Air Force Aircraft Operations

Dynamic images of military jets during operations, including takeoffs and taxiing, demonstrating modern air combat readiness.

U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcons assigned to the U.S. Air Force 20th Fighter Wing (FW) taxi down the runway before heading to Red Flag-Nellis (RF-N) 23-2 at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., March 8, 2023. Exercise RF-N 23-2 hosted aircraft from the 20th FW to participate in a challenging and dynamic training environment, allowing pilots to further sharpen their combat capabilities in defense of the United States and its allies.

F-15E Strike Eagles from the 366th Fighter Wing from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho and F-15C models from the Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center in Tucson Air National Guard Base gave us a rare site on our ramp spaces and skies Thursday. They stopped in for some gas ontheir way to Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida for a training exercise. The ramp was busy with fueling and many other mission flights including, KC-135 Stratotankers, B-52 Stratofortresses and of course our own E-3 AWACS snuck into the action as well. Great day if you were outside and happened to see the action. Great work supporting this effort TEAM TINKER!

A Japanese Air Self-Defense Force F-15 takes off to join a multinational formation over Guam, Feb. 6, 2024. Participants exercise interoperability during Cope North 24 through agile combat employment and integrated generation of airpower from dispersed locations across the Indo-Pacific. Air Force

U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcons assigned to the U.S. Air Force 20th Fighter Wing (FW) taxi down the runway before heading to Red Flag-Nellis (RF-N) 23-2 at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., March 8, 2023. Exercise RF-N 23-2 hosted aircraft from the 20th FW to participate in a challenging and dynamic training environment, allowing pilots to further sharpen their combat capabilities in defense of the United States and its allies.

Corrosion Control Specialists from the Fixed Wing Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 224 (VMFA 224), MCB Beaufort, SC, tow a F/A-18 Hornet to a hangar for cleaning and inspection. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

Six MC-130J Commando II aircraft assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron fly above the flight line during the biennial Flight of the Flock training event at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 6, 2022. Formation flights exercise the ability of aircrews and maintainers to quickly generate aircraft and move large numbers of ground forces and equipment in hostile or denied territory.

An EC-130H Compass Call from the 55th Electronic Combat Group piloted by U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Kevin Kennedy, 16th Air Force (Air Forces Cyber) commander, taxis out while an A-10 Thunderbolt II takes off at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Sept. 14, 2022. The 55th ECG accomplishes the Compass Call mission providing vital capabilities in the realm of electromagnetic warfare for the Air Force. Kennedy is responsible for than 40,000 personnel conducting worldwide operations in cyberspace, Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance, electromagnetic spectrum, information, public affairs and weather.

An F-22 Raptor assigned to the 43d Fighter Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, takes off at Savannah Hilton Head International Airport, Georgia, May 2, 2022. Sentry Savannah, an Air National Guard near-peer threat training exercise, served as the capstone for F-22 Raptor student pilots in the 43d Fighter Squadron.

F-15E Strike Eagles from the 494th Fighter Squadron taxi along the flightline April 28, 2013, at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. Airmen and aircraft from the 494th FS were deployed to Southwest Asia for eight months.

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 3rd Wing, Joint Base Elmendarf-Richardson, taxi for take-off at Łask Air Base, Poland, Aug. 7, 2022. The F-22 Raptors were forward-deployed to the 32nd Tactical Air Base to support the NATO Air Shielding mission. The NATO Air Shielding mission is a multinational effort and a long-term deterrence and defense posture.

020419-F-3488S-024. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH 2002 Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 355th Wing taxis out to the runway at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, July 26, 2022. DM supports four combatant commanders around the globe daily with the 34 unique mission partners and 11,000 total force Airmen that perform dynamic and cross-functional mission sets.

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors from the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron taxi for takeoff to integrate and train with the Royal Norwegian Air Force, Sept. 13, 2022. The 90th EFS forward deployed to Ørland Main Air Station, Norway to execute ACE alongside Allies and partners to enhance partner force interoperability and increase domain awareness and survivability in an ever-evolving threat environment.

