Air Force Ground Operations

Photos of Air Force personnel engaged in various activities, including aircraft retirement events and team preparations, highlighting collaboration and technology in aviation.

B-52 Stratofortress crews from the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota and the 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, participated in hypersonic weapon familiarization training at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 27, 2024.The Department of Defense is developing hypersonic science and technology to ensure the U.S. can rapidly transition operational hypersonic systems. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jason Rueshhoff, 56th Fighter Wing commander, signs his name on a retiring F-16 Fighting Falcon on Sept. 7, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The 309th FS held a jet signing event to commemorate the last of the 27 oldest F-16 aircraft retiring from the 56th FW to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.

010812-F-8118G-007. Base: Nas, Roosevelt Roads State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

Team members from both the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Team "Thunderbirds" and F-35 Lightning II demo team great each other during the preparation stage for Aviation Nation 2022 Nov. 3, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. NAFB will celebrate the Air Forces 75th Anniversary with a two-day Air & Ground Expo, showcasing aerial demonstrations, static displays, along with Heritage displays.

B-52 Stratofortress crews from the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota and the 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, participated in hypersonic weapon familiarization training at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 27, 2024.The Department of Defense is developing hypersonic science and technology to ensure the U.S. can rapidly transition operational hypersonic systems. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Duke A. Pirak, left, deputy director of the Air National Guard (ANG) speaks with Col. Michael Blair, commander of the Operations Group, 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont ANG Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Sept. 11, 2022. Pirak, who assists the ANG director in managing the 108,300 members in the ANG, made the visit during a Vermont National Guard open house, a complimentary event demonstrating the capabilities of the Vermont Air and Army National Guard.

010928-F-4836T-022. Subject Operation/Series: PROLONGED PEACE Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Matthew Fuse Eldredge, 309th Fighter Squadron Ducks former commander, greets Airman 1st Class Keilani Durfey, 310th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, outside the retiring Block 25 F-16 Fighting Falcon Sept. 6, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. With the Block 25 Divestment complete, all aircraft from that block are being flown to the 309th Aircraft Maintenance and Regeneration Group, or Boneyard, for repurposing. The divestment marks history for the aircraft, retired after many faithful years of duty to our nation.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft pilot is greeted upon his arrival to join the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Ryan Games, 311th Fighter Squadron wing scheduling director, left, demonstrates how a pilot should enter an F-16 Viper to U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Phillip Stewart, 19th Air Force commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Justin Apticar, 19th Air Force command chief, at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, Sep. 28, 2022. The 311th FS trains an average of 180 students per year, averaging more than 10,800 sorties and 14,600 hours per fiscal year.

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Anthony E. Tony” Rossi, Navy International Programs Office director, is briefed on the F-15E Strike Eagle by U.S. Air Force Capt. Trent Cratos” Norton, pilot from the 492nd Fighter Squadron, at the Farnborough International Airshow in Farnborough, England, July 18, 2022. U.S. military participation in FIA reaffirms the United States’ commitment to its partners and allies, echoing the fact that no nation can confront today’s challenges alone.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Michael McMahon, center, commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, shakes hands with Sgt. Micah Leone, an aviation ordnance technician at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Jan. 19, 2024. Nicknamed the Red Devils, VMFA-232 traveled from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan to Guam as a part of their Aviation Training Relocation Program deployment to train multilaterally with allies and partners, and enhance the squadrons combat readiness.

