Air Force Operations and Exercises

Airmen participating in airlift operations, preflight inspections, and command transitions, highlighting teamwork and aircraft readiness.

During an agile combat employment joint force exercise, members from the 151st Air Refueling Wing unload a Polaris Military RZR from a KC-135R Stratotanker on Sept. 8, 2022 at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. This exercise will develop new operational concepts, capabilities and plans to bolster deterrence and maintain the U.S. militarys competitive advantage for the future.

U.S. Air Force C-130 Js from the 317th Airlift Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, transport Airmen and cargo from the 366th Fighter Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, to Hill Air Force Base Utah, May 17, 2022 to participate in the Raging Gunfighter exercise. Raging Gunfighter is an Air Combat Command exercise designed to simulate operating a Lead Wing from an Austere Environment. The purpose of this exercise is to prepare the 366th Fighter Wing for potential Agile Combat Employment (ACE) operations around the world.

Pilots and crew chiefs with the 914th Air Refueling Wing, discuss the operational state of the KC-135 Stratotanker May 12, 2022 on the flightline at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York. This discussion is conducted preflight and is followed by an exterior inspection of the aircraft.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Lindsey Bauer, outgoing commander of the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, speaks to the men and women of the squadron during a change of command ceremony at Prince Sultan Air Base, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, April 10, 2022. Lt. Col. Mark Melin, took command of the 908th EARS from Bauer during the ceremony.

Airmen from the 374th Logistic Readiness Squadron stand outside of a KC-46A Pegasus assigned to McConnell Air Force Base during a hot pit refuel at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 10, 2022.

Members of the Tinker Company Grade Officer Council visit the 507th Air Refueling Wing to learn about the Air Force Reserve, the KC-135 Stratotanker and wing's aerial refueling mission October 4, 2022, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- United States Air Force Airmen and Space Force Gaurdians load a Mobile Constellation Control Station aboard a C-17 at Peterson Space Force Base on Wednesday, Sept 14 2022. The unit is being transported to an operating location as part of the 4th Space Operations Squadron at Schriever Space Force Base's multi-day operation to provide proof of concept for missions outside of the United States returning the MCCS to Schriever Space Force Base. The 4th SOPS mission is to operate the U.S. Space Force's protected and wideband Military Satellite Communications systems. They provide warfighters global, secure, survivable, strategic and tactical communication during peacetime and throughout the full spectrum of conflict. ( U.S. Space Force Photo By: Tiana Williams)

Paratroopers of 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade depart Lielvarde Airbase, Latvia, Sept. 8, 2014, at the conclusion of NATO Exercise Steadfast Javelin II. NATO paratroopers occupied the airbase for several days to launch follow-on operations after seizing it the night of Sept. 5. Steadfast Javelin II is a NATO exercise involving over 2,000 troops from 10 nations, and takes place across Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. The exercise focuses on increasing interoperability and synchronizing complex operations between allied air and ground forces through airborne and air assault missions.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Danny Johnston and Master Sgt. Justin King, C-130 Loadmasters from the 130th Airlift Wing, McLaughlin Air National Guard Base, Charleston, West Virginia, perform a precheck on a C-130J Hercules aircraft during Agile Rage 22 at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Mich., June 9, 2022. Agile Rage 22 is a National Guard Bureau-led exercise that provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 199th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron deplane from a C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft assigned to the 154th Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard upon arrival to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 16, 2022. The 199th EFS traveled to Iwakuni for an agile combat employment training event, during which the unit is assigned to the 354th Air Expeditionary Wing and operating with the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron to refine fifth-generation integration tactics, techniques and procedures.

During an agile combat employment joint force exercise, members from the 151st Air Refueling Wing unload a Polaris Military RZR from a KC-135R Stratotanker on Sept. 8, 2022 at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. This exercise will develop new operational concepts, capabilities and plans to bolster deterrence and maintain the U.S. militarys competitive advantage for the future.