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, lands at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, in support of a Bomber Task Force mission, Oct. 18, 2022. Bomber Task Force missions demonstrate lethality and interoperability in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A U.S. Air Force 17th Special Operations Squadron AC-130J Ghostrider, assigned to Cannon Air Force Base during its way to Yokota Air Base, Japan at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickman, Hawaii, Nov. 5, 2022. The flight to Yokota consisted of a 12.5 hour flight to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickman, and the longest flight in AC-130J history of 16 hour flight to Yokota. The 17th Special Operations Squadron is participating in Keen Sword 23, which is a biennial, joint field training exercise involving U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) personnel in the vicinity of Japan to enhance Japan-U.S combat readiness and interoperability. The 17 SOS participation of Keen Sword will be supporting the ACE strategy via light logistics packages, to include bringing the ammunition needed for the duration of the exercise and the personnel needed to execute.

020103-F-2034C-006. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Thumrait Air Base Country: Oman (OMN) Scene Major Command Shown: 405th Air Expeditionary Wing

A row of C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from the 62d Airlift Wing rest on the flightline during Exercise Rainier War 22B at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Oct. 17, 2022. Exercise Rainier War is designed to evaluate and exercise Team McChords ability to generate, employ and sustain Rapid Global Mobility into and in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific areas of responsibility.

A coronet of six F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, and a KC-10 Extender aircraft assigned to McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, taxi to depart Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal, April 27, 2022. The 65th Air Base Group at Lajes, known as the Crossroads of the Atlantic, provides an important mid-Atlantic link for U.S. and Allied forces traveling to and from Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

F-15C Eagles taxi at Muniz Air National Guard Base in Carolina, Puerto Rico in support of North American Aerospace Defense Commands (NORAD) Operation Noble Defender (OND), 27 June, 2022. As a part of OND, which is a recurring operation, the Continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR) coordinated and conducted joint operations with the U.S. Navy while concurrently launching jets from different locations across the United States' gulf coast and Puerto Rico. OND, is an integrated air and missile defense operation designed to ensure the defense and security of the northern and southern approaches to North America. This particular OND allowed NORAD units to exercise maneuvers designed to defend the southern approach to the United States from simulated cruise missile threats. NORAD is a bi-national Canadian and American command that employs a network of aerial, ground-based, and space-based sensors, air-to-air refueling tankers, and fighter aircraft controlled by a sophisticated command and contro

Three F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron taxi on the runway before flight at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 27, 2022. The 36th FS and newly activated 36th FGS work together to prepare for and execute missions in defense of the Republic of Korea and regional stability.

Several of the 421st Fighter Squadron F-16C Fighting Falcons share the ramp with the 151st Air Refueling Wing's KC-135 Stratotankers at the Utah Air National Guard, Salt Lake City. The Utah ANG flightline plays host to transient aircraft on a regular basis. Base: Salt Lake City State: Utah (UT) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

010726-F-1845T-017. Subject Operation/Series: IRRE/CERE Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor aircraft assigned to 154th Wing Hawaii Air National Guard takes flight from Marine Wing Liaison Kadena (MWLK) for joint force training at Kadena Air Force base, Okinawa, Japan, June 12, 2022. MWLK provides comprehensive operational and logistical support to local and deployed U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force squadrons operating at Kadena Air Base.

Airmen Assigned to the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing and members of the Royal Saudi Air Force conduct a foreign object and debris (FOD) walk on the flight line at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Nov. 1, 2022. In partnership with the Royal Saudi Air Force, Airmen assigned to the 378th AEW conducted the FOD walk to clear clear debris and foreign objects from the flight line which could cause engine or structural damage to aircraft.

A B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 20th Bomb Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, lands at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, in support of Exercise Prairie Vigilance/Bayou Vigilance 24-2, Jan. 4, 2024. By maintaining a credible strategic capability, Air Force Global Strike Command improves the deterrence of threats against the United States and its allies and partners.

Multiple U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, prepare to takeoff at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 22, 2022. Airmen from various career fields traveled alongside aircrew with the 91st and 50th Air Refueling Squadrons to participate in the Agile Combat Employment programs capstone event. In order to successfully qualify, Airmen must demonstrate skills acquired from a years worth of tasks and objectives within 3 days while conducting 24-hour operations.