Senior Master Sgt. Derek Wheeler, 203rd Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, meets with veterans who had once operated on the same KC-135R Statotanker April 30, 2022, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The historic aircraft, numbered 60-0329, is known for administering the world's first tri-level air refueling procedure in response to an emergency refueling request in 1967. Wheeler and his aircrew traveled from Hawaii to Ohio to participate in an induction ceremony and transfer the aircraft to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

030402-M-5834A-071. Base: Marine Corps Air Station, Futema State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: III MEF

020429-F-0809C-001. Base: Ellsworth Air Force Base State: South Dakota (SD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Coast Guard Personnel - Miscellaneous - 26-HK-90-269. Coast Guardsman standing with civilian photographer near aircraft on ramp. Hurricane Katrina

Lt. Col. Ian Bass, 5th Flying Training Squadron Assistant director of operations and T-6 instructor pilot, performs a pre-flight check before reaching an aviation milestone: 5,000 hours of flight time in a T-6 Texan II, on Aug. 30, 2022, at Vance Air Force Base, Okla. Bass is the first to accomplish that goal at the 5th FTS.

A U.S. Air Force loadmaster stands in the troop door that overlooks the flight line.

Congressmen Visit Mobile Aviation Training Center - 26-HK-4-17. Air crews lined up to greet dignitaries in ATC Mobile hangar. Hurricane Katrina

010506-F-0460H-020. Subject Operation/Series: GUARDIAN CHALLENGE 2001 Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFSPC

Gen. Mark D. Kelly, Air Combat Command commander, prepares to depart Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., Dec. 8, 2022. During his visit, Kelly stopped at the 417th and 31st Test and Evaluation Squadrons for mission updates and to recognize outstanding performers.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Andrea Occhipinti, right, and Capt. Christopher Willis, both pilots with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, exit the flightline at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Jan. 19, 2024. Nicknamed the Red Devils, VMFA-232 traveled from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan to Guam as a part of their Aviation Training Relocation Program deployment to train multilaterally with allies and partners, and enhance the squadrons combat readiness.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Courtney Britney” O’Brien, left, commanding officer of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) and Lt. Col. Michael Snooki” O’Brien, right, commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, MAG 11, 3rd MAW, laugh together on a KC-130J Super Hercules on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Sept. 13, 2022. The two married Marines took command of their squadrons on the same day.

220608-N-OL632-2040 ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 8, 2022) Capt. Dave Pollard, commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), right, and Adm. Daryl Caudle, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, speak to Sailors over the ships announcing system, June 8, 2022. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is underway completing a certification exercise to increase U.S. and allied interoperability and warfighting capability before a future deployment. The George H.W. Bush CSG is an integrated combat weapons system that delivers superior combat capability to deter, and if necessary, defeat America's adversaries in support of national security.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Gage Owens, 2nd Air Refueling Squadron pilot, left, Capt. Joey Cervone, 2nd Air Refueling Squadron flight surgeon, center, and Col. Rudolph Cachuela, Air Mobility Command surgeon general, right, speak with 87th Medical Group staff onboard a KC-46A Pegasus during his visit to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Sept. 22, 2022. Cachuela toured the 87th MDG, Joint Base MDL Medical Simulation Training Center and the 87th Air Base Wing Headquarters.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Michael Wyrsch, commanding officer, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 greets Maj. Douglas Kansier, executive officer of VMFA-242 after his final flight at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 15, 2022. Lt. Col. Wyrsch conducted his final flight with VMFA-242 after serving 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Gregory Show, 85th Flying Training Squadron commander, left, and retired Col. Dale Ullrich, previous 85th FTS commander, right, look at a pre-flight checklist on the flightline at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, on Sept. 2, 2022. The 85th FTS celebrated its 50th anniversary at Laughlin by showcasing the modern pilot training experience to previous members and commanders.

The U.S. Army Parachute Team, nicknamed the Golden Knights presents a baton to the U.S. Marine Corps during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. 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.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jason Mavrogeorge, 8th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot, Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma, explains the features of a T-6A Texan II aircraft to an attendee during Luke AFBs Supporter Appreciation Day event, May 13, 2022, at Luke AFB, Arizona. Mavrogeorge flew in from Oklahoma to participate in the event where he showcased the T-6A to other Airmen, base supporters, and civic leaders from surrounding communities. The T-6A is the primary trainer aircraft used by the U.S. Air Force to train Joint Primary Pilot Training students, preparing them to eventually train on and in fighter aircraft.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Taylor Blevins, left, a pilot with the South Carolina Air National Guards 157th Fighter Squadron, conducts a preflight briefing with Colombian Air Force Col. Pedro Vega, Air Combat Commander during Relampago VII, an exercise in Barranquilla, Colombia, Sept. 1, 2022. The purpose of this exercise is to provide the Colombian Air Force with requested realistic interoperability training as allied countries, under NATO standards. South Carolina is Colombias State Partner in the State Partnership Program.