U.S Air Force reservists from Travis Air Force Base, Army National Guard members from Fairfield, and U.S. Airmen with the 129th Rescue Wing are participating in Exercise Nexus Rising, Moffett Federal Airfield, Calif., June 3-5, 2022. Nexus Rising is a readiness exercise designed to test the ability of the 349th Air Mobility Wing to generate, employ and sustain air operations in a simulated combat environment. Missions in NEXUS RISING include air rescue, aeromedical evacuation, airlift for cargo and personnel, aerial refueling deployment processing, aerial port operations, and command and control.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 93rd Air Refueling Squadron, Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, depart a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 93rd ARS upon arrival to Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska in support of Operation Noble Defender 22-4.2, Sept. 12, 2022. Noble Defender is an air defense operation designed to demonstrate the United States and Canada's ability to defend the approaches of North America from current and future cruise missile threats while integrating across domains with partners and allies.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 199th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron deplane from a C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft assigned to the 154th Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard upon arrival to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 16, 2022. The 199th EFS traveled to Iwakuni for an agile combat employment training event, during which the unit is assigned to the 354th Air Expeditionary Wing and operating with the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron to refine fifth-generation integration tactics, techniques and procedures.

U.S. Marine Sgt. William Serocki, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266, leads members of the Netherlands Marine Corps to an MV-22B Osprey during French-Caribbean exercise Caraibes 22 at Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, June 15, 2022. Caraibes 22 is a French-led, large-scale, joint-training exercise in the Caribbean involving naval, air, and land assets from the French, U.S., and regional forces focused on responding to simulated-natural disasters. VMM-266 is a subordinate unit to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, which is the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

A loadmaster assigned to the 815th Airlift Squadron, prepares a C-130J Super Hercules for take-off in Guatemala City, Guatemala, June 11, 2022. The aircraft are in Guatemala in support of Resolute Sentinel 22, which 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.

Members of the 82nd Airborne head to a McGuire Air Force Base C-141B Starlifter aircraft to begin loading for their insertion onto the Sicily Drop Zone at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The 82nd Airborne troops are taking part in an aerial assault exercise called LARGE PACKAGE. The training exercise sharpens the airdrop capability of Air Mobility Command and the 82nd Airborne. Aircraft from the 305th Air Mobility Wing, McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, the 62nd Airlift Wing, McChord Air Force Base, Washington, the 437th Airlift Wing, Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina, the 97th Airlift Wing, Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, the 43rd Airlift Wing, Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, .... Complete Scene Caption: Members of the 82nd Airborne head to a McGuire Air Force Base C-141B Starlifter aircraft to begin loading for their insertion onto the Sicily Drop Zone at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The 82nd Airborne troops are taking part in an aerial assault exercise called LARGE PACKA

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines conduct a long-range insertion of more than 800 miles during Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force Exercise from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma on Okinawa to mainland Japan, June 9, 2022. III Marine Expeditionary Force executed these actions as part of a series of integrated no-notice drills to maintain a high state of readiness and demonstrate U.S. resolve to maintain regional security. 3/2 is forward-deployed under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as a part of the Unit Deployment Program.

220923-N-OZ224-166 JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska (Sept. 23, 2022) - Cdr. James Reeves, Executive Officer of the Fighting Tigers, Patrol Squadron (VP) EIGHT, discusses features of the P-8A Poseidon with members of the U.S. Air Force on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Sept. 23, 2022. VP-8 is currently deployed to NAF Misawa, Japan conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance and theater outreach operations within U.S. 7th Fleet (C7F) area of operations in support of Commander, Task Force 72, C7F, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command objectives throughout the region.

Airmen with the Air Force Reserve Command aircrew for a C-17 Globemaster III work with Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment (1-147) of the Wisconsin National Guard on loading and unloading UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters June 10 at Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport at Fort McCoy. The 1-147th was set up with numerous Black Hawks and support equipment and personnel at the Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport throughout the first two weeks of June for annual training. The 1-147th and its UH-60s regularly support training operations at Fort McCoy as well as supporting distinguished visitor flying operations. Photo by Kevin Clark/Fort McCoy Multimedia-Visual Information Office

U.S Army soldiers with 2nd squadron, red platoon, representing the 89th Military Police Brigade based out of Fort Hood, Texas, compete in this years FORSCOM Best Squad Competition march towards the aircraft to prepare for loading and unloading procedure training on Fort Hood August, 14, 2022. Soldiers receive training to understand how to get soldiers on and off an aircraft safely. The best Squad Competition reinforces fundamental Soldier skills and Squad level tactics.

