Air Force Airdrop Operations

Dramatic moments showing Air Force personnel during airlift and refueling missions, highlighting teamwork and tactical operations in various locations.

Maj. Ryan Klenke, a UH-1Y Venom pilot, with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII, talks to the aircraft crew while at a forward arming and refueling point at Santa Cruz Air Force Base, Rio de Janeiro, Sept. 6, 2022. A FARP is a point of operation used for fueling and rearming an aircraft outside of a forward operating base. UNITAS develops and sustains relationships that improve the capacity of our reemerging and enduring maritime partners to achieve common objectives. Additionally, the military-to-military exchanges foster mutual cooperation and understanding among participating Navies and Marine Corps. Klenke is a native of Clare, MI.

U.S Air Force Airman 1st Class George Alonso, 37th Airlift Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, loadmaster, communicates drop zone conditions to jumpmasters during a bilateral air drop with Polish military paratroopers over the Bledowska drop zone, Poland, as part of Aviation Detachment Rotation 22-4 exercise, Sept. 13, 2022. Loadmasters and jumpmasters trained with the Polish military, enhancing interoperability when conducting airlift operations in the European region.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Matthew Ohle, 351st Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, talks to pilots while refueling an F-16 C/D Fighting Falcon June 9, 2014, over the Baltic Sea. This refueling was in support of the 2014 Baltic Operations Exercise.

031024-F-6701P-003. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Maj. Ryan Klenke, a UH-1Y Venom pilot, with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII, talks to the aircraft crew while at a forward arming and refueling point at Santa Cruz Air Force Base, Rio de Janeiro, Sept. 6, 2022. A FARP is a point of operation used for fueling and rearming an aircraft outside of a forward operating base. UNITAS develops and sustains relationships that improve the capacity of our reemerging and enduring maritime partners to achieve common objectives. Additionally, the military-to-military exchanges foster mutual cooperation and understanding among participating Navies and Marine Corps. Klenke is a native of Clare, MI.

A North Carolina National Guard helicopter crew chief looks out of the aircraft crew door during a mission following Hurricane Bonnie. Base: Mcas, New River State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jack Giddings, an MV-22 Osprey gunner with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 268 reinforced, Air Combat Element (ACE), Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, sits on the back ramp of an MV-22 Osprey before takeoff from Darwin Port, Darwin, NT, Australia, April 12, 2022. VMM 268 flew the Ospreys from Darwin Port, to Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, strengthening the squadron's support of MRF-D 22 by fully equipping and staging a capable ACE.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Austin Mckinney, an MV-22B crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162, inspects an MV-22B Osprey at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Sept. 19, 2022. VMM-162 prepared personnel and aircraft in support of a Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. VMM-162 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Zachary Harris, a CH-53E Super Stallion maintainer with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), conducts maintenance at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Jan. 5, 2022. 3rd MAW's attention to detail is crucial in our efforts to ensure our Marines, Sailors, equipment, and aircraft are ready and able to successfully complete missions across a range of military operations.

TSGT Pat Knowles, from the 1363rd Audiovisual Squadron, shoots motion picture of a pararescue team member during a UH-1N Iroquois helicopter mission. The latter, from the 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, is involved in exercise Team Spirit '81. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '81 Base: Cheong Ju Air Base Country: Korea

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nicholas Hendrickson, 8th Expeditionay Airlift Squadron loadmaster, guides a U.S. Army All-Terrain Lifter System to unload Counter-ISIS Train and Equip Fund cargo aboard a C-17 Globemaster III during a supply mission in northeast Syria, Jan. 11, 2023. CTEF is a funded program that provides Partner Forces with resources designed to assist in the enduring defeat of ISIS under Operation Inherent Resolve.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron conducts aerial refueling during an agile combat employment exercise with U.S. Central Command regional partners within the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility July 12, 2022. Ninth Air Force (AFCENT) led the combined rapid deployment exercise consisting of forward operating location establishment, simulated combat sortie generation, aerial refueling, ground hot-pit refueling as well as command and control procedures. This training demonstrates the flexibility of U.S. airpower assets and maintains interoperability with foreign partners for enhanced security of the region.