220406-N-TT639-2091 PACIFIC OCEAN (April 6, 2022) - Air Force Lt. Gen. Eric Fick, program executive officer for the F-35 Lightning II joint program, F-35 Joint Program Officer (JPO), left discusses hangar bay operations with Rear. Adm. Wayne Baze, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 3 aboard amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), April 6. Fick and Baze were aboard Tripoli for a tour and to observe the U.S. Marine Corps Lightning carrier concept demonstration. The Lightning carrier concept demonstration shows Tripoli and other amphibious assault ships are capable of operating as dedicated fixed-wing carrier platforms, capable of bringing fifth generation Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing aircraft wherever they are required

220429-N-TO573-1179 ADRIATIC SEA (April 29, 2022) Vice Adm. Gene Black III, commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet, left, shakes hands with Command Master Chief Keith Wilkerson, command master chief of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), in the Chiefs Mess during a visit aboard Truman, April 29, 2022. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of U.S., allied and partner interests in Europe and Africa.

030926-F-6449C-015. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Daniel ONeal, 306th Fighter Squadron commander, second from right, greets his family after the activation ceremony for the newly installed 306th Fighter Squadron on July 8, 2022 at the 177th Fighter Wing, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. ONeal will lead approximately 50 active duty Airmen, including pilots and maintainers, in bolstering the Air Force air combat mission.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Matthew Jensen, CH-53E Super Stallion crew chief, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 366, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, looks over gear lists for a CH-53E Super Stallion on Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Aug. 31, 2022. HMH-366 aviation maintenance Marines conduct routine preventative maintenance on CH-53E Super Stallion to ensure a constant state of readiness. MCAS New River provides aviation support, force protection, infrastructure, and community services to promote the readiness, sustainment and quality of life for II Marine Expeditionary Force and other military forces, tenant commands, personnel and their families.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Duke A. Pirak, center left, deputy director of the Air National Guard (ANG) attends the 9/11 remembrance ceremony, at the Vermont ANG Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Sept. 11, 2022. Pirak, who assists the ANG director in managing the 108,300 members in the ANG, made the visit during a Vermont National Guard open house, a complimentary event demonstrating the capabilities of the Vermont Air and Army National Guard.

NASA test pilots Jim Clue” Less and Wayne Ringo” Ringelberg step to the F/A-18 research aircraft at Ellington Field and conduct pre-flight safety checks on the aircraft prior to a supersonic research flight for the QSF18 series.

PHILIPPINE SEA (Nov. 13, 2022) Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, speaks with Capt. Edward Angelinas, commanding officer of the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), during routine operations in the Philippine Sea, Nov. 13. Chancellorsville is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific and is assigned to Commander, Task Force 70, a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of its allies and partners in the region.

Surrounded by colleagues from the 5th Flying Training Squadron, Lt. Col. Ian Bass, 5th FTS Assistant director of operations and T-6 instructor pilot, received a congratulatory welcome after completing his flight and reaching an aviation milestone: 5,000 hours of flight time in a T-6 Texan II, on Aug. 30, 2022, at Vance Air Force Base, Okla. Bass is the first to accomplish that goal at the 5th FTS.