Airmen with the 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, Florida, unload luggage from an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Sept. 27, 2022. Planes, equipment and Airmen came to Wright-Patt to get out of the way of Hurricane Ian which was bearing on the west coast of Florida.

U.S. Air Force operators with the 492nd Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, Florida, prepare to conduct a free-fall mission out of an MC-130J Commando II from the 27th Special Operations Wing, Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, during Emerald Warrior 22.1 over Eglin Range, Florida, May 4, 2022. Emerald Warrior is the largest joint special operations exercise involving U.S. Special Operations Command forces training to respond to various threats across the spectrum of conflict.

U.S. Airmen from the 60th Air Mobility Wing at Travis Air Force Base, California, arrive at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Alpena, Michigan, April 10, 2022, while exiting a C-5M Super Galaxy. A force of more than 380 Airmen from the 60th AMW deployed to Alpena CRTC for Exercise Roundel Perun 22-01, a fly-away exercise meant to test the 60th AMWs ability to rapidly mobilize and conduct operations at a forward location under hostile conditions.

U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III maintainers participating in EXPLODEO complete pre-flight checks at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Jan. 24, 2024. EXPLODEO exemplifies JB Charleston's proficiency in adapting quickly to the evolving global landscape, utilizing a crawl, walk, run approach to ensure peak readiness for critical response when it matters most.

220909-N-XN177-2260 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 9, 2022) - U.S. Marines assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) board an MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) during a fast rope training evolution aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Sept. 9, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Villanubla (Valladolid), 08/31/2004. Farewell ceremony of the ANSE IV, National Logistics Support Unit for Afghanistan, on its departure from the Villanubla air base airport on an international mission.

U.S. Soldiers from the 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 1-211th Aviation Regiment, Utah Army National Guard, unload an AH-64D Apache helicopter on June 20, 2022, at Agadir Al-Massira International Airport, Morocco. AL22 is U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, combined annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, June 6 - 30. More than 7,500 participants from 28 nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner-nation forces. AL22 is a joint all-domain, multi-component, and multinational exercise, employing a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants and set the theater for strategic access.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 23rd Wing guide an HH-60W as it is loaded onto a C-17 Globemaster III at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Sept. 19, 2022. The HH-60W offers a range of improved capabilities over its predecessor and these upgrades will continue to enable safer search and rescue operations. Moody Airmen set out on the first-ever operational deployment of the HH-60W to provide rescue services in support of contingency operations.

Members from the 822nd Base Defense Squadron from Moody Air Force Base exit out of a C-130 at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida, July 22, 2022, as part of AGILE FLAG 22-2. Participating units for AGILE FLAG 22-2 travelled from Moody AFB, Shaw AFB, Dyess AFB, Hurlburt AFB, MacDill AFB, Travis AFB, and Robbins AFB to the Air Dominance Center in Savannah, Georgia, and other regional locations for the duration of the exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Lionel Castellano)

Members of the Tinker Company Grade Officer Council visit the 507th Air Refueling Wing to learn about the Air Force Reserve, the KC-135 Stratotanker and wing's aerial refueling mission October 4, 2022, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

Members of the North Carolina National Guard deboard a C-17 Globemaster III, assigned to the 145th Airlift Wing, North Carolina Air National Guard, upon arrival to Joint Base Andrews, Md. Jan. 15, 2021. National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from several states have traveled to Washington D.C. to provide support to federal and district authorities leading up to the 59th Presidential Inauguration.

The 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment, Utah National Guard and the Utah Air National Guard load four AH-64D Apache helicopters onboard a C-5 Galaxy, to be transported to Morocco in support of African Lion 22, a U.S. Africa Command annual exercise on Saturday, June 18, 2022.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 93rd Air Refueling Squadron, Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, depart a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 93rd ARS upon arrival to Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska in support of Operation Noble Defender 22-4.2, Sept. 12, 2022. Noble Defender is an air defense operation designed to demonstrate the United States and Canada's ability to defend the approaches of North America from current and future cruise missile threats while integrating across domains with partners and allies.