California Air National Guard (ANG) SENIOR MASTER Sergeant Bill Wunderlin, a Load MASTER with the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, Moffett Field stands on the open ramp of an MC-130 "Combat Shadow aircraft at 3,500 feet above the Pacific Ocean with the RAM-Z deployment package. The RAM-Z has a rubber Zodiac inflatable boat with outboard motor and a complete medical kit that is parachuted into the water. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

060410-N-6433N-044. Base: USS George Washington (CVN 73)

Lt. Dylan Kelly, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, flies an Mh-60S Knighthawk helicopter flies a daytime familiarization flight at Naval Air Station Fallon, April 28, 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.

US Navy Aviation Structural Mechanic First Class (Air Crew) James E. Hunsuckle, from Helicopter Squadron HC-5 "Providers," during flight in the Persian Gulf in support of the Southwest Asia build-up. Country: Unknown

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Marco Oropeza, an infantry Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares for take-off aboard a MV-22B Osprey during a helicopter raid exercise in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 03, 2022. The Marines intend to secure an objective, defend it, and create a forward arming and refueling point. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division conduct Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) operations on February 21, 2024. FARP provides fuel and ordnance necessary for fixed-wing operations. Army

The pilot and co-pilot from the 23rd Tactical Air Support Squadron sit on the cockpit of an A-37 Dragonfly aircraft. Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. service members assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), fly aboard a CH-53E Super Stallion to participate in a Noncombatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) exercise during Assault Support Tactics (AST-3), Weapons and Tactics Instructors (WTI) course 1-23, near Yuma, Arizona, Oct. 21, 2022. AST-3 is a multi-mission evolution consisting of a NEO as well as Foreign Humanitarian Assistance (FHA) operations. This evolution allows the prospective WTIs to plan, brief and execute both missions while shifting their focus towards an in-depth review and dissection of rules of engagement, military authorities and civil considerations.

Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion 7th Calvary Regiment conduct combat manuvuers containing an Advanced Targeting and Lethality Aided System (ATLAS) at Fort Irwin on Nov. 5, 2022. During Project Convergence 2022 many systems will be tested to determine how future command and control capabilities can be integrated with all-service multi-national partners

DF-ST-85-02923. Country: Unknown

970227-F-0994L-520. Complete Scene Caption: Flight nurse Lieutenant Colonel Karen Wolf talks with another flight nurse at Tuzla Air Base (AB), Bosnia, about what equipment is required aboard this flight with the patients prior to the day's flight. Today the 61st Airlift Squadron (AS) from Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, with Aeromedical Evacuation personnel fly patients bound for Ramstein AB, Germany. The 61st Green Hornets fly and maintain their C-130 Hercules Air Transports while deployed to Ramstein AB, Germany, for a 100 day Temporary Duty (TDY) tour assisting Operation JOINT GUARD (previously Operation JOINT ENDEAVOR). Flying C-130's every day to the Former Yugoslav region (primarily Tuzla) they pick up and deliver cargo and passengers in support of Operation JOINT GUARD. Tuzla is the dispersion and collection point for supplies, vehicles and personnel. JOINT GUARD is the multi-national peacekeeping mission that provides a climate of stability in the war-torn land of Bosni

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Seth Roberts, a transmission system operator with 1st Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division, travels in a KC-130J Hercules assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, to execute a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System Rapid Infiltration during Integrated Training Exercise 2-24, at the Strategic Expeditionary Landing Field, Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 10, 2024. The HIRAIN exercise demonstrated I Marine Expeditionary Forces ability to rapidly deploy the HIMARS to meet and deter any threats. ITX ensures units are ready to fight tonight as a I MEF Marine Air-Ground task force. Marine Corps

US Air Force CAPT. Karen Brown, a T-38 Talon Instructor Pilot with the 87th Flying Training Squadron, Laughlin Air Force Base, Del Rio, Texas, watches the ground crew from the cockpit of her aircraft prior to take off for another mission during the annual air defense exercise. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS '95 Base: Roswell State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

JACKSONVILLE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Fla. -- Airmen from the 125th Fighter Wing participate in an expeditionary exercise, Jun. 9-11, 2022. Dubbed ThunderEx 2022, wing leadership developed the training exercise to test the 125 FWs ability to rapidly deploy and maintain mission capability during a chemical warfare attack.