221123-N-MW880-1048 IONIAN SEA (Nov. 23, 2022) Rear Adm. Dennis Velez, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, George H.W. Bush CSG, presents a coin to French Navy Rear Adm. Christophe Cluzel, commander, French CSG, aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) during multicarrier operations, Nov. 23, 2022. The George H.W. Bush CSG is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

040624-F-0925M-022. Base: Mountain Home Air Force Base State: Idaho (ID) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Vice Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, commander, Naval Air Forces, meets with MarineAircraft Group (MAG) 39 leadership on Marine Corps Air Station CampPendleton, California, May 6, 2022. During Whitesell's tour, he viewed theorganized combat aviation support, aviation ground support, and aviationlogistics capability that MAG-39 utilizes to operate the AH-1Z Viper, UH-1YVenom, and MV-22B Osprey.

F-101 Voodoo aircraft pilot leave their aircraft after a mission. The pilots are assigned to the 107th Fighter Interceptor Group, New York Air National Guard, North American Air Defense Command (NORAD). Base: Niagara Falls Air Base State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force BGEN Michael Mcmahan (2nd from left) of the 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, congratulates U.S. Air Force CPT Jason Xiques, 9th Bomb Squadron, after his return on December 25, 1998, from Operation Desert Fox. Xiques' wife and daughter look on. The underside of a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bomber is partially seen in the background. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT FOX Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Col. Thomas Graham, 52nd Operations Group commander, renders the first salute during the 52nd OG assumption of command ceremony, June 28, 2022, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. The first salute is a customary sign of respect and responsibility between members of the unit and the commander.

Polish Navy Cmdr. Sebastian Rak (right), outgoing commander of the Polish Military Contingent, passes the guidon to Lt. Cmdr. Tomasz Kozlowski, incoming commander of the Polish Military Contingent, during a change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, May 27, 2022. The Polish Military Contingents mission at Incirlik AB consists of on-call duty and monitoring the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea in collaboration with NATO Permanent Maritime Groups and NATO Naval Command. The 39th Air Base Wing collaborates with allies from across the European theater to defend NATOs southern flank.

020314-F-9032T-004. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

011025-F-8546A-001. Base: Randolph Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airmen from the 161st Air Refueling Wing speak during a multi-day readiness exercise, at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 12-17, 2022. The exercise focused on demonstrating the Department of the Air Forces priority of Agile Combat Employment (ACE), which uses multi-capable Airmen to facilitate a proactive and reactive operational scheme of maneuver to increase resiliency and survivability while generating combat power.

220922-N-ZG822-1038 ADRIATIC SEA (Sept. 22, 2022) Vice Adm. Thomas E. Ishee, commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet and Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, speaks with Operation Specialist 1st Class Spencer Bryant Sailors during a visit to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Sept. 22, 2022. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

110610-N-GZ277-037PEARL HARBOR (June 10, 2011) Lt. Todd Petrie, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, walks with his sponsored tiger cruise participant on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) as the ship gets underway on a tiger cruise. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 recently completed a deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility.

010515-F-7253S-005. Base: Fairchild Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

PENSACOLA, Fla. (Sept. 27, 2022) Rear Adm. Pete Garvin, commander, Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), speaks during the NETC fall leadership off-site at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Sept. 27, 2022. Leaders from throughoutthe NETC Force Development domain attended both in-person and online to discuss issues ranging across the "street to fleet" mission to recruit, develop and deliver combat-ready warfighters to the fleet.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, where he toured facilities, viewed aircraft, and met with personnel of the Air Force's Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds

030916-F-8465S-006. Base: Offutt Air Force Base State: Nebraska (NE) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Air Force Capt. Joseph Welch, 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron pilot, right, and Staff Sgt. Michael Maynez, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, both assigned to Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, review aircraft maintenance records prior to a Bomber Task Force mission at Andersen AFB, Guam, Oct. 29, 2022. The U.S. Air Force routinely deploys a variety of aircraft and units throughout the Indo-Pacific area of operations in support of geographic combatant command objectives and training.