Airmen from the 435th Security Forces Squadron walk to a C-130J Super Hercules on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on Feb. 13, 2024. The squadron is a part of the 435th Contingency Response Group which is the only expeditionary open-the-base force in the U.S. Air Forces in Europe. Air Force

A U.S. Army Paratrooper help a fellow Special Tactic Operators board a C-17 Globemaster III from the 176th Airlift Squadron at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 15, 2022 during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2. Approximately 1,600 service members from three nations participate in flying, maintaining and supporting more than 70 aircraft from over 22 units during this iteration of exercise. The Paratroopers are assigned to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division and ST operators are assigned to the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Florida.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Yokota Air Base load cargo onto a C-130J Super Hercules during Exercise Beverly Sunrise 22-04 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 9, 2022. Agile Combat Employment is the result of the 2018 National Defense Strategy instructing services to alter their posture and transition from a large, centralized, unhardened infrastructure to smaller, dispersed, resilient, adaptive basing.

U.S. Airmen with the 156th Wing, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, board a C-17A Globemaster III with their equipment during a personal deployment function for a Large-Scale Readiness Exercise at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Nov. 5, 2022. The LRSE gives units across the Air National Guard an idea of their capabilities and the readiness of their members to deploy and operate in any environment around the world.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 305th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the 305th Aerial Port Squadron conduct Multi-Capable Airmen training onboard a C-17 Globemaster on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Sept. 20, 2022. The MCA course was designed to train crew chiefs on aerial port hard skills, enabling them to minimize manning and equipment deficiencies within a deployed environment.

U.S. Air Force Airmen salute Maj. Gen. Corey J. Martin, 18th Air Force commander, as he departs Joint Base Charleston, Sept.15, 2022. The 18th AF supports Air Mobility Commands worldwide mission of providing rapid global mobility to Americas armed forces through airlift, aerial refueling, and aeromedical evacuation.

U.S. Air Force Airmen salute Maj. Gen. Corey J. Martin, 18th Air Force commander, as he departs Joint Base Charleston, Sept.15, 2022. The 18th AF supports Air Mobility Commands worldwide mission of providing rapid global mobility to Americas armed forces through airlift, aerial refueling, and aeromedical evacuation.

Idaho National Guard 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team's 2nd of the 116th Combined Arms Battalion teamed up with the Idaho Army National Guards 1st of the 183 Assault Helicopter Battalion to conduct medevac training at the Orchard Combat Training Center on March 30, 2022. The training simulated emergency evacuations of sick or wounded Soldiers from a battlefield. Ground medics preformed medical care on the ground before rushing them to the flight medics aboard the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter who continued medical care while they were flown to the nearby medical facility. This training is a portion of combat training the 2nd of the 116th CAB conducted in preparation to deploy to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Spartan Shield later this year.

021213-F-7520M-002. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division, exit a KC-130J Hercules assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, while conducting 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

Airmen attending the First Term Enlisted Course learn about the airlift capabilities of a C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Jan. 29, 2024. FTEC is designed to transition junior enlisted Airmen from a training mindset to the mission-oriented environment and prepares Airmen for their role in the mission.

Members of the 366th Fighter Wing Maintenance Group discuss tactics and protocols during exercise Raging Gunfighter 22-2 at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, May 21, 2022. Raging Gunfighter simulates potential deployment conditions and operations under Air Combat Commands Lead Wing initiative in accordance with the National Defense Strategy.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) East Africa Response Force (EARF), board a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft before conducting a helicopter landing zone training in the Grand Bara Desert, Djibouti, Aug. 15, 2022. The EARF is augmented by U.S. Marine Corps aviation assets that transport and insert ground forces wherever they are needed throughout the region, supporting crisis response through seamless and immediate force deployment capabilities across vast distances.