U.S. Navy Sailors prepare an MV-22 Osprey, assigned to the Aviation Combat Element, 22nd Marine Expeditionary, for flight operations aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) during exercise BALTOPS 22, June 8, 2022. BALTOPS 22 is the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region. The exercise, led by U.S. Naval forces Europe-Africa, and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ross Neeley, assigned to Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), prepares to transport the remains of a possible U.S. service member off of a U.S. Air Force C-17 during an honorable carry ceremony on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Oct. 15, 2022. The remains returned from the Independent State of Papua New Guinea as part of the conclusion of a recovery mission hosted in their country. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cole Baker loads rocket munition pods for a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System into a KC-130J Super Hercules during a HIMARS Direct Reload In Plane/Download Resupply of Pod at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 20, 2024. Conducting HIDRIP/HIDROP training establishes clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations between ground combat and aviation elements, ensuring successful embarkation and reload process during rapid insertions. Baker, a native of Maryland is a field artillery canoneer with 3d Battalion, 12th Marines assigned to 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division..

The B-1B Lancer has the largest conventional payload of any U.S. Air Force bomber. Also the only supersonic bomber, the B-1 is capable of reaching speeds up to 1.2 mach.

070131-N-1635S-002. Base: USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76)

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

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Christy Dorothy, a Black Hawk pilot assigned to the 601st Aviation Support Battalion, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, speaks to a U.S. Navy Veteran during a visit to the Amelia Earhart Hanger Museum in Atchison, Kansas, March 7, 2023. U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 1st Infantry Division conducted an all-female flight flyover and visited the Amelia Earhart Museum in Atchison, Kansas, to celebrate the achievements of women in the Armed Forces.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Gary Bryant, 815th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, looks out the back of a C-130J Super Hercules over Guatemala, prior to static line operations as part of Resolute Sentinel 22, June 13, 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. Navy Air Crewman 2nd Class, Matthew Barouh, with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25, conducts a casualty evacuation drill during Exercise Shinka 22.1 at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, June 24, 2022. Shinka exemplifies a shared commitment to realistic training that produces lethal, ready, and adaptable forces capable of decentralized operations across a wide range of missions.

A salior with lighted wands guides an AAVP-7 amphibious assault vehicle into the tank deck of the tank landing ship USS FAIRFAX COUNTY (LST-1193) anchored near Naval Station, Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, during UNITAS XXV, an Exercise involving forces from the US and six South American nations. Subject Operation/Series: UNITAS XXV Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A crew chief assigned to the 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron closes the crew entry door of a KC-135 Stratotanker in preparation for taxi and takeoff in support of Exercise Southern Beach at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 15, 2022. Exercise Southern Beach is part of a continual effort to enhance interoperability between U.S. Forces and host nations, building a partnership that can effectively operate high-end missions in defense of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

