Air Force Operations and Maintenance

Visuals of pilots and maintenance crews preparing aircraft for missions, highlighting teamwork and technical precision within aerial military operations.

Kadena Air Base, Japan - Pilot prepares to taxi out for a mission in a F-15 Eagle.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. William Betts, the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, climbs into the cockpit of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft prior to a sortie from Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oct. 22, 2022. The 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, will replace the outbound 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at PSAB, and will rapidly integrate into theater air training, as well as joint, coalition and partnered missions, highlighting the Air Force's ability to rapidly deploy and employ forces anywhere around the globe at any moment.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor pilot with the 94th Fighter Squadron, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, dons a helmet prior to takeoff during Checkered Flag 23-1 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Nov. 2, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 23-1 iteration of the exercise was held Oct. 31 - Nov. 10, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jonathan Bootenhoff, a fixed-wing aircraft mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312, prepares to launch an F/A-18C Hornet aircraft during exercise Keen Sword 2023 at Japan Air Self-Defense Force Nyutabaru Air Base, Japan, Nov. 15, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial exercise designed to enhance Japan-U.S. readiness, interoperability, and bilateral relations while demonstrating U.S. resolve to support the security interests of allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

Maintainers from the 151st Air Refueling Wing learn essential functions of an F-18 Super Hornet from the Sailors assigned the Naval Air Station during an unprecedented joint exercise on Aug. 30, 2022 at Fallon, Navada. This joint force 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 Col. Joseph Turnham, 355th Wing commander, completes pre-flight inspections on the flight line at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, June 30, 2022. Col. Turnham served as commander from June 2020 to June 2022.

Kadena Air Base, Japan - Pilot prepares to taxi out for a mission in a F-15 Eagle.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jonathan Ward, 391st Fighter Generation Squadron dedicated crew chief, awaits F-15E Strike Eagle take off at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Oct. 13, 2022. Crew chiefs are responsible for overseeing daily aircraft maintenance, identifying malfunctions, conducting inspections, maintaining records, and coordinating aircraft care. (U.S. Air Force by Airman 1st Class Krista Reed Choate)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jeffrey Batres, left, UH-1Y Huey crew chief, and Lance Cpl. Austin Ortiz, right, UH-1Y Huey mechanic, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 167, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, conducts maintenance on a corrosion cart on Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Sept. 14, 2022. HMLA-167 aviation maintenance Marines conduct routine preventative maintenance on the AH-1Z Vipers and UH-1Y Hueys 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.

220511-N-XN177-2021 PACIFIC OCEAN (May 11, 2022) - Lt. j.g. Curtiss Noel, a pilot assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, performs pre-flight checks on an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), May 11, 2022. Tripoli is conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Nathaniel Smith, an F/A-18 airframe mechanic with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533, conducts preflight checks at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, May 30, 2022. Marines with VMFA(AW)-533 conducted a flyover at Guam Veterans Cemetery during the Annual Veterans Day Memorial Service

A pilot from the 64th Aggressor Squadron performs pre-flight safety checks before a Red Flag-Nellis 22-3 training mission July 11, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The 64th AGRS is one of more than 30 units from across the Department of Defense participating in Red Flag-Nellis 22-3.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Josh Kirk, 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron weapons system operator, left, greets Senior Airman Hector Estrada, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, both assigned to Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, prior to boarding a B-1B Lancer at Andersen AFB, Guam, Nov. 5, 2022. The United States is dedicated to maintaining a region comprised of nations that adhere to the international rule of law.

U.S. Air Force Airman Angelica Moreno, with the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Generation Squadron conducts post flight recovery procedures, following an F-16 Fighting Falcon sortie from Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The 77th EFGS is responsible for the launch, recovery and overall maintenance for every F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, while assigned to PSAB.

U.S. Air National Guard Capt. Alex Manning, pilot, 114th Fighter Wing, completes pre-flight operational checks prior to a flight during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., April 5, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

Military pilot in helmet stands near jet plane Military pilot in helmet stands near jet plane. Copyright: xZoonar.com/aarrowsx 10775085

An Airman from the 704th Test Group, reveals the name of the 704th Test Group incoming commander during a change of command ceremony, at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, Sep. 9, 2022. The 704th TG is responsible for producing the next generation of fighter pilots through their testing and evaluation capabilities.