040511-F-9629J-022. Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Mobility Command

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Carl Clegg, public affairs specialist with the South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Fighter Wing interviews Colombian Air Force Tecnico Primero Diaz Quintero Eugenio, NCOC KFIR and Structure Inspector during Relampago VII, an exercise in Barranquilla, Colombia, Sept. 6, 2022. The purpose of this exercise is to provide the Colombian Air Force with requested realistic interoperability training as allied countries, under NATO standards. South Carolina is Colombias State Partner in the State Partnership Program.

U.S. Air Force BGEN Michael Mcmahan (2nd from left) of the 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, congratulates U.S. Air Force CPT Greaney, of the 9th Bomb Squadron, on his successful return on December 25th, 1998, in support of Operation Desert Fox. BGEN McMahan's wife Patty (Left) as well as 9th Bomb Squadron commander LTC Coggins (Right), looks on. They all stand on the Dyess flight line underneath the tail section (Partially shown) of a B-1B Lancer bomber. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT FOX Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030914-F-1740G-012. Complete Scene Caption: US Air Force (USAF) Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Jeff Mintzlaff (left), Commander, 30th Airlift Squadron (AS), USAF Colonel (COL) Barbara Johnston, USAF COL Mark Schissler, (3rd from left), Commander, 374th Airlift Wing (AW), USAF STAFF Sergeant (SSGT) William Quartrone, USAF SENIOR MASTER Sergeant (SMSGT) John Trujillo, USAF First Lieutenant (1LT) Allen Specht and USAF 1LT Derek Gallagher (right), will fly the last historic USAF C-9A Nightingale mission in the Pacific Air Force this Sunday morning. The crew will take the aircraft to the"boneyard"at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (AFB), Arizona (AZ). The USAF C-9A served as the premiere medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) aircraft for the Air Force for 35 years was retired in July 2003. In 2002, the C-9 flew 1,280 sorties with over 3,200 flying hours, airlifting more than 10,300 patients and passengers. Base: Yokota Air Base Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Corey Martin, 18th Air Force commander, speaks with Airmen assigned to the 21st Airlift Squadron during a base visit at Travis Air Force Base, California, Sept. 8, 2022. Martin and Chief Master Sgt. Chad Bickley, 18th AF command chief, visited units to meet with Airmen contributing to the mobility mission.

220715-N-CH260-1161 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 15, 2022) U.S. Navy Capt. Amy Bauernschmidt, commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), and Capt. Lew Callaway, commander, Carrier Air Wing 9, speak with international news outlets during a press conference aboard Abraham Lincoln during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring to safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

020110-F-9232S-007. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Selfridge Air Natl Guard Base State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 107th Fighter Sqrn

020531-F-4300H-003. Base: RAF Mildenhall Country: Great Britain / England (GBR)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Justin Cherry, 43rd Operations Support Squadron C-17 pilot, receives a Distinguished Flying Cross medal from Gen. Mike Minihan, commander of Air Mobility Command, at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Nov. 21, 2022. In one of the biggest DFC ceremonies in history, 51 members were awarded the highest aerial achievement in the DoD for their acts of heroism during Operations Allies Refuge.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Justin "Astro" Elliot, Thunderbirds commander, is interview by local media at the 177th Fighter Wing in Thunderbird 8, a decorated F-16C Fighting Falcon on Aug. 22, 2022 at the Atlantic City Air National Guard Base, New Jersey. The Thunderbirds arrived at the 177FW two days before the annual Atlantic City Stars and Stripes Air Show.

Members of the Defense Science Study Group receive a brief from a U.S. Marine with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing on the capabilities of the MV-22B Osprey and CH-53E Super Stallion, at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina Sept.19, 2022. During their visit, the members received a tour of various subordinate II MEF units to gain a better understanding of Marine Corps organization, capabilities and operations. Members of the DSSG include science and engineering academia from across the United States, and is a program funded by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and directed by the non-profit, Institute for Defense Analyses. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua Crumback)