A Low Altitude Parachute Extraction System (LAPES) drop takes place from a C-130 Hercules aircraft during exercise Brim Frost. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST '83 Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Garrett McGrath, from Island Ranch, Colorado, assigned to the "Ragin' Bulls" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37, conducts routine maintenance on an F/A-18E Super Hornet in the hangar bay of the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Oct. 9, 2022. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) is deployed in the Atlantic Ocean, conducting training and operations alongside NATO Allies and partners to enhance integration for future operations and demonstrate the U.S. Navys commitment to a peaceful, stable and conflict-free Atlantic region.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Witts, a UH-60 Black Hawk crew chief with the New Jersey National Guard, rides with a medical litter via hoist during training at the Medical Simulation Training Center (MSTC) on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Jan. 6, 2022. The MSTC provides state of the art training to aid students in gaining proficiency in treating all areas of trauma and basic medical scenarios.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Christian Riff, a UH-1Y Venom crew chief from Rio Verde, Arizona, with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron (HMLAT) 303, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing surveys the area during a mass flight at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 28, 2022. HMLAT-303 is the fleet replacement squadron for the H-1 series aircraft, responsible for training Marines to safely fly the Marine Corps attack helicopters. The Marines with HMLAT-303 demonstrated the tactical capabilities and combat power of the H-1 platform by completing this mass flight and continue to train the next generation of warriors.

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 268 reinforced, Air Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, are staged prior to being offloaded from a cargo ship at Darwin Port, NT, Australia, April 11, 2022. VMM 268 equipment arrived in Darwin as part of the MRF-D 22 iteration.

Members of a Disaster Preparedness Team wear protective gear while decontaminating an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft as part of the chemical warfare simulation during the joint US/South Korean Exercise TEAM SPIRIT '84. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '84 Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A member of the 20th Special Operations Squadron fires an M-134 7.62mm machine gun from the rear of an HH-53B Super Jolly helicopter during a gun test. Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Caleb Montgomery, a CH-53E Super Stallion crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 464, uses a hydraulic lever on a CH-53E at an undisclosed location, Oct. 6, 2022. HMH-464 provided assault support for Marine Forces Special Operations Command during Exercise Raven 23-1 to enhance combat readiness in an unfamiliar expeditionary environment. HMH-464 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

Norwegian Brig. Gen. Ivar Omsted, left, with the Norwegian Ministry of Defense; U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Tedrose Teshager, center, a native of Oregon and an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System crew chief with Echo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division; and Norwegian Col. Per-Erik Bjornstadbraten, the commander of the Allied Training Center; observe the cab of a HIMARS during a demonstration at Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 23, 2024. The visit demonstrated cooperation between the Norwegian Army and U.S. Marines, further strengthening a partnership committed to Arctic security and collective strategic deterrence. Marine Corps

DF-ST-85-02916. Base: Charleston Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A loadmaster prepares to load equipment on a C-141B aircraft while wearing a new chemical warfare ensemble. Base: Charleston Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

US Army (USA) STAFF Sergeant (SSG) Derrick Walters (left) and Sergeant (SGT) Rob Smith, flight engineers, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), Echo Company, monitor the take off from inside the USA CH-47 Chinook helicopter at Tageu Air Base (AB), Korea during FOAL EAGLE and RECEPTION STAGING ONWARD MOVEMENT and INTEGRATION (ROS&I). Subject Operation/Series: FOAL EAGLE AND RSO&I Base: Taegu Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

220708-N-XK047-1032PACIFIC OCEAN (July 8, 2022) - Aviation Electricians Mate 1st Class Trent Warren, engineer, and Senior Chief Gas Turbine System Technician Matt Smart, craftmaster, depart the welldeck of a landing craft, air cushion (LCAC) assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5 aboard amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), July 8. Makin Island is designed to field an integrated amphibious force that can support operational commanders around the globe with both strike and amphibious capabilities. Makin Island is currently underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

An F-35A Lightning II pilot assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 354th Air Expeditionary Wing, talks to U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jammal Williams, a 356th EFS F-35 crew chief, during red ball procedures at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, for Agile Combat Employment training, June 20, 2022. ACE presents layers of operational unpredictability to an adversarys strategic decision making.

Washington National Guard service members take part in the annual Washington State Summer Con at the state fairgrounds in Puyallup, Wash., June 17-18, 2022. Guests got to meet Guardsmen, learn about military equipment, and the mission of the Washington National Guard.