010621-F-2902B-008. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT RESCUE IX Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040502-F-0209W-001. Base: Kirkuk Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF

From left, Adrianna Swearingen, Northside Elementary School media specialist, and U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. John Stein, 2nd Fighter Training Squadron pilot, perform pre-flight checks before an incentive flight at Eglin Air Force Base, March 29, 2023. Ms. Swearingen was voted Bay County Teacher of the Year for her excellence in teaching. An incentive flight is just one of many ways Tyndall tries to give back to the surrounding communities that support Team Tyndall.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. H. Parker Consaul, commanding officer, Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, gives a debrief after the battalions first field training exercise (FEX) of 2024, MCBH, Jan. 12, 2024. The FEX was conducted in order to increase combat readiness, unit morale and camaraderie.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. John Stuart (left), an F-35B Lightning II fighter jet pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 501, and Cpl. Jacob Silvas, a fixed-wing aircraft mechanic with VMFAT-501, discuss aircraft-operating procedures at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Louisiana, Oct. 24, 2022. VMFAT-501 deployed to NAS JRB New Orleans to increase entry-level pilots' proficiency in offensive-air support, electronic warfare, and routine flight operations for their future fleet assignments. VMFAT-501 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

Emma Broyles, Miss America, waves to the crowd before an incentive flight with The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 29, 2022. The Thunderbirds are slated to perform nearly 70 air shows in almost three dozen different locations this year.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Colonel Christian Robert, a pilot from the 388th Fighter Wing, conducts a pre-flight inspection on an F-16 Fighting Falcon prior to take off Dec. 15, 2010. Hill Air Force Base performs multiple inspections a day to ensure each jet is fully functional and mission ready.

Senior Airman Molly Thomas, 555th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons load crew member from the 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, uses a wrench to secure a missile onto an F-16C Fighting Falcon at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom, Sep. 9, 2022. The 31st FW is in the UK to participate in Cobra Warrior 2022, along with other NATO Allied and Partner air forces. These missions enhance the readiness necessary to respond to any potential challenge in the region.

STAFF sergeant John Papadopoulos, an aircraft mechanic with the Hellinic Air Force, 114th Composite Group, 331st Tactical Fighter Wing, Greece, assists Captain Stefanos Ampouleris as he straps into his Mirage 2000 Fighter. The Hellinic unit is at Aviano Air Base, to train with the 510th Fighter Squadron. The Mirages provide valuable dissimilar training allowing 510th Fighter pilots the opportunity to train against other types of aircraft.(Duplicate image, see also DF-SD-01-01805 or search 000816-F-4728F-003). Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

031014-F-8833H-233. Base: Mountain Home Air Force Base State: Idaho (ID) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Chris Ray, a bulk fuel specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171, disconnects a fueling hose from a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft with Patrol Squadron Eight at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 22, 2022. MWSS-171 Marines cooperate with joint forces to support aerial operations in the Indo-Pacific through timely and efficient aircraft refueling.

U.S. Air Force Airman from McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base aids in hot-pit refueling of a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, TN, Oct. 6, 2022. Two KC-135 Stratotankers simultaneously conducted 72-hour single-aircraft endurance missions, demonstrating multi-day tanker mission generation capabilities.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Steven Engelhardt, Plane Captain from Marine Operational Test & Evaluation Squadron One, marshals an F-35A Lightning II prior to taking off for a Black Flag 22-2 flight at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Sept. 21, 2022. Black Flags are all domain large force test series exercises, focused on kill-web integration, advanced survivability and data driven tests.

030403-F-2034C-022. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

Cmdr. Mike Tremel, from Portage, Pennsylvania, assigned to the "Ragin' Bulls" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37, exits an F/A-18E Super Hornet on USS Gerald R. Fords (CVN 78) flight deck, April 16, 2022. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications and strike group integration as part of the ships tailored basic phase prior to operational deployment.

NASA test pilot Wayne Ringo” Ringelberg and photographer Carla Thomas prepare to take off for a supersonic research flight in support of the QSF18 campaign off the coast of Texas. NASA photographers and videographers take part in operations to support mission documentation.

221103-N-MW880-1034 SPLIT, Croatia (Nov. 3, 2022) Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Nomar Rodriguez, assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, performs maintenance on an E/A 18 G Growler as the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), along with the embarked staff of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, arrives in Split, Croatia, for a scheduled port visit Nov. 3, 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.