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 19, 2022) U.S. Navy Capt. Aaron Taylor, commanding officer of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), center left, speaks with Colombian Navy Vice Adm. Francisco Cubides, Commander of the Naval Force of the Pacific Colombia, and other members of the Colombian Navy on the bridge aboard Essex during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 19, 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Coast Guard Air Station - Clearwater, Florida - Distinguished Flying Cross - 26-HK-128-41. Hurricane Katrina

Lt. Col. Stephen Frodsham, 192nd Wing inspector general, retires from the Virginia Air National Guard after a career of more than 22 years, on April 1, 2023, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

1AF's Detachment 3 successfully completed a validation exercise designed to verify the ability of United States Air Force "Guardian Angel" Pararescue specialists to operate with aircrew aboard U.S. Navy MH-60S Seahawks to, if needed, rescue astronauts at sea. The joint team will support NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration's upcoming Crew 5 launch. "The integration with Navy helicopter crews and the Air Force pararescuemen was successful," said Col Jason Gingrich, First Air Force, Air Forces Space Air Deputy to United States Space Command. "We worked out joint solutions for human space flight support operations (HSFSO) with our counterparts from Fleet Forces Navy and NASA. Also, United States Space Command provided great oversight and support for this vital HSFSO mission."

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus, Continental U.S. NORAD Region commander, signs a lithograph during a visit to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing in Swanton, Ohio, Feb. 1, 2024. Nordhaus, who commanded the 180FW from 2011 to 2013, received a tour of the wing's facilities and discussed the 180FWs role as an Aerospace Control Alert-trained unit during his visit. Air National Guard

Maj. Haden Fullam, middle, the A-10 Demonstration Team pilot, climbs into the cockpit of a U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II, as A-10 crew chiefs Staff Sgt.(s) Cody Polzin, left, and Robert Benson, stand by during the 2022 Smoky Mountain Air Show Sept. 10, 2022 at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tennessee. The two-day annual event provided the local community with a rare chance to see modern and historic aircraft up close and to meet military members.

220901-N-YD731-2012 ADRIATIC SEA (Sep. 1, 2022) Capt. Thomas Bodine, commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, awards Cmdr. Thomas Van Hoozer the Meritorious Service Medal for his time as commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5 during a change of command ceremony, Sep. 1, 2022. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of Carrier Strike Group 10 and the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group. 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. The GHWBCSG is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Minihan, Air Mobility Command commander, coins 97th Maintenance Group (MXG) members at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 25, 2022. The 97th MXG is one of the few maintenance groups in the Air Force to be composed of only civilian maintainers.

Republic of Korea Marines get a tour of a UH-1Y Venom helicopter during a visit to Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, May 15, 2022. ROK Marines toured the air station to learn about aviation operations by visiting various squadrons to see the weapons systems, aircraft, flight operation plans, and administration systems the Marine Corps utilizes. ROK and U.S. Marines have built a close relationship in order to maintain readiness and proficiency in accordance with ongoing U.S. diplomatic efforts.

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (July 28, 2022) U.S. Air National Guard Capt. Phillip West, Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 MQ-9 maritime force integration lead, gives an MQ-9 familiarization brief to members of the Royal Australian Army and the New Zealand Army during RIMPAC 2022, July 28, at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Unmanned and remotely operated vessels extend the capability of interconnected manned platform sensors to enhance the warfighting capacity of multinational joint task forces. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022

SAN DIEGO (September 2, 2022) - Capt. Brian Holmes, executive officer of USS Boxer (LHD 4), and a native of San Diego, gives an overview of the waterfront from the flight deck to Veterans of USS Bristol County (LST 1198) during a tour of the ship. The Veterans and their families visited Boxer during a reunion commemorating the 50th anniversary of Bristol Countys commissioning. Boxer is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship homeported in San Diego.

KADENA, Japan (Aug. 4, 2022) Rear Adm. Robert Clark, vice commander, U.S.7th Fleet, met with Capt. Patrick Dziekan, Commander, Fleet ActivitiesOkinawa (CFAO) commanding officer, on Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, Aug.4, 2022. CFAO maintains and operates facilities to support the U.S. Navy'snaval and aviation assets in the Indo-Pacific region.