DF-ST-87-10553. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH Base: Nyutabaru Air Base State: Kyashu Country: Japan (JPN)

DF-ST-87-13480. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '85 Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A CH-47 Chinook Ramp Gunner Gazes at His Craft's Sister Helicopter as the Two Roar Through an Eastern Afghan Valley

A U.S. Marine with 1st Marine Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, prepares for takeoff during Marine Air-Ground Task Force Distributed Exercise (MDMX) at the Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 10, 2024. The Marines with 1st Recon began MDMX by conducting a tactical night insertion into an austere environment. MDMX is a maneuver exercise that incorporates ground, air, and logistics operations over several days. Marine Corps

1LT Dean Weathers, the pilot of a 526th Tactical Fighter Squadron F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft, gets help with his shoulder harness from his crew chief, SSGT Mark Payne of the 526th Aircraft Maintenance Unit. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

U.S. Air Force Airmen 1st Class Samari Rivera-Rogriguez, left, and Sabin Venable conduct a routine patrol along the coastline of MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, July 10, 2022. On June 12, marine patrolmen Airman 1st Class Samari Rivera-Rodriguez, Kade Jones, and Sabin Venable, along with Staff Sgt. William Au rescued eight victims who were stranded on top of a capsized vessel in Tampa Bay while on patrol. The 6th SFS Marine Patrol unit is the only fully operational, 24/7 unit in the Air Force, and is responsible for protecting one of the largest coastal restricted areas in the Department of Defense.

Hiring eligible pilots from all branches of the service to fly U-2s at Beale Air Force Base, California, is currently one of the Air Force's highest priorities. Base: Beale Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Maj. Michael Tope, an F-15C Eagle Test Pilot with the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, checks his aircraft before taxiing at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, July 19, 2020. The 85 TES routinely preforms night flying to maintain proficiencies.

Aviation Technician/AIRMAN D. Winger, navigator of a Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14 (HM-14) MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter, monitors instruments during operations off the coast of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The unit is using the AQS-14 minehunting system to locate inert mines planted by U.S. forces as part of a minehunting exercise during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Unknown

Members of a loading crew from the 6151st Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron load two AGM-65 Maverick missiles onto the wing pylon of an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft during munitions loading competition Sabre Spirit I. Subject Operation/Series: SABRE SPIRIT I Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Airmen load a piece of equipment aboard a C-141 Starlifter aircraft during Exercise Brim Frost "81. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST '81 Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

military helmet inside a helicopter

CAPT. Hall, a pilot from Marine Attack squadron 231 (VMA-231), climbs down from the cockpit of an AV-8B Harrier II aircraft following a demonstration flight. The Harrier will be taking part in a flyover during the National Victory Celebration, a day-long event honoring the coalition forces that liberated Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kamron Cuff, 79th Air Refueling Squadron KC-10 Extender boom operator, practices aerial refueling procedures with a U.S. Air Force AC-130J Ghostrider assigned to Hurlburt Field, Florida, during a routine training mission over Alabama, Feb. 18, 2024. During boom refueling operations, fuel transfers to the receiver at a maximum rate of 1,100 gallons per minute. Air Force

SENIOR AIRMAN Keith Prestridge, an avionics technician with the 53rd Fighter Squadron, checks the undercarriage of an F-15C Eagle aircraft upon its return from a mission during Operation Deny Flight, the enforcement of the United Nations-sanctioned no-fly zone over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Subject Operation/Series: DENY FLIGHT Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

U.S. Army Soldiers, assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, prepare to take off on board an MH-60M Black Hawk helicopter at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Jan. 10, 2024. Soldiers of the 160th SOAR have been actively and continuously engaged in combat operations since October 2001.

020501-F-7203T-025. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE 2002 Country: United States Of America (USA)

A crewman for the Blue Angels, the Navy flight demonstration squadron, services the engine bay on an F/A-18A Hornet strike-fighter aircraft. Country: Unknown

040716-F-2295B-009. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Andrew Jones, 535th Airlift Squadron pilot, navigates an U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III across the Hawaiian Islands, during the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 23-01, Nov. 4, 2022. JPMRC 23-01 will include participation from all U.S. joint components U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps, also the U.S. Coast Guard.