A U.S. Air Force T-38 Talon leads a formation with 9th Reconnaissance Wing U-2 Dragon Ladies and 940th Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotankers, Jan. 4, 2024, at Beale Air Force Base, California. Beales historic elephant walk showcases the units ability to coordinate, show force, and work as a team.

U.S. Air Force Citizen Airmen from the 345th Bomb Squadron conduct touch-and-go trials in a B-1 Lancer at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, Nov. 6, 2022. The 345th BS at Dyess AFB, Texas is a geographically separated unit of the 307th Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB. The 307th Bomb Wing is the only unit in the Air Force currently flying two bomber platforms.

A U.S. Air Force T-38 Talon from the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron leads the formation of an elephant walk which included U-2 Dragon Ladys from the 99th Reconnaissance Squadron and KC-135R Stratotankers from the 940th Air Refueling Wing, Jan. 4, 2024, at Beale Air Force Base, California. The elephant walk included the three aircraft that can be found at the base.

A-7 Corsair II aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 14 (CVW-14) lined up on the air field arriving from a Western Pacific deployment aboard the aircraft carrier USS CORAL SEA (CV-43). Base: Naval Air Station, Lemoore State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of the 165th Airlift Wing, Georgia Air National Guard, return to Savannah, Georgia from a deployment to Europe in a C-130 Hercules on April 5, 2022. The Airmen deployed in support of the U.S. Air Forces Europe and provided logistical support and a tactical airlift package supplying military aid.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, 36th Fighter Squadron, taxis on the runway before flight during a training event at Daegu Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 31, 2023. The squadron and other Osan Airmen operated out of Daegu, to test their ability to conduct flying operations from austere locations during a heightened state of readiness.

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet takes off to join a multinational formation over Guam, Feb. 6, 2024. Participants exercise interoperability during Cope North 24 through agile combat employment and integrated generation of airpower from dispersed locations across the Indo-Pacific. Air Force

970813-F-7910D-006. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Airmen watch aircraft taxi a runway for a capabilities demonstration during RED FLAG-ALASKA 22-3, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 12, 2022. The demonstration showcased the ability to rapidly generate and launch different fighter aircraft to include fifth-generation fighters like the F-35 Lightning II and the F-22 Raptor.

A U.S. Air Force AC-130J Ghostrider gunship from the 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurburt Field, Florida departs Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio Sept. 29, 2022. Aircraft, equipment and Airmen were repositioned to WPAFB in preparation for possible impacts from Hurricane Ian.

U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jets from the South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Fighter Wing depart Columbia Metropolitan Airport in West Columbia, South Carolina to an alternate airfield September 29, 2022. The temporary relocation is a safety precaution ahead of the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Ian. The aircraft will return to South Carolina and resume their normal flight training operations just as soon as conditions allow.

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, taxi prior to take-off at the Tactical Leadership Programme 22-3 at Los Llanos Air Base, Spain, Sept. 12, 2022. During this two week course, NATO and allied forces flight leaders are prepared to be mission commanders, lead coalition force air strike packages and provide tactical air expertise to NATO agencies.

A B-1B Lancer takes off from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Jan. 20, 2017. The B-1B was one of five involved in Red Fag 17-1, a joint exercise training aircrew and pilots across the world in air-to-air combat.

Aircrafts - Blackhawk - 26-HK-50-16. Blackhawks on flight line with personnel2. Hurricane Katrina

A KC-10 Extender aircraft assigned to the 305th Air Mobility Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, arrives at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, May 14, 2022. The 305th AMW generates, mobilizes and deploys C-17 Globemaster III and KC-10 Extender aircraft and are currently supporting operations within the European theater.

A C-17 Globemaster III from the 62nd Airlift Wing, McChord Air Force Base, Wash., prepares for takeoff from Charleston AFB, S.C., 28 Jan. 2010. This C-17 among others are actively supporting Operation Unified Response.