U.S. Air Force pararescuemen, assigned to the 52nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, off load simulated patients from an HC-130J Combat King II aircraft to an ambulance during a combat search and rescue exercise at an undisclosed location, July 5, 2022. Air Force Central Command's ERQSs are organized, trained, equipped and postured to conduct full spectrum personnel recovery to include both conventional and unconventional combat rescue operations within the Central Command theater of operations. Special warfare operators assigned throughout the combined joint operational area conduct operations in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Barrett, 724th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron commander, Chief Master Sgt. Rex Panting, 409th Air Expeditionary Wing command chief, and Senior Master Sgt. Robert Bartlett, 724 EABS senior enlisted leader, (right to left) greet U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Brian Cashman, Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, at AB 201, Niger, Dec. 4, 2022. Cashman visited AB 201 to better understand the mission of the U.S. Armys civil affairs operations in West Africa and the operations of AB 201.

Airmen assigned to the 4th Fighter Wing check for foreign object debris along the flight line at Kinston Regional Jetport, Kinston, North Carolina, May 5, 2022. FOD walks are performed to ensure there are no foreign objects on the airway that can cause damage to aircraft during takeoff or landing.

The 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment, Utah National Guard, load four AH-64D Apache helicopters onboard a C-5 Galaxy, to be transported to Morocco in support of African Lion 22, a U.S. Africa Command annual exercise on Saturday, June 18, 2022.The 1-211th ARB aircraft maintaniners prepped the aircraft for loading onto the C-5 by folding the blades and then members of the 151st Air Refueling Wing, Utah Air National Guard, assisted in loading and securing the helicopters on the C-5 from Travis Air Force Base, California, for transportation to Morocco.

040524-F-0558K-046. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, Florida unload baggage from an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio Sept. 27, 2022. Aircraft, equipment and Airmen were repositioned to WPAFB in preparation for possible impacts from Hurricane Ian.

Paratroopers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division board a C-17 during Operation Falcon Blitz on Fort Bragg, NC, Jan. 28, 2023. Paratroopers will conduct an airborne operation in order to enhance brigade readiness and lethality.

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 62d Maintenance Group decontaminate their uniforms following a simulated chemical attack during Exercise Rainier War 22B at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Oct. 13, 2022. Alongside airlift operations, Team McChord also conducted cargo and personnel processing, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear, and force protection scenarios during Rainier War 22B.

U.S. Soldiers with Detachment 1, Bravo Company, 2-238 General Support Aviation Battalion, South Carolina Army National Guard stage CH-47 Chinook helicopters at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C., during a statewide response to Hurricane Matthew, Oct. 5, 2016. Approximately 1,400 South Carolina National Guard Soldiers and Airmen were activated Oct. 4, 2016. Their primary mission is supporting state and county emergency management agencies and local first responders with coastal evacuations and any services or resources needed to assist the citizens of South Carolina after Governor Nikki Haley declared a State of Emergency. Hurricane Matthew peaked as a Category 4 hurricane in the Caribbean and is projected to pass along the S.C. coast.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Paige Sportsman, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing fuels an MV-22 Osprey at Camp Okadama, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 6, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms and maneuver across multiple domains.

U.S. Marines with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 224, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, participate in the change of command ceremony for VMFA(AW) 224 at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Jan. 11, 2024. Lt. Col. John Schranz relinquished command of VMFA(AW)-224 to Lt. Col. Jarrod Allen.

U. S. Air Force Airmen from the 124th Fighter Wing, Gowen Field Air National Guard Base, Boise, Idaho, perform Agile Combat Employment (ACE) training while loading an A-10 Thunderbolt II Gatling Gun Ammunition Loader into a C-130 Hercules from the Illinois Air National Guard's 182nd Airlift Wing, Peoria Air National Guard Base, during an Integrated Combat Turn (ICT) during Agile Rage 22, Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Mich., June 9, 2022. ACE is not a specific mission, but a universal application to all combat air force operations. ACE is the ability to project combat power anytime, anywhere, while remaining operationally unpredictable to complicate an adversary's decision making process.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. James Long, commander of the 16th Airlift Squadron and a C-17 Globemaster III pilot, celebrates his fini flight with members of his squadron after flying a mission on Joint Base Charleston, S.C., June 8, 2022. Final flight, also known as fini flight, is a tradition for pilots and some aircrew members who are retiring or moving to another base.