A U.S. Airman assigned to the 90th Aircraft Maintenance Unit participates in the 3rd Wing load competition at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 7, 2022. The load competition is held quarterly, and participants are rated based on quality and timeliness of their work.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Leo Johansson, 142nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon, waits to launch an F-15C Eagle while an F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to Shaw Air Force Base South Carolina, taxis during Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.08 at Tyndall AFB, Florida, May 17, 2022. WSEP is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

A U.S. Air Force pilot assigned to the 157th Fighter Squadron, South Carolina Air National Guard, prepares for take off in an F-16 Fighting Falcon during exercise Sentry Savannah 22-1 at the Air Dominance Center in Savannah, Georgia, May 11, 2022. Sentry Savannah is the Air National Guards premier counter air exercise, encompassing 10 units of fourth- and fifth- generation fighter aircraft, which tests the capabilities of warfighters in a simulated near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

Senior Master Sgt. Kathy Backlund, a loadmaster for the 192nd Airlift Squadron, is sprayed with a squirt gun by a former member of the unit after her fini-flight in the C-130 Hercules at Nevada Air National Guard base on July 14, 2022. It is tradition to spray the aircrew with fire hoses, squirt guns and champagne upon arriving to base from their final flight "fini-flight" in the aircraft. Backlund is scheduled to retire later this year after 22 years service.

A Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile pilot discusses the training plan with a fellow pilot prior to a training flight in preparation for storm response operations Sept. 28, 2022 in Mobile, Alabama. Coast Guard assets are being staged outside of the predicted path of Hurricane Ian at Aviation Training Center Mobile Alabama.

030221-F-1798W-005. Subject Operation/Series: COPE TIGER 2002 Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Tobey Fisher, 308th Fighter Squadron F-35 student pilot, and Maj. Naomi Fisher, 56th Medical Group general dentist, speak with Col. Matthew Johnston, 56th Operations Group commander on Sept. 1, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Tobey, an F-35 B-course graduate, was given the chance to fly alongside Naomi.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Victor Hawkins, 13th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, poses for a photo in front of an F-16 Fighting Falcon during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 3, 2022. Hawkins was awarded the Department of the Air Force Air and Space Achievement Medal for providing and directing medical care to victims of a car accident involving a moose before emergency medical services responders arrived on the scene. According to Hawkins' leaders, the care the Airmen provided greatly increased the victims' odds of survival.

U.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773 Detachment A, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, conduct maintenance on an AH-1Z Viper during exercise Gunslinger 22 at Salina, Kansas on June 20, 2022. Routine aircraft maintenance is required to ensure the aircraft is operating within optimal flight conditions.

980403-F-4116M-005. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 2001 Base: Prince Sultan Air Base Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

These four additional aircraft pilots will give us great flexibility when it comes to deploying during the MAFFS season,” said Capt. Dylan Weber, the Air Expeditionary Group’s MAFFS Scheduler, 152nd Operations Group. The MAFFS units are training for a U.S. Northern Command mission. In the event of activation during the fire year; First Air Force (AFNORTH); U.S. Northern Command's Air Component Command; is the DoD's operational lead for the aerial military efforts to support USDA Forest Service-National Interagency Fire Center requests for fire suppression support.

980606-F-4116M-012. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jamie Case, a crew chief with the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., conduct pre-flight checks on a targeting pod attached to an A-10 Thunderbolt II during the Green Flag West 11-2 exercise at Nellis Air Force Base Nev., Dec. 6. Green Flag-West provides a realistic air-land integration training environment for forces preparing to support worldwide combat operations.

U.S. Air Force Airmen 1st Class Thatcher Deese, left, crew chief, and Capt. Swiss” Ritschard, F-22 Raptor pilot, both assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, guide an F-22 Raptor to park during Ritschard’s ‘Crew Chief for a Day’ immersion at Łask Air Base, Poland, Sept. 5, 2022. ‘Crew Chief for a Day” allows pilots to embed with maintenance personnel through daily tasks such as inspections, recovery, and refueling. The immersion helps to bolster morale and team building within the squadron. The 90th’s presence in the region strengthens U.S. and NATO’s unity each day as forces come together to train and deter in an ever-evolving threat environment.

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and U.S. Airmen with 36th Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Management Flight, monitor and refuel an F-35B Lightning II, during Valiant Shield 22, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 14, 2022. Exercises such as Valiant Shield allow the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Task Force the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct long-range, precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Task Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Staff Sgt. Keyli Pillaro-Estrada, 57th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, conducts pre-flight checks on a Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II during Black Flag 22-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Sept. 21, 2022. Black Flag 22-2 gave Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy personnel the opportunity to assess interoperability of F-35 Lightning operations.

