capt. Bryan Reed, a pilot assignedto the 700th Airlift Squadron, 94th Airlift Wing, Dobbins Air ReserveBase, Georgia, pilots a C-130H Hercules aircraft en route to RamsteinAir Base, Germany, May 6, 2022. Reed and other members of theaircrew flew to Germany on a mission to transport U.S. Armysoldiers from Germany to North Macedonia as part of Exercise Swift Response 22. Exercise Swift Response is an annual U.S. Army Europeand Africa multinational training exercise that takes place this year inEastern Europe, the Arctic High North, Baltics, and Balkans fromMay 2-20.

U.S. Air Force C-17 Globe Master III pilots Capt. Brook Heiling and 1st Lieutenant Colt Schiefelhein fly in formation behind four other C-17 aircraft during a static line airdrop with U.S. Army Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division Apr. 28, 2010 at a Joint Forcible Entry Exercise over Fort Bragg, N.C. JFEX is a primary tool for the 82nd Airborne Division's Brigades to train for real-world contingency operations. Many times, JFEX is the last chance for these units to prepare before assuming "ready" status as the on-call "division-ready brigade."

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brittney Cheatham, 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron flight engineer, assists in preparations for take off onboard a U.S. Air Force C-130H Hercules cargo aircraft on Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 2, 2024. This was the first mission led by an all-female crew from Wyoming Air National Guard in a deployed environment.

The pilot of a Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 85 (HS-85) SH-3H Sea King helicopter observes the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) through the windscreen as he makes his approach to the ship. The two Reserve Carrier Air Wing 30 (CVWR-30) squadrons are embarked aboard the carrier for a two-week annual training period. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

U.S. Air Force Pararescuemen monitor conditions before conducting a military freefall over eastern Africa, Dec 1, 2022. Pararescuemen, or PJs, train regularly on life-saving skills to ensure theyre able to effectively support any humanitarian or crisis response situation.

Airmen with the 182nd Airlift Wing Airmen, Illinois Air National Guard, and their families take part in Family Day at the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, Illinois, Sept. 10, 2022. The event was organized to promote resiliency in Airmen and families.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ben A. Holden, a crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), observes the surrounding area while riding in a UH-1Y Venom over the Pacific Ocean during exercise Steel Knight 23, Dec. 5, 2022. Exercise Steel Knight provides 3rd MAW an opportunity to refine Wing-level warfighting in support of I Marine Expeditionary Force and fleet maneuver. Holden is a native of Franklin, Tennessee.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Mark LaVerne, 317th Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III pilot, reviews takeoff procedures at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, June 25, 2022. LaVerne serves at the Director of Operations for the 317th AS, ensuring all members of the unit are ready to deliver mobility needs across the globe.

A Special Missions Aviator from the 352d Special Operations Wing sits on the back ramp of a CV-22B Osprey as it flies over the East Anglia region, England, Nov. 11, 2022. During this training mission, the 352d SOW conducted a flyover for the annual Veterans Day ceremony at Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial.

of 4