Air Force Aircraft Operations

Images of U.S. Air Force fighter aircraft on the flight line, emphasizing readiness, maintenance, and training exercises in various locations.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 391st Fighter Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, is staged on the flight line for Checkered Flag 23-1 at Tyndall AFB, Florida, Oct. 28, 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.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 391st Fighter Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, is staged on the flight line for Checkered Flag 23-1 at Tyndall AFB, Florida, Oct. 28, 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.

U.S. Air National Guard F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 125th Fighter Squadron, Tulsa ANG Base, Oklahoma, line the flight line at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 28, 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. 9, 2022.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle crew chief assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron communicates with aircrew prior to departure from Andravida Air Base, Greece, April 8, 2022. The 492nd Fighter Squadron from the 48th Fighter Wing at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England participated in INIOCHOS 22, a Hellenic air force-led exercise aimed to enhance combat readiness and fighting capability, while providing participants the opportunity to develop capabilities planning and conduct complex air operations in a multinational, joint force environment.

With some of the oldest F-15 Eagles in the US Air Force Inventory, the 114th Fighter Squadron, 173rd Fighter Wing, Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base, Klamath Falls, Oregon, maintainers are busy keeping their aircraft ready to fly. Base: Kingsley Air National Guard Base State: Oregon (OR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force Airman assists an F-15C/D Eagle pilot as he taxis to position during RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Oct. 7, 2022. RF-A is a two-week advanced aerial combat training exercise that aims to offer realistic air-combat training for military pilots and other flight crew members from the United States and allied countries.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Christopher Hartman, a pilot assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, sits in the cockpit of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft prior to departure for the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) 22, from Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Nov. 6, 2022. BIAS, a biennial event, is an opportunity to strengthen military-to-military relationships with regional partners and promote U.S. national security objectives in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 prepare F/A-18D Hornet aircraft for takeoff during exercise Keen Sword 2023 at Japan Air Self-Defense Force Nyutabaru Air Base, Japan, Nov. 10, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial exercise designed to enhance Japan-U.S. readiness, interoperability, and bilateral relations while demonstrating U.S. resolve to support the security interests of allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

A U.S. Air Force pilot with the 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron boards an F-16 Fighting Falcon at 86th Air Base, Romania, May 3, 2022. The 510th EFS is deployed to Romania to support the enhanced Air Policing operations over NATO airspace. The multinational NATO Alliance currently hosts more than 100 combat aircraft on alert in the region, performing 24/7 patrols along the eastern borders.

U.S. Air Force Airmen of the 20th Fighter Wing, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., participate in Green Flag West 11-6 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., April 20, 2011. Green Flag West replicates irregular warfare conditions currently found in Southwest Asia. Aircrews, work closely with Air Force joint terminal attack controllers. Pilots train for a mission such as close air support, and aerial reconnaissance.

US Air Force AIRMAN First Class Gerald Russell from the 494th Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, refuels an F-15 Eagle aircraft. The F-15 Eagle has a two-person crew, the pilot, Lieutenant Guy Razar and a weapons systems officer, Major James Bessel both from the 494th FS, 48th FW, RAF Lakenheath, England. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

Airman 1st Class John Esquivel, 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron assistant dedicated crew chief, inspects the cockpit of a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 480th Fighter Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Sept. 21, 2022. Airmen work around-the-clock performing a variety of maintenance checks and repairs to ensure the aircraft is safe to operate.

040603-F-6945C-045. Base: Selfridge Air Natl Guard Base State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 127th Wing

U.S. Air Force Airmen perform a pre-flight inspection on an F-15E Strike Eagle at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sep. 29, 2022. The F-15E Strike Eagle is capable of performing air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

A right side view of a Test and Evaluation Squadron 4 (VX-4) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft being serviced on the flight line. Base: Naval Air Station, Point Mugu State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Crew CHIEF, AIRMAN First Class (A1C) Charles P. Kapinos, completes a pre-flight checklist with Fighter Pilot, Captain Brett "Zipper" Robinson seated in his F-16 Fighting Falcon, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

German military jet fighter with open canopy

Capt. Michelle Strickland, 555th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, prepares for flight during exercise Falcon Strike 2022 at Amendola Air Base, Italy, Nov. 17, 2022. Falcon Strike 22 gave multiple NATO nations an opportunity to share knowledge and operational procedures with one another.