1st Lt. Kelsey Flannery, an F-35A Lightning II pilot assigned to the 134th Fighter Squadron of the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing, inspects her jet before taking off for a training mission from South Burlington Air National Guard Base, Vermont, Sept. 7, 2022. Flannery, who is the Air National Guard's first female F-35 pilot, made her first flight with the 158th after returning from three years of flight training.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Cameron Dye, 142nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon, signals to an F-15C Eagle pilot while recovering the aircraft during Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.08 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 17, 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.

U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant Randall Tompkins, 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron Weapons Expediter, supervises F-22 take-off checks and procedures at Łask Air Base, Poland, Sept. 7, 2022. The 90th EFS forward deployed to support NATOs Air Shielding mission.

Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Sarah Bell, from Orlando, right, and Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Marcelo Argomaniz, from Blackfoot, Idaho, both assigned to the "Golden Warriors" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87, perform routine maintenance on an F/A-18E Super Hornet in USS Gerald R. Fords (CVN 78) hangar bay, April 21, 2022. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications and strike group integration prior to operational deployment.

Viviane Richardson, 509th Bomb Wing aircraft mechanic, converses with a T-38 Talon jet fighter trainer pilot with the 509th Bomb Wing, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Aug. 25, 2022. The aircraft mechanics communication with pilots allows them to diagnose and identify any problems that might occur with the aircraft and swiftly correct them.

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.

US Marine Corps (USMC) STAFF Sergeant (SSGT) Marco Morales, Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) Technician, inspects a USMC EA-6B Prowler aircraft on the flight line at Nellis Air Force Base (AFB), Nevada (NV), during Exercise RED FLAG 2003. Red Flag is currently the most realistic simulated air-warfare training exercise held anywhere in the world. It regularly involves the air forces of the United States and its allies. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Captain Chad Ghost” Gray, 25th Fighter Squadron (FS) pilot, closes a hatch on an A-10 Thunderbolt II during a training event at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea (ROK), Sept. 14, 2022. The 25th FS, a part of the 51st Fighter Wing at Osan AB, ROK, is one of two fighter squadrons at Osan that work alongside the Wolf Pack to help ensure a free and open indo-pacific.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Nicholas Hahn, an MV-22B Osprey crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365, stands ready for a flight during Exercise Raven (RavenEx) 22-5 at Combat Readiness Training Center, Gulfport, Mississippi, May 10, 2022. VMM-365 provided assault support for Marine Forces Special Operations Command during a predeployment training exercise to enhance combat readiness in an unfamiliar expeditionary environment. VMM-365 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

Air Force 1st Lt. Andrew Blevins, a pilotassigned to the 700th Airlift Squadron, 94th Airlift Wing, Dobbins AirReserve Base, Georgia, co-pilots a C-130H Hercules aircraft en routeto Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 6, 2022. Blevins and othermembers of the aircrew flew to Germany on a mission to transportU.S. Army soldiers from Germany to North Macedonia as part ofExercise Swift Response 22. Exercise Swift Response is an annual U.S.Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercise that takesplace this year in Eastern Europe, the Arctic High North, Baltics, andBalkans from May 2-20.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Noah Mackie, a fixed wing aircraft mechanic with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533, signals to an F/A-18 Hornet pilot at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 7, 2022. Marines with VMFA(AW)-533 traveled from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam to enhance squadron readiness and conduct joint-level training as part of an Aviation Training Relocation Program.

AIRMAN First Class John D. Clark from the 15th Reconnaissance Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nevada, performs post flight maintenance on a RQ-1L Predator UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) from the 57th Wing Operations Group, Nellis AFB, NV, after its return flight from over Afghanistan. The Predator is a medium-altitude, long-endurance, unmanned aerial vehicle system used for reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition and is in Afghanistan in direct support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: 57th Wing Ops Group

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Devon Wood, aircraft ordnance technician, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, Marine Aircraft Group 31, talks with Marines at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Sept. 19, 2022. VMFA-312 offered flights for Marines who reenlisted as a way to reward their dedication to the Marine Corps.