U.S. Sailors with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, wait for pilots to exit a 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.

Army Soldiers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division walk board a C-17 Globemaster III prior to a parachute drop during Joint Forcible Entry Exercise Sept. 14, 2010, at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., The exercise is a training event held six times a year in order to enhance cohesiveness between the Air Force and Army by executing large scale, heavy equipment and troop movement for real-world contingencies.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Pierce Gailliot, a loadmaster with the 7th Airlift Squadron, ensures equipment and passengers can offload a C-17 Globemaster III successfully onto the flightline during Exercise Rainier War 22B in Twin Falls, Idaho, Oct. 19, 2022. Rainier War 22B is a full-scale readiness exercise with an Air Force Force Generation prioritization; demonstrating the ability to generate, employ and sustain a combat force during a rigorous wartime scenario.

The 459th AES recently held an innovative exercise with its sister medical organizations, AMDS and ASTS, and the 459th SFS to practice organizational interface, exercise unregulated patient movement, and utilize member Tactical Combat Casualty Care skills on Aug. 31, 2022.

Airmen assigned to the 32nd Aerial Port Squadron reenlist at Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, Jan. 7, 2024. Nearly a dozen Airmen gathered inside of a C-17 Globemaster III for a mass reenlistment.

221007-N-XB010-1002 Philippine Sea (Oct. 7, 2022) -Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) carry combat ready rubber crafts (CRRCs) to the forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) stern gate in preparation for disembarkation. New Orleans, part of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Airmen from the 125th Fighter Wing, Logistics Rediness Squadron participate in an exercise at Jacksonville IAP, June 9, 2022. The exercise, known as ThunderEx 2022 is a base-wide exercise to prepare Airmen for deployment and disaster situations.

220729-N-IL330-2052 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 29, 2022) - U.S. Marines board a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) as it prepares to take off from the flight deck aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), July 29, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Soldiers with Detachment 1, Bravo Company, 2-238 General Support Aviation Battalion, South Carolina Army National Guard stage CH-47 Chinook helicopters at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C., during a statewide response to Hurricane Matthew, Oct. 5, 2016. Approximately 1,400 South Carolina National Guard Soldiers and Airmen were activated Oct. 4, 2016. Their primary mission is supporting state and county emergency management agencies and local first responders with coastal evacuations and any services or resources needed to assist the citizens of South Carolina after Governor Nikki Haley declared a State of Emergency. Hurricane Matthew peaked as a Category 4 hurricane in the Caribbean and is projected to pass along the S.C. coast.

Members with the 27th Special Operations Wing Mission Sustainment Team Detachment 1 move cargo during exercise Emerald Warrior 22.1 in Smyrna, Tennessee, May 6, 2022. The MST establishes forward-operating bases by providing initial site security, receiving cargo and personnel, and setting up shelter.

U.S. Army Paratroopers, Air Force joint terminal attack controller and Special Tactic Operators wait on the tarmac before boarding a C-17 Globemaster III from the 176th Airlift Squadron at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 15, 2022 during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2. Approximately 1,600 service members from three nations participate in flying, maintaining and supporting more than 70 aircraft from over 22 units during this iteration of exercise. The Paratroopers are assigned to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, JTACs are assigned to the 3rd Air Operation Squadron both at JBER and ST operators are assigned to the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Florida.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Tyler Nelson, middle, an aviation ordnance officer with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, secures ordnance for transport onto a CH-53E Super Stallion during a Forward Arming and Refueling Point exercise at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, June 29, 2022. FARPs are critical for sustaining the Marine Corps Air Combat Element between mission objectives and their return home. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris salutes before boarding a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, Jan. 27, 2022. Joint Task Force Bravo and its supporting units facilitated rotary-wing transportation and air base support to Harris, while she visited Honduras to attend the swearing in of Xiomara Castro as first female president of Honduras. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Adam R. Shanks)

A U.S. Airman assigned to the 354th Air Expeditionary Wing and Marines assigned to the Marine Wing Support Squadron 372 conduct a hot pit refueling on a Navy E/A-18 Growler assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138 at Palau International Airport, in support of 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.