040222-F-1789V-009. Base: Lajes Field State: Azores Country: Portugal (PRT) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Fighter Pilot First Lieutenant (1LT) Dave "A-Bee" DeAngelis stands on the ladder of his F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 366th Air Expeditionary Group (AEG) deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

220809-N-DW158-1091 PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 9, 2022) An F/A-18F Super Hornet attached to the Diamondbacks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 lands on the flight deck of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 9. The Diamondbacks conduct carrier-based air strike and strike force escort missions, as well as ship, battle group, and intelligence collection operations. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

Airman 1st Class Leyton Wheeler, 332d Expeditionary Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, taxis an F-15E Strike Eagle at an undisclosed location, Southwest Asia, Nov. 15, 2022. Capt. Benjamin Jones, pilot, and 1st Lt. Jacob Ferrer, systems operator, 389th Fighter Squadron, are on board ready to fly. He and Airman 1st Class William Phillips (right) were there to conduct a preflight inspection, ensuring that all systems are working properly, reducing the risk of in-flight emergencies.

A U.S. Marine Corps bulk fuel specialist from Energy Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 3 and an Air Force aircraft maintainer hot-refuels a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting assigned to 13th Fighter Squadron, 35th Fighter Wing, during exercise Balikatan 22 at Basa Air Base, Philippines, April 1, 2022. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. Balikatan 22 is the 37th iteration of the exercise and coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jacob Miller, a fixed wing aircraft mechanic, salutes Capt. Sean Dolan, an F/A-18 Hornet pilot, and Capt. Raymond Rickenbach, an F/A-18D Hornet weapons system officer with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533 at Andersen Air Force Base Guam, June 14, 2022, before a joint maritime strike to demonstrate service components fires and effects capabilities in the maritime environment during exercise Valiant Shield 22 (VS 22). Exercises such as Valiant Shield allows the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Task Force the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct long-range, precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Task Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

040119-F-4830F-008. State: Missouri (MO) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Logan Haldopoulos, a crew chief with the 104th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Massachusetts Air National Guard, sends off an F-15 Eagle during exercise Eagle Claw, a readiness exercise, June 11, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. The exercise assessed Barnestormers ability to maintain air dominance in a simulated contested, degraded, and operationally limited environment and test their implementation of the Agile Combat Employment deployment concept.

Aircraft maintenance personnel from the 94th Fighter Squadron, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia prepare F-15C Strike Eagles for a sortie after they arrived at Azaraq Air Base, Jordan. The planes will be participating in the Air Power Expeditionary Force. An ancillary mission of the Force is to assist US Air Force and other multinational forces operating in Saudi Arabia and other nearby countries patrol the no-fly zone over southern Iraq. Subject Operation/Series: AIR POWER EXPEDITIONARY FORCE Base: Azraq Air Base Country: Jordan (JOR)

011022-F-0308N-088. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Al Udeid Air Base, Doha Country: Qatar (QAT) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

A U.S. Air Force pilot assigned to the 336th Fighter Squadron taxis an F-15E Strike Eagle onto the apron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 8, 2023. The Strike Eagle will work in conjunction with F-35A Lightning II aircraft deployed from Eielson Air Force Base and remaining F-15C/D Eagles at Kadena Air Base to ensure continued steady-state fighter capabilities in the region.

U.S. Navy E/A-18 Growler pilots assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138 pose for a photo at Palau International Airport during Valiant Shield 22, June 13, 2022. VAQ-138 is currently assigned as the expeditionary electronic attack squadron for Commander, Task Force 70. Exercises like VS22 allow the INDOPACOM Joint Force the opportunity to integrate Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force and Space Force to train in precise, lethal and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of Joint Force.

970423-F-6217S-021. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS Base: Kirtland Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AETC

Airman 1st Class Fernando Sorto marshals an A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 81st Fighter Squadron Jan. 24, 2013, on the flightline at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. The 81st FS launched multiple aircraft to relocate to Moody Air Force Base, Ga., to fulfill training requirements and augment the fleet for potential deployments. Sorto is an assistant dedicated crew chief assigned to the 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

Capt. Taylor Blevins, 77th Fighter Squadron conducts pre-flight checks on an F-16CJ before departing on a training mission at Red Flag 09-4, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., July 16, 2009. Red Flag is a highly-realistic combat training exercise that pits U.S. and allied nation air forces against 'enemy' forces in a challenging air, ground, cyberspace and electronic threat environment.

Airman 1st Class Logan Turner, 555th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, marshals a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 555th Fighter Squadron at standby while Airmen from the 555th Fighter Generation Squadron perform a final pre-flight inspection during exercise Falcon Strike 2022 at Amendola Air Base, Italy, Nov. 15, 2022. Falcon Strike 22 consisted of multiple NATO nations practicing joint offensive and defensive air operations that integrated fourth and fifth-generation airpower.