A member of Sea-Air-Land (SEAL) Team 8 leads members of the Marine detachment from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) through an exercise during boarding team training aboard the fleet oiler USNS JOSHUA HUMPHREYS (T-AO-188). SEAL Team 8 provided boarding teams to assist in the enforcement of U.N. trade sanctions against Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

Dr. Victoria Coleman, right, Air Force Chief Scientist, and a 67th Fighter Squadron pilot, left, perform pre-flight checks on an F-15D Eagle at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 26, 2022. Dr. Coleman serves as the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Secretary of the Air Force, Air Force Chief of Staff, and Chief of Space Operations, providing assessments on a wide range of scientific and technical issues affecting the departments mission.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael D. Stohler, wing commander of the 122nd Fighter Wing, Fort Wayne, Indiana, raises his fist in celebration of his final military flight, often referred to as a "fini-flight", April 23, 2022. Stohler will transition from his role as commander to serving as the Indiana Assistant Adjutant General - Air.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Dane Robison, right, and Lance Cpl. Jonathan Williams, both UH-1Y Venom crew chiefs assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267 prepare linked ammunition during Jungle Warfare Exercise (JWX) 23.1 at Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 16, 2023. JWX 23.1 is a large-scale field training exercise focused on leveraging the integrated capabilities of joint and allied partners to strengthen all-domain awareness, maneuvers, and fires across a distributed maritime environment.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Caleb Tucker, 74th Fighter Squadron pilot, stands in front of an A-10C Thunderbolt II at the Palau International Airport, Republic of Palau Nov. 1, 2022. This aircraft arrived from Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, in support of a Dynamic Force Employment exercise to apply operational maneuver to forward-deployed forces, increase survivability and generate more military options for joint force commanders.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. John Peacock, left, a pilot, and Cpl. Jessy Jolivette, a fixed-wing aircraft mechanic, both with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, fist bump at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Jan. 22, 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. Air Force Airman 1st Class Elie Madrid, 61st Aircraft Maintenance Unit F-35 Lightning II crew chief, directs an F-35A to its designated spot, August 8, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Crew chiefs are a vital part of the maintenance force that ensure aircraft are airworthy and mission-ready.

U.S. and Philippine Air Force maintainers discuss maintenance operations in a deployed environment during Balikatan 22, at Clark Air Base, Philippines, March 30, 2022. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. Balikatan 22 is the 37th iteration of the exercise and coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation.

Sgt Adam T. Frascht, a crew member on the Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules with Marine Aerial Refuel and Transport Squadron 352, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, waits for takeoff during a pre-flight check, during the Marine Corps 2022 MCAS Air Show MAGTF Demo at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 22, 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.

A U.S. Sailor with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, watches two Mirage F-1s taxi 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.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Luke Markle, a weapons load crew member assigned to the 90th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, competes in a weapons load competition during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 31, 2022. This biennial event hosted by JBER is one of the largest in the state and one of the premier aerial demonstrations in the world. The event features multiple performers to include the JBER Joint Forces Demonstration Team, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, Pacific Air Forces C-17 Demonstration Team and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team.

Air Force Master Sergeant John Jacoby assigned to the 109th Air Control Squadron, monitors Link 16 capabilities aboard a KC-135R over Utah on February 3, 2024. Exercise PERSES is a dynamic exercise serving as a platform for exploring innovative ideas and refining communication practices in a challenging operational environment for both Utah Air and Army National Guard. Air National Guard

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Zachary Whitmore, a fixed-wing aircraft mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, conducts preflight checks aboard the amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), while underway, June 11, 2022. Marines with VMFA-121, based out of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, are conducting flight operations within U.S. 7th Fleet in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

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220718-N-LM220-1024 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 18, 2022) Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment) Airman Zhibin He, left, from Canton, China, and Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment) 2nd Class Michaela Davies, from Oakland, Calif., cleans an F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the Vigilantes of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, in the hangar bay aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet.

U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Peters, 325th Fighter Wing vice commander, conducts preflight checks in a T-38A Talon aircraft at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, June 6, 2022. The 325th FWs T-38s provide air-to-air threat replication to aide in the training of F-22 Raptor pilots.

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 27, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Ryan R. Waterman, left, pilot, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron-232, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Air Wing, and Royal Australian Air Force Flying Officer Nicholas Martin, discuss the F/A-18 Hornet, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232, Marine Air-Ground Task Force 7 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 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.

U.S. Air Force pilots with the 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron leave the flightline after flying a NATO Enhanced Air Policing mission at 86th Air Base, Romania, May 15, 2022. U.S. Air Forces Europe routinely operates with NATO Allies and partners in order to maintain peace, prosperity and stability in the region.