Soldiers from the California National Guards San Bernadino-based 1-185th Infantry Regiment arrived home at Los Angeles International Airport today, Oct. 15, 2022, after a one-year deployment to Poland. During their deployment, the 1-185th was part of Battlegroup Poland, a NATO lead operation that enforces NATO and a multinational military presence in Northeastern Europe. Their specific mission was to train with other nations to demonstrate an alliance and the ability to respond as one force against any potential aggression.

U.S. Marines with the 2nd Marine Division Band play during a change of command ceremony for Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 464 at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Feb. 16, 2024. The ceremony represented a transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability from Lt. Col. Eben Buxton, a native of Virginia, to Lt. Col. Justin Carrel, a native of Alabama. HMH-464 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. Marine Corps

030713-F-6701P-001. Base: Lungi Country: Sierra Leone (SLE) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

011011-F-5171M-024. Base: Minneapolis-St Paul Iap/Ars State: Minnesota (MN) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

More than 180 Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 445th Airlift Wing and members of the 5th Battalion, 159th Regiment General Support Aviation Battalion, Fort Knox, Kentucky, participated in an aeromedical patient movement exercise named Operation Merciful Valkyrie, Sept. 11-14, 2022. Four C-17 Globemaster IIIs conducted eight launches a day, three days in a row, for a total of 24 launches roundtrip from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The exercise focused on transporting patients from an austere environment (Fort Campbell) and bringing them to a more secure location (Wright-Patterson AFB) while providing en route medical care.

U.S. Army soldiers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade await take-off aboard a C-17 Globemaster III on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sept. 7, 2022. In support of the 173rd ABNs Saber Junction 2022, the 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing readied the aircraft, aircrew, loaded cargo and passengers and hosted the paratroopers in the nearby Hangar Five as a preparation facility. Saber Junction is a multinational rotational exercise designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade to execute unified land operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with more than 4,500 participants from the U.S. and Allied and partner nations.

148th Fighter Wing Airmen return from an approximately four month aviation deployment and are greeted by family and friends at the 148th Fighter Wing, Duluth, Minn., July 27, 2022. While deployed the Wing flew over 700 sorties, totaling more than 4,400 flight hours in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Justin Stokes (left), the sergeant major of Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, and Col. Christopher Steele, the commanding officer of MRF-D 22, board an MV-22 Osprey prior to a tour of Kangaroo Flats Training Area Darwin, NT, Australia, May 6, 2022. The tour was held to allow MRF-D command to meet with Marines and gain a better understanding of the training environment and conditions.

Airmen from the 176th and 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadrons load an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter on to a 144th Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III in preparation to transport the helicopter to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richadson, Alaska. The Pave Hawk experienced a malfunction after completing a medevac mission in Western Alaska. The aircraft landed safely at the Alaska Army National Guard hangar in Bethel after the mission but was unable to complete the trip back to JBER. The ability to seamlessly transition from rescue operations to global mobility provides the 176th Wing with a strategic edge, showcasing the Wings commitment to agile combat employment and effectiveness when handling complex situations, both within the state and across the globe. (Alaska National Guard

Airmen assigned to the 19th Airlift Wing prepare to load cargo onto a C-130J Super Hercules Aircraft during the Gnarly Explodeo readiness exercise at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, Feb. 1, 2024. The goal of this Air Mobility Command-directed exercise is to ensure the bases readiness for immediate deployment, emphasizing the speed and precision with which 19th AW forces can be projected to where they are needed most. Air Force

A U.S. Air Force loadmaster assigned to the 352d Special Operations Wing off-loads a M-142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) assigned to the U.S Army 3rd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, in support of Latvian National exercise NAMEJS, at Lielpaja Airfield, Latvia, Sept 26, 2022. The 352 SOW continues to provide critical low-visibility support to U.S. and allies enabling conventional assets to operate effectively on a short notice anywhere in the theater at any time.