040605-F-3258Z-010. Base: Little Rock Air Force Base State: Arkansas (AR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel McDonough, right, the commander of the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, poses for a photo incoming wing commander Col. Rusty Ballard after McDonoughs fini flight in Peoria, Illinois, May 26, 2022. McDonough was selected to become the commander of the Illinois Air National Guard and promotion to the rank of brigadier general.

1st Lt. Nathan Thomas (left) and his dad, Lt. Col. Joseph Thomas (right) prepare to fly a training mission in the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Pacific Islands Tour: Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and aides to Midway Atoll, U.S. Territory

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, where he toured facilities, viewed aircraft, and met with personnel of the Air Force's Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds

Royal Australian Air Force Flight Lt. Beaker Skene, No. 2 Squadron E-7A Wedgetail pilot, poses for a photo during Weapons System Evaluation Program East-22.08 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 17, 2022. WSEPs are formal, two-week evaluation exercises designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

020719-F-1351C-001. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

US Air Force Lieutenant General Ronald Keys, 16th Air Force commander, visits the new air traffic control tower during his visit to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

U.S. Air Force Col. David Fazenbaker, left, 62d Airlift Wing commander, and Maj. Gen. Corey Martin, 18th Air Force commander, share remarks during a visit at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Sept. 7, 2022. The goal of Martin's visit is to build relations and ensure mission alignment with 18th AF priorities.

030424-D-5640T-026. Base: Randolph Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

NASA Administrator Bridenstine, former navy pilot, sits comfortably back in F-18 jet cockpit at Armstrong Flight Research Center.

During Lieutenant General Ronald Keys, USAF, (left), 16th Air Force commanders, visit to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, he takes a moment to speak with Technical Sergeant Matthew R. Becker, USAF, 555th Fighter Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy supporting Operation NORTHERN WATCH. TSGT Becker is exercising in the Hodga Village moral tent. Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

VIRIN # PACIFIC OCEAN (July 27, 2022) - Royal Canadian Air Force Joint Force Air Component Commander Brigadier-General Goulden is greeted by Commander Annick Fortin, Commanding Officer of the Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Winnipeg (FFH 338) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 27. 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. (Royal Canadian Navy photo by S1 Melissa Gonzalez)

Pennsylvania Air National Guardsman Lt. Col. Brian Radford takes command of the 146th Air Refueling Squadron during a Change of Command ceremony with fellow Airmen and family at the 171st Air Refueling Wing Dec. 2, 2022.

041117-F-1740G-010. Base: Hyakuri Japanese Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

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.

Lt. Col. Christopher Jones, 68th Airlift Squadron C-5M pilot, guides Brad Tobler, Wish for Our Heroes chapter director and co-owner of Federal Employee Benefits, inside the C-5M Super Galaxy flight simulator at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Aug. 6, 2022. The flight simulator was part of an honorary commander tour of the 433rd Operations Group.

011007-F-5772H-013. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: UNDISCLOSED

U.S. Air Force (USAF) Col. Andrew Roddan, center right, 374th Airlift Wing commander, and USAF Lt. Col. Christopher Casler, center left, 374th Operations Group deputy commander, observe the annual New Year's Jump exhibition at Camp Narashino, Japan, Jan. 7, 2024. The event served as a live demonstration of rapid insertion capabilities, highlighting the agility and readiness of airborne forces.

031210-F-6995W-001. Base: Whiteman Air Force Base State: Missouri (MO) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

An air crew from Fairchild Air Force base prepares for a Pride Flight June 23, 2022. Crews from Fairchild and Tinker Air Force Base conducted an air refueling mission in honor of Pride Month and all LGBTQ+ service members.

U.S. Marines with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 pose for a photo after an incentive flight at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 30, 2022. Incentive flights are periodically awarded to Marines and Sailors for meritorious actions and service.

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