Airman 1st Class Evan Dugan, a crew chief with the 67th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, removes covers from an F-15, before it departs for Valiant Shield, a joint training exercise held in Guam. (US Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christopher Hummel)

DF-ST-87-12705. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER '86-3 Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

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.

U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312 prepare ordnance during a 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.

Tech. Sgt. John Raebig, an F-16 crew chief, marshals a U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcon to a parking space at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 6, 2024. As a routine exercise Ballast Cannon occurs nearly quarterly with the Royal Bahraini Air Force to support the U.S. Air Forces rapid expeditionary capabilities by integrating Agile Combat Employment objectives for F-16 Fighting Falcon, KC-135 Stratotanker, and operational support personnel. The long-standing relationships the U.S. Air Force has developed within the CENTCOM AOR enables regular and routine training, which advances the coalitions ability to become a seamless operational force across every warfighting domain.

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 101 (VMFAT-101), Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, complete post-flight maintenance checks on an F/A-18 Super Hornet during Weapons System Evaluation Program East-22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 12, 2022. WSEP is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

A U.S. Navy E/A-18G Growler aircraft assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 138 prepares to depart a hangar operated by Marine Wing Liaison Kadena (MWLK) for joint force training at Kadena Air Force base, Okinawa, Japan, June 13, 2022. MWLK provides comprehensive operational and logistical support to local and deployed U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy squadrons operating at Kadena Air Base.

060911-N-8604L-793. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Claire Waldo, 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron Public Affairs Officer, documents the arrival of Royal Air Force Lakenheaths 48th Fighter Wing F-15 Strike Eagles Nov. 27, 2022 at Łask Air Base, Poland. As part of the U.S. European Commands initiative to bolster collective defense posture and Allied integration, the Strike Eagles will take over the fighter mission from the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. The 90th EFS will return to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska after a successful deployment in support of NATO's Air Shielding mission.

An AV-8B+ Harrier II jet aboard the Italian Navy Cavour aircraft carrier.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon goes through final checks following the arrival at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in preparation for Exercise Ballast Cannon, Jan. 6, 2024. The long-standing relationships the U.S. Air Force has developed within the CENTCOM AOR enables regular and routine training which advances the coalition's ability to become a seamless operational force across every warfighting domain.

Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman Cameron Fuller, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103, conducts post-flight cleaning of an F/A-18F Super Hornet during a training detachment at Naval Air Station Fallon, April 14, 2022. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and the George H.W. Bush CSG. The squadrons of CVW-7 are Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, VFA-103, VFA-86, VFA-136, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, HSC-5, and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

011017-F-7910D-008. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Combat Command

Marines attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 112, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct pre-flight checks on an F/A-18C Hornet at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, Sept. 15, 2022. VMFA-112 is participating in a joint long-range strike exercise with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 234, VMFA-225, Marine Fighter Training Squadron (VMFT) 401 and U.S. Air Force 513th Operations Support Squadron. This large force exercise demonstrates MAG-41's ability to project long-range strike capability and integrate with the Marine Corps' active component 5th generation aircraft in contested environments.

030804-F-6449C-024. Subject Operation/Series: RED FLAG/AIR WARRIOR Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

980311-F-4116M-004. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

980309-F-4116M-007. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

020512-F-6911G-001. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

An AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 223, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, prepares to launch for a mission, during Green Flag-West 24-04 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 17, 2024. Green Flag exercises provide critical joint training for approximately 25,000 joint and coalition personnel per year, including 450 sorties, 900 flight hours, and the expenditure of over 100,000 pounds of live and training ordnance. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Capt. Zachary Eastman, an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot with the 75th Fighter Squadron, 23d Fighter Group out of Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, prepares for take off during Southern Strike 2022, at Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center, Gulfport, Mississippi, April 26, 2022. Southern Strike 2022 is a large-scale, joint multinational combat exercise hosted by the Mississippi National Guard that provides tactical level training for the full spectrum of conflict.

Pilot climbs into a Bulgarian Air Force MiG-29 during sunset at Graf Ignatievo Air Base, Bulgaria.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jesse S. Jahn, A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft pilot assigned to the 163rd Fighter Squadron, sits in an A-10 cockpit after landing at the Fort Wayne Air National Guard base in Fort Wayne, Indiana June 5, 2022. Jahn flew his final flight during the 2022 Fort Wayne Air Show.