Capt. Scott Hansel Lafferty, 356th Fighter Squadron pilot, sits in the cockpit of an F-35A Lightning II at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 7, 2022. United States Air Force F-35 aircraft from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska arrived in the ROK to conduct flight operations alongside their ROK Air Force counterparts.

SAGAMI BAY (May 9, 2022) Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) conduct a helicopter in-flight refueling with an MH-60S Seahawk” helicopter assigned to the Golden Falcons” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12. USS Milius is assigned to Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleet’s principal surface force. Milius 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.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Heather Combee, a C-17 Globemaster III pilot assigned to the 701st Airlift Squadron, steps into the crew deck before an aerial refueling mission on Joint Base Charleston, SC, May 24, 2022. Aircrew members routinely perform low-level procedure, aerial refueling, and touch and go maneuvers in South Carolina to sharpen their proficiency and mission readiness.

US Air Force Technical Sergeant Murray assists USAF Colonel Gary North with strapping into an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft prior to flying a training mission from Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. During March 1999, COL North was at Luke AFB going through F-16 refresher training before heading to Korea to become the 8th Fighter Wing commander at Kunsan Air Base. COL Gary North became the first US Air Force pilot to achieve an aerial kill in a Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft during Operation SOUTHERN WATCH when he successfully engaged an Iraqi Mig-25 Foxbat that violated the Iraqi southern no-fly zone. COL Norths crewchief at the time of the shoot down, TSGT Murray, is now .... Complete Scene Caption: US Air Force Technical Sergeant Murray assists USAF Colonel Gary North with strapping into an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft prior to flying a training mission from Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. During March 1999, COL North was at Luke AFB going through F-16 refresher training

021213-F-9528H-004. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Adjutant General of Florida, U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. James O. Eifert, visit Pine Island, Florida to assess the damage from Hurricane Ian, Oct. 4, 2022.

031025-F-1342R-015. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Anibel MacRae, 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, right, shows Genevieve Paradis, who is part of a Ramstein area Girl Scout troop, the cockpit of an 86th Airlift Wing C-130J Super Hercules aircraft on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Aug. 17, 2022. MacRae demonstrated the heads-up display, which provides flight data to the pilot and co-pilot during flight.

A pair of Marines man their stations in an M-93 Fox nuclear-biological-chemical reconnaissance system. State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

DN-SC-89-08016. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Hector Hoyas, an Aerial Delivery Field Service Department instructor from Fort Lee, Va., waves off a Nevada Army National Guard 1/189 Aviation Company CH-47 Chinook helicopter as U.S. Air Force airmen from the 820th Red Horse Squadron's airborne flight, secure the mirrors before hooking the Humvee up to the Chinook for sling-load at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., April 15. The Nevada Army National Guard, ADFSD, and the 820th airborne flight conducted airdrops and sling-load training.

Interior straight on rear view, medium shot as US Air Force STAFF Sergeant Lew Holston of the 6 Airlift Squadron, McGuire AFB, New Jersey, prepares to load cargo before an air drop event on May 10, 2000 during the Rodeo 2000 readiness competition. During the one week competition, more than 100 teams and 2,500 personnel from over 300 Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, U.S. Army units, and foreign nations will compete in airdrops, cargo loading, refueling, pre-flight, combat endurance, combat tactics, as well as other air and ground operations (Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, US Army units, foreign nations, air drops, refueling, pre-flight, combat endurance, combat .... Complete Scene Caption: Interior straight on rear view, medium shot as US Air Force Staff Sergeant Lew Holston of the 6 Airlift Squadron, McGuire AFB, New Jersey, prepares to load cargo before an air drop event on May 10, 2000 during the Rodeo 2000 readiness competition. During the one week competi

US Navy Aviation Boatswain's Mate 1ST Class (AB1) Anthony Hughes launches an S-3 Viking aircraft from the bow of the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74). The JOHN C. STENNIS is currently on a scheduled six month deployment to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, 5 May 1998. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)