Staff Sgt. Edwin Thompson, Colorado Army National Guard Aviation Support Facility crew chief, examines the drop zone from a CH-47 Chinook March 6, 2013, at Fort Carson, Colo. With the assistance of the Aviation Support Facility members and assets, 10th Special Forces Group members parachuted from the Chinook as part of a training mission.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Patrick Donnelly, Task Force Powderhorn senior leader, addresses Airmen during the TF Powderhorn awards ceremony at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, May 14, 2022. Fifty four Barnestormers were awarded Army Achievement Medals for their outstanding performance during TF Powderhorn, an activation where members supported state medical facilities.

U.S. Air Force 23rd Wing leadership inspect an HH-60W Jolly Green II for the Top Tiger competition at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Jan. 26th, 2024. Leadership asked Airmen questions to test their aircraft knowledge and inspected each aircraft.

U.S. Airmen with the 94th Fighter Generation Squadron, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, discuss maintenance operations prior to Checkered Flag 23-1 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 27, 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 23-1 iteration of the exercise was held Oct. 31 - Nov. 10, 2022.

240209-N-ML137-1017 ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (Feb. 9, 2024) U.S. Marines, assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 153 (VMGR-153), and U.S. Air Force air transportation specialists, assigned to 734th Air Mobility Squadron, pose for a photo with a KC-130 Hercules, attached to VMGR-153, at Andersen Air Force Base, Feb. 9. Joint Region Marianas coordinated the delivery of school books, which were donated through Pedro C. Lujan Elementary School via the Ayuda Foundation. The 30th Naval Construction Regiment, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25, 734th AMS, VMGR-153, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4, Yap State Department of Education, Yap State Department of Youth and Civic Affairs, and U.S. Army Pacific's Federated States of Micronesia Oceania Engagement Team supported the effort. Navy

970220-F-8748C-004. Subject Operation/Series: ASSURED LIFT Base: Roberts International Airport Country: Liberia (LBR)

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (August 1, 2022) U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division, grab equipment from an MRZR Diesel during an amphibious raid for a multinational littoral operations exercise as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, August, 1. 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.

040611-F-0656B-003. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041203-F-2034C-003. Base: Unknown

During an unprecedented joint force exercise, members from the 151st Air Refueling Wing loaded a Polaris Military Razor onto a KC-135. On August. 6, 2022 at Roland R Wright Air National Guard Base Utah. This exercise was designed to challenge the status quo and allow the U.S. military to improve their strategies against our greatest competitors.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Mark Hedge, center, 60th Maintenance Operations Squadron KC-10 aerospace propulsion instructor, demonstrates how the external power plug works to his students during a Maintenance Qualification Training Program class at Travis AFB, California, Oct. 14, 2022. The MQTP at Travis AFB trains and qualifies incoming maintainers on their jobs.

U.S. Air Force personnel offload medical supplies from a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 143rd Airlift Wing at Quonset Point Air National Guard Station, Rhode Island, at Baucau City Airport, Timor-Leste, Sept. 11, 2022, in support of Pacific Angel 22-4. The operation is scheduled for Sept.12-17 and will focus on capacity building through health services outreach, engineering civic action program construction projects and subject matter expert exchanges. The Indo-Pacific Command sponsors Pacific Angel to promote interoperability and demonstrate Department of Defense support capabilities for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief events by conducting global medical outreach and enhancing regional partnerships.

220817-N-XN177-2311 PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 17, 2022) - U.S. Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) disembark an MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) onto amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Aug. 17, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

030831-F-6701P-003. Subject Operation/Series: JTF LIBERIA Base: Lungi Country: Sierra Leone (SLE)

U.S. Navy Medical personnel move equipment off of an MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, during a mass casualty drill as part of Steel Knight 23 at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendeton, California, Dec. 7, 2022. Steel Knight is an annual combined arms live-fire exercise which ensures 1st Marine Division is optimized for naval expeditionary warfare in contested spaces, and is purpose-built to facilitate future operations afloat and ashore.

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