A ground crew member performs a preflight check on an F-15E Eagle aircraft of the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing prior to its deployment to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Shield. The aircraft is equipped with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Base: Seymour Johnson Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

F-16 fighter jets from the South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Fighter Wing began their move back to McEntire Joint National Guard Base February 4, 2023. The F-16s have been temporarily operating from Columbia Metropolitan Airport in West Columbia, South Carolina since April 2022 due to major runway renovations at McEntire JNGB.

DF-ST-87-07687. Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Luke Scott, right, 13th Fighter Squadron pilot, and Airman 1st Class Victor Hawkins, 13th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, sit in an F-16 Fighting Falcon before takeoff during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 10, 2022. As a reward for great work, RF-A 22-3 leaders were able to organize incentive flights for Airmen during some of the training sorties. Hawkins was awarded the Department of the Air Force Air and Space Achievement Medal for providing and directing medical care to victims of a car accident involving a moose before emergency medical services responders arrived on the scene. According to Hawkins' leaders, the care the Airmen provided greatly increased the victims' odds of survival.

Japan Air Self-Defense Force personnel prep an F-15J for take off in support of Exercise Southern Beach at Naha Air Base, Japan, Sept. 16, 2022. Exercise Southern Beach is a locally organized bilateral training exercise that enhances interoperability by providing the opportunity for 18th Wing and JASDF units to practice mission planning, flying and debriefing together.

A U.S. Air Force crew chief assigned to the 157th Fighter Squadron, South Carolina Air National Guard, walks on the flight line during exercise Sentry Savannah 22-1 at the Air Dominance Center in Savannah, Georgia, May 11, 2022. Sentry Savannah is the Air National Guards premier counter air exercise, encompassing 10 units of fourth- and fifth- generation fighter aircraft, which tests the capabilities of warfighters in a simulated near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

A U.S. Air Force crew chief assigned to the 44th Aircraft Maintenance Unit salutes an F-15C Eagle pilot as he taxis onto the flightline at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 1, 2022. The 18th Wing bid farewell to several aircraft during the first part of the Eagles' phased withdrawal.

040114-F-6809H-008. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Preparing an F-15E Strike Eagle for a Nighttime Close Air Support Mission

Capt. Bailyn Beck prepares an F-16 Fighting Falcon for takeoff Oct. 18, 2010, as part Falcon Air Meet 2010 at Azraq Air Base, Jordan. Captain Beck is assigned to the 77th Fighter Squadron from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.

An A-10C Thunderbolt II taxies down the flightline during the 2017 Heritage Flight Training Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Feb. 12, 2017. During the course, aircrews practiced ground and flight training to enable civilian pilots of historic military aircraft and Air Force pilots of current fighter aircraft to fly safely in formations together.

010810-F-7372C-003. Subject Operation/Series: LOCAL SALTY NATION Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Maj. Kristin Tally” Hollrith, 706th Fighter Squadron pilot, prepares to take off as a participant in a Red Flag 22-3 mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 11, 2022. Participants conduct a variety of scenarios, including defensive counter-air, offensive counter-air suppression of enemy defenses and offensive counter-air interdiction.

An Air Crewman Directs a Pilot of an F-16

Capt. Kevin Shredder Fanter, 35th Fighter Squadron pilot and chief of training, dons a helmet in an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 11, 2023. The 35th FS performs air and space control and force application roles including counter air, strategic attack, interdiction, and close-air support missions.

An F-16 pilot from the 162nd Fighter Wing taxi's his aircraft out for another training mission in Tucson, Arizona.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron sits on the flight line before taking off to reach its 10,000 flight hour milestone at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 27, 2022. Aircraft 913 is the second Block-50 F-16 at Misawa Air Base and third in the Air Force to reach 10,000 flight hours.

040217-F-5759C-011. State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Marines Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan Chavez, a fixed wing aircraft mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242, inspects an F-35B Lightning II aircraft after returning from routine flight operations in support of RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, May 5, 2022. RF-A serves as an ideal platform for international engagement, enabling the exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures while improving interoperability in order to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Squadron maintenance personnel work on a Fleet Composite Squadron 5 (VC-5) A-4E Skyhawk aircraft in a hangar during the combined Thai/U.S. joint exercise Thalay Thai '89. Subject Operation/Series: THALAY THAI '89 Base: Utapao Air Base Country: Thailand (THA)

030917-F-6565E-004. Base: Duluth International Airport State: Minnesota (MN) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Airman 1st Class Aidan Steffey, 44th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, marshals an F-15C Eagle onto the taxiway at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 14, 2022. The 18th Wing fighter squadrons and maintenance personnel remain postured to contend with real-world scenarios through routine training and exercises that strengthen teamwork and rapid-response capabilities.