DM-SC-89-05523. Base: Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040325-F-3431H-091. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

An F/A-18 Hornet takes off during the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration of the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The MAGTF Demo displays the coordinated use of close-air support, artillery and infantry forces, and provides a visual representation of how the Marine Corps operates. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) F-14A Tomcat aircraft are parked on the flight line following arrival on base with other planes from Carrier Air Wing 3 and Carrier Air Wing 17. Wing personnel are returning home after serving in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A 437th Military Airlift Wing C-141B Starlifter aircraft carrying the remains of members of the 3rd Bn., 502nd Inf., 101st Airborne Div., takes off from Gander Airport for a flight to Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. On December 12, 1985, 248 soldiers of the 3rd Battalion were killed in a plane crash at Gander Airport, Newfoundland, Canada. They were returning to the United States after participating in peacekeeping duty with the Multi-national Force and Observers in the Sinai Desert. Base: Gander State: Newfoundland (NF) Country: Canada (CAN)

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighter Jet, assigned to the 169th Fighter Wing from McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina, taxis back after a routine training flight at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, South Carolina, August 24, 2022. The 169th Fighter Wing is temporarily flying out of the Columbia Metropolitan Airport while the McEntire Joint National Guard Base runway undergoes construction.

A pair of Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) F-15 Eagle fighters from the 8th Air Wing (AW) out of Tsuiki Air Base, Japan, take off in formation from Andersen Air Force Base (AFB), Guam, in support of Exercise COPE NORTH 2002. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH 2002 Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-86-11297. Base: Tinker Air Force Base State: Oklahoma (OK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Right side front view long shot as United States Navy SH-3H Sea King Helicopters and an Air Force KC 135 Aerial Refeuler Stand ready to support RIMPAC 2000 on the Hickam AFB, HI flightline. 31 May 2000. RIMPAC stands for "Rim of the Pacific" is a major maritime exercise held every 2 years involving more than 50 ships and 200 aircraft. Right side front view long shot as United States Navy SH-3H Sea King Helicopters and an Air Force KC 135 Aerial Refeuler Stand ready to support RIMPAC 2000 on the Hickam AFB, HI flightline. 31 May 2000. RIMPAC stands for "Rim of the Pacific" is a major maritime exercise held every 2 years involving more than 50 ships and 200 aircraft.

040520-F-9032T-009. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Two U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, assigned to the 179th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, taxi after landing on Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, July 26, 2022. The 378th Expeditionary Operation Support Squadrons Airfield Management flight is responsible for checking the airfield for discrepancies thatd prevent aircraft from efficiently arriving and departing safely and effectively from PSAB.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 389th Fighter Squadron (FS) fly an F-15E Strike Eagle at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sep. 29, 2022. The 389th FS deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle assigned to the 131st Fighter Squadron, Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, taxis past U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets assigned to Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, during exercise Checkered Flag at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 11, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise held at Tyndall which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th- and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 22-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-20, 2022.

The U.S. Navy F/A-18 Superhornet West Coast Rhino demonstration team performs during the Fairchild Skyfest 2022 airshow at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, May 15, 2022. Fairchild Skyfest 2022 included the West Coast Rhino F/A-18 Demo team, showcasing the capabilities of the U.S. Air Forces joint partners in assuring air superiority.

C-130J Hercules assigned to the 317th Airlift Group taxi down the runway during an Operational Readiness Exercise at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 18, 2013.

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, taxis through a clean water wash station at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Oct. 18, 2022. These missions enhance readiness, to include joint and multi-lateral, to respond to any potential crisis or challenge in the Indo-Pacific.

A view of an A-7 Corsair II aircraft fitted with a Radar Simulating Set (RSS)-(JEEP) pod, parked in front of Building 351 at the Pacific Missile Test Center. Base: Naval Air Station, Point Mugu State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

MC-130H Combat Talon II aircraft from Hurlburt Field, Florida, arrive at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Sept. 27, 2022. Planes, equipment and Airmen came to Wright-Patt to get out of the way of Hurricane Ian which was bearing on the west coast of Florida.