DF-ST-88-06849. Subject Operation/Series: CORONET TITAN Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Crews roll a newly delivered UH-1N helicopter out of a C-5 transporter onto the flight line. The helicopter which was originally used by the 58th Airlift Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, was sent to the 40th Rescue Flight. Base: Malstrom Air Force Base State: Montana (MT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 12, 2018) Sailors signal for an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the "Fighting Checkmates" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211 to launch from the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Truman is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX), which evaluates the strike group's ability as a whole to carry out sustained combat operations from the sea, ultimately certifying the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group for deployment.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Dylan Cothron, a 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron defender, keeps watch from a Mine-Resistant All Terrain Vehicle outside of Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Jan. 17, 2023. Defenders keep a constant watch to protect those inside the wire from any and all threats.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Paul Freebery, a propulsion technician with the 166th Maintenance Squadron, uses a light as he ensures a new C-130 Hercules aircraft engine is secure at the New Castle Air National Guard Base, Del., May 14, 2022. The C-130 mission is an important mission for the 166th Airlift Wing.

U.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, offload a UH-1Y Venom from a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III from the 21st Airlift Squadron, Travis Air Force Base, California, at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, June 29, 2022. Embarking rotary wing aircraft into C-17 Globe Master IIIs demonstrates expeditionary logistics enabling offensive air support in austere, distributed environments and validates HMLA operational concepts as lethal, networked, and persistent. 3rd Marine Aircraft Wings warfighting readiness directly enables aviation superiority in support of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force and joint operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl. Rachaelanne Woodward)

MONICA BARBARO in TOP GUN: MAVERICK (2020), directed by JOSEPH KOSINSKI.

U.S. Marines with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 respond to a simulated chemical attack during a chemical, biological, radioactive, and nuclear (CBRN) readiness exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sep. 9, 2022. Realistic CBRN training teaches Marines about proper protective measures, which increase their chances of survival during a CBRN attack, provides information about various contamination threats, and instills confidence in their equipment.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Joseph Diiacovo, an F-35B power line mechanic with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, steadies a crane during maintenance of an F-35B Lightning II jet board Amphibious Assault Ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 21, 2022. F-35B maintainers, supported by Sailors operating a crane for lifting, regularly perform maintenance to ensure the aircrafts readiness for flight operations. Diiacovo is a native of Plymouth, Michigan. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

120125-N-DR144-300 ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 25, 2012) Plane Commander Lt. Cmdr. Tara Refo, left, and Pilot Lt. Ashley Ruic, both assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125, complete pre-flight checks as they join three other VAW-125 officers in flying the first all-female-crewed combat mission in an E-2C Hawkeye aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

221022-N-LK647-1050 ATLANTIC OCEANLt. Cmdr. Timothy Palmer, left, and Lt. Zoe Sobeck, both assigned to the Spartans of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 70 (HSM-70), conduct pre-flight checks in an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter on the flight deck of the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) while Normandy is underway as part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, Oct. 22, 2022. The first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is on its inaugural deployment conducting training and operations alongside NATO Allies and partners to enhance integration for future operations and demonstrate the U.S. Navys commitment to a peaceful, stable and conflict-free Atlantic region.

YAMAGATA, Japan--Airmen 1st Class JT Mills, 17th Special Operations Squadron loadmaster, keeps in communication with the pilots and forward area refueling point (FARP) members while defueling a MC-130P Combat Shadow at Yamagata Airport March 17. The FARP members defueled the MC-130P and fueled four fuel bladders worth 36,000 pounds of JP-8 fuel. FARPs allow aircraft to operate at distances further from original airport that it took off by allowing the aircraft to stop and refuel where typically no fuel is at. The FARP team is capable of providing fuel to remote and austere locations. The fuel at Yamagata Airport will be used for American forces search and recovery teams during Japans earthquake and tsunami relief.

of 3