F/A-18 Hornet

U.S. Air Force Col. Chad Holesko, Maintenance Group Commander assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, discusses the 180FWs homeland defense mission with U.S. Senator Rob Portman during a visit to the wing, Oct. 7, 2022. Portman visited the 180FW as part of his Ohio defense tour aimed at increasing the range of capabilities for military installations throughout Ohio. The 180FW is the states only fighter unit, flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Beth Holliker.

An unidentified US Air Force, 2nd Fighter Squadron Crew CHIEF prepars to launch F-15 Eagle aircraft assigned to the 325th Fighter Wing, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Pete Kasarskis from the 18th Aggressor Squadron, F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, conducts pre-flight check, Feb. 21, 2011. The U.S. Air Force and Japanese Air Self-Defense Force conduct Cope North annually at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam to increase combat readiness and interoperability concentrating on coordination and evaluation of air tactics, techniques and procedures.

040817-F-9104W-003. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041001-F-9871C-007. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-87-12715. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER '86-3 Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jason Dees, a crew chief assigned to the 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron from McEntire Joint National Guard Base of the South Carolina Air National Guard, finishes his marshaling routine in Rionegro, Colombia, Aug. 14, 2014, during Relampago (Lightning) 2014. Relampago is a combined air cooperation engagement with the Republic of Colombia. One hundred Airmen and six F-16s are participating in the first major joint-air training opportunity under the auspices of the South Carolina National Guard's State Partnership Program with the country of Colombia.

A U.S. Air Force crew chief with the 192nd Fighter Wing, Virginia Air National Guard, communicates with a F-22 Raptor pilot prior to launch May 3, 2022, at the Air Dominance Center,a Combat Readiness Training Center, in Savannah, Georgia. Sentry Savannah is a joint total force integrated exercise that showcases the nation's combat aircraft readiness, tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a near-peer environment and trains our next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

A U.S. Sailor signals an F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA-32), Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, into place after arriving for Checkered Flag 22-2 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 6, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise held at Tyndall which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th- and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 22-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-20, 2022.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 366th Air Expeditionary Group (AEG), deployed at a forward base in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

A 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing SR-71 aircraft taxis on the flight line after arriving on base for its deactivation ceremony. The plane's pilot, MAJ Terry B. Pappas, and MAJ John D. Manzi, reconnaissance officer, are delivering the aircraft to the March Field Museum for permanent display. Base: March Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A T-38A Talon assigned to the 2d Fighter Training Squadron and an F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 61st Fighter Squadron sit on the ramp at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sept. 12, 2022. Both units traveled cross-country for temporary duty with the focus of training F-35A student pilots on air-to-air combat.

Fighter Pilot First Lieutenant (1LT) Dave "A-Bee" DeAngelis climbs the ladder of his F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 366th Air Expeditionary Group (AEG) deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

The pilot and bombardier-navigator aboard the A-6E Intruder aircraft on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) make final preparations for launch during the LINCOLN's shakedown cruise. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

French Air Force personnel conduct pre-flight checks on French Dassault Rafales during Point Blank 22-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, April 28, 2022. Point Blank is a multilateral exercise that enhances professional relationships and improves overall coordination with allies and partner militaries.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Thurmond Bowens, 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, marshalls Maj. David Leedom, 157th Fighter Squadron pilot, to taxi from the fighter ramp as F-16 fighter jets from the South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Fighter Wing prepare to 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.

At night the F-15 Eagles from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho sit on the illuminated flight line ramp awaiting tomorrow's operations. The F-15s are supporting an Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI), designed to test a unit's ability to operate in a simulated wartime environment. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: CRISIS REACH 95-02NORTHERN PIKE Base: Cold Lake State: Alberta (AB) Country: Canada (CAN)

Pacific Ocean, August 8, 2005 - A plane captain enjoys a sunset from atop an F/A-18 Hornet prior to the start of another launch cycle aboard the conventionally-powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63).

A silhouetted view of the front section of a B-1 bomber aircraft parked on the runway apron. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jacob Caldwell, 61st Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, leads Capt. Jacob Shadow Jerzewski, 61st Fighter Squadron pilot, to his F-35A Lightning II Sept. 27, 2022, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Crew chiefs are a vital part of the maintenance force that ensure aircraft are airworthy and mission-ready.

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