M-998 high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles wait to be loaded into C-5A Galaxy aircraft at the end of exercise Solid Shield '89. The exercise is being conducted on the East Coast by approximately 30,000 military personnel from all services. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD '89 Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312 takes flight during an ordnance loading exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 27, 2022. VMFA-312 conducted the exercise to further bolster Marine Aircraft Group 12s response and ordnance-related capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

A U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle with the 391st Fighter Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, comes in to land during Checkered Flag 23-1 at Tyndall AFB, Florida, Nov. 1, 2022. The unit visited Tyndall to participate in Checkered Flag 23-1. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th- and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 23-1 iteration of the exercise was held Oct. 31 - Nov. 10, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Adam Bollman, left, and Staff Sgt. Evan Allen, both aircraft maintenance crew chiefs assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing, Indiana Air National Guard prepare to catch an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft that just landed during Guardian Blitz at MacDill Air Force Base, Jan. 24, 2023. During the exercise, 122nd FW Airmen performed Integrated Combat Turn maneuvers on the aircraft at Moody Air Force Base after the aircraft took off from MacDill Air Force Base. ICT maneuvers involve refueling and rearming the aircraft while the pilot waits in the cockpit with engines running before taking off again in order to maximize time in the air. During Guardian Blitz, the 122nd FW positioned the main force at MacDill Air Force Base while stationing a self-sufficient contingency force at Moody Air Force Base to further project combat power and sustainability in a contested environment.

030714-F-3873G-013. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Air Force Thunderbird F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft prepare for flight at the Fort Wayne Air National Guard base in Fort Wayne, Indiana June 5, 2022. The USAF Thunderbirds air demonstration team headlined the 2022 Fort Wayne Air Show.

An R-11 Refueler approaches a U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet to conduct a hot-pit refueling exercise on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Aug. 16, 2022. Hot-pit refueling is a term used for refueling an aircraft while its engines are running, which is a technique used to maximize efficiency and allow the aircraft to quickly take off.

The Patriots Jet Team perform during the air show rehearsal at Travis Air Force Base, California, May 13, 2022. The air show rehearsal provided an opportunity for Department of Defense employees and their families to see the air show and full display of the capabilities at Travis AFB.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 177th Fighter Wing, Atlantic City Air National Guard Base, New Jersey, takes off for a training mission at Volk Field Air National Guard Base, Wisconsin, Aug. 12, 2022. The 177th FW participated in Northern Lightning, a joint training exercise emphasizing user-defined objectives resulting in tailored, scenario-based, full-spectrum, high-end training.

Two F-16 Fighting Falcons, with their landing lights on, scramble for an evening take-off during the 169th Fighter Wing Operational Readiness Inspection. Base: Mcentire Ang Station State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, July 29, 2022. RF-A is a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored exercise for U.S. and international forces and is designed to provide realistic air combat training and enhance bilateral interoperability in the Indo-Pacific region.

A C-130 Hercules, from the 133rd Airlift Wing, Minneapolis-Saint Paul Joint Air Reserve Station, Minnesota, takes off from Young Landing Zone on Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, June 13, 2022. The aircraft was supporting Airmen from the 260th Air Traffic Control Squadron who were training on agile combat employment spoke operations in preparation for a near peer conflict.

A Japanese Air Self-Defense Force F-15 takes off to join a multinational formation over Guam, Feb. 6, 2024. The United States does not fight alone, nor do we deter alone. Our relationships and increased operational capabilities with allies and partners are vital to preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific. Air Force

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform for the Duluth Air Show in Duluth, Minnesota, July 16, 2022. The Thunderbirds will perform nearly 70 shows in more than 30 locations this year as they celebrate their 69th year representing The United States as America's Ambassadors in Blue.

B-1B Lancers, from the 28th Bomb Wing Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, sit on the ramp at RAF Fairford, United Kingdom. B-1B Lancers have deployed to RAF Fairford to support NATO Operation Allied Force. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Base: Raf Fairford State: Gloucestershire Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

030314-F-4539R-004. Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-15 from the Oregon Air National Guard's 142nd Wing, prepares for take-off from Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon in support of North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) Operation Noble Defender (OND), Sept. 14, 2022. This recurring Noble Defender operation, demonstrated the ability to launch at a moments notice from dispersed air and maritime locations to defend Northern approaches in multiple regions across the continent from all domains, displaying resilience in the face of multiple and complex threats. NORAD is a bi-national Canadian and American command that employs a network of aerial, ground-based, and space-based sensors, air-to-air refueling tankers, and fighter aircraft controlled by a sophisticated command and control network to deter, detect, and defend against aerial threats that originate outside or within North American airspace.

Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, 29th Chief of the National Guard Bureau, prepares to take flight in a B-2 Spirit bomber at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Aug. 6, 2022. Hokanson visited Whiteman to see how the 131st and 509th bomb wings combine to accomplish the B-2 mission from ground to air.

More than 200 Airmen and 10 A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthogs from the 924th Fighter Group of the 944th Fighter Wing are working out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 26, 2022, during the units participation in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

031008-F-0704A-006. Base: Ellsworth Air Force Base State: South Dakota (SD) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Sailors and U.S. Airmen recover their respective aircraft following a Checkered Flag 22-2 sortie at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 11, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise held at Tyndall which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th- and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 22-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-20, 2022.

U.S. Air Force ground crew assigned to the 169th Fighter Wing from McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina, prepare to marshal an F-16 Fighting Falcon jet on the flightline post-flight at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport in West Columbia, South Carolina, August 24, 2022. The 169th Fighter Wing is temporarily using the Columbia Metropolitan Airport while runway repairs occur at McEntire Joint National Guard Base.

U.S. Army Col. Travis McIntosh, 10th CAB Commander, and Falcon Soldiers, welcomed Col. Michael Babin, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Commander, and Canadian Troops to Fort Drum, NY June 21, 2022. The RCAF 1 Wing Troops flew to Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield on their CH-147F, the equivalent to our CH-47F Chinook helicopter.

A view of a B-52 Stratofortress aircraft undergoing last-minute maintenance for an alert mission. A KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, in the background, is landing. Base: Grand Forks Air Force Base State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A F15-EX Eagle II takes off from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, July 19, 2022. Members from the 40 Flight Test Squadron and 85 Test and Evaluation Squadron routinely preform night flying to maintain proficiencies.

A service member, assigned to 34th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, touches the wing of a B-1B Lancer preparing to takeoff from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to support a Bomber Task Force mission, June 29. 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 U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Wing, taxis on the flight line ahead of BALTOPS 22 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 14, 2022. BALTOPS 22 is an annual multinational exercise designed to enhance interoperability and demonstrate NATO and partner forces resolve to defend the Baltic region. The U.S. Air Force is engaged, postured, and ready with credible force to assure, deter and defend in an increasingly complex security environment.

Israeli Air Force F-16 at Nevatim Air Base, Israel.

A U.S. Air Force Reserve Command A-10 Thunderbolt II, assigned to the 924th Fighter Group, sits on the flightline at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 11, 2022. The 924th FG is the only unit-equipped formal training unit in Air Force Reserve Command with 28 A-10s.

An F-16 Flighting Falcon assigned to the 14th Fighting Squadron, Misawa Air Base, Japan, lands at Yokota Air Base, Japan, to participate in a week-long Agile Combat Employment training exercise aimed at enhancing multi-capable Airmens skillset, May 8, 2022. Wake turbulence is a function of an aircraft producing lift, resulting in the formation of two counter-rotating vortices trailing behind the aircraft.

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs from the 60th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, prepare for takeoff at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, July 12, 2022. Nomads with the 33rd FW left for training at Burlington Air National Guard Base, Vermont, to take advantage of the open airspace and optimal weather conditions for flying, avoiding over 60% of seasonal lightning and hurricane delays in Florida.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing, Michigan Air National Guard (ANG), lands and takes off from a highway during Agile Combat Employment (ACE) training during Northern Agility-1 22 in Alger County, located in the Upper Peninsula of Mich., June 29, 2022. The Northern Agility exercise series exemplifies the MI ANGs progressive vision for fighter forward arming and refueling training that will land aircraft in an austere landing zone, continuing to champion ACE and adaptive basing concepts for the U.S. Air Force. ACE not only requires novel equipment, but also innovative Airmen that can support the Multi-Capable Airmen (MCA) concept.

Two U.S Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft assigned to the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, sit on the flightline over drill weekend at Peoria, Illinois, Feb. 4, 2024. The C-130s have recently had new NP 200 propellers installed. Air National Guard

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 77th Fighter Squadron (77th FS) awaits departure on the flightline at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct. 17, 2022. The 77th FS is deploying to deliver an agile force capable of a variety of roles to the Central Command Area of Responsibility.

DF-ST-89-07805. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-87-12567. Subject Operation/Series: NOMAD THRUST Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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