U.S. Army Col. Andrew Morgan, NASA astronaut and Army NASA Detachment commander and a B-2 Spirit pilot, discuss the T-38A Talon airframe at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, June 7, 2022. NASA employs the T-38N Talon, which prepares astronauts and aircrews to respond to events that may jeopardize the mission. Both the 509th Bomb Wing and NASA utilize the trainer to ensure mission readiness.

040402-F-0703J-004. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: Suffolk Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

041013-F-0806S-027. Base: Warlfied Angb State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Konadu Owusuprempeh, 8th Maintenance Squadron crash recovery journeyman, attaches a fuel hose to an A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 25th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Wing, Osan AirBase, Republic of Korea (ROK), during a training event at Kunsan AB, ROK, Sept. 14, 2022. Transient alert Airmen assist all visiting aircraft and supports the forward movement of mission partners not only at Kunsan but globally.

California Air National Guard Senior Airman Jacob Ellwood conducts a preflight check on a U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter at Moffett Federal Airfield, Calif., Nov. 6, 2010. Airman Ellwood is a flight engineer with the 129th Rescue Squadron.

Air Vice-Marshal Paul Godfrey, Commander United Kingdom Space Command, stands for a picture with Col. Daniel J. Lehoski, commander, United States Air Force Weapons School, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., August 3, 2022. Air Vice-Marshal Paul Godfrey is the inaugural Commander of UK Space Command which stood up on 1 Apr 2021 at Royal Air Force High Wycombe. A Joint organization, it draws from all three services as well as civil service, industry, and academia. The command is responsible for defensespace operations, capability and training.

US Air Force Captain James Hayes, a pilot with the Indiana Reserves gets ready to take off from Moron Air Base, Spain, to fly back to the United States. CPT Hayes just completed a 90 tour in the Gulf and stopped at Moron Air Base, Spain, for crew rest. Base: Moron Air Base State: Sevilla Country: Spain (ESP)

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jason Rueschhoff, 56th Fighter Wing commander, poses next to an F-35 Lightning II right before his initial flight, August 15, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Initial flights are used for incoming commanders as an initiation into their new base.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jacob Carr (left) and Sgt. Christopher Walker, flight-line mechanics with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 464, pose for a photo at an undisclosed location, Oct. 11, 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.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Ken Wilsbach, middle, Pacific Air Forces commander, speaks with a German Air Force Eurofighter pilot, left, along with German Air Force Lt. Gen. Ingo Gerhartz, right, Chief of Air Force, and Royal Australian Air Force Air Marshal Robert Chipman, right, Chief of Air Force, before a media event at RAAF Base Darwin, Australia, Sept. 5, 2022. Leadership traveled to RAAF Base Darwin to observe Exercise Pitch Black 2022 operations and discuss combining efforts to better integrate multilateral defense capabilities.

020306-F-4814D-046. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

Staff Sgt. Tim Nicholas, 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron loadmaster starts engines on a C-130 Hercules for an air transport mission in support of Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa. The C-130 aircrew delivered fuel and other supplies to Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, Africa. Sergeant Tim is deployed from the 107th Airlift Wing, Niagara Falls, N.Y.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Louis Donatucci III, a tiltrotor mechanic with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, removes an engine wash kit from an MV-22B Osprey on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 16, 2022. The MV-22B Osprey replaced the CH-46 Sea Knight medium-lift helicopter, providing a faster and more maneuverable medium-lift aircraft, enhancing the capacity and capability of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force in an ever-evolving operational environment.

230322-N-EL850-2202 TYRRHENIAN SEA (March 22, 2023) Capt. Martin Fentress Jr., deputy commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, right, and Tunisian Air Force Brig. Gen. Tarek Akremi, deputy chief of staff, Tunisian Air Force, left, observe flight operations aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), March 22, 2023. 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, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46. 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.

220802-N-DW158-1020 PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 2, 2022) Capt. Fred Goldhammer, right, commanding officer of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), Cmdr. Dave Wiltshire, left, commanding officer of the Tigertails of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125, and Aviation Machinists Mate Airman Colby Brown, from Rising Sun, Maryland, prepare an E-2D Hawkeye for launch on the ships flight deck in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 2. E-2D Hawkeyes perform tactical airborne early warning missions to provide valuable information to Carrier Strike Group 5 as it plans and executes operations. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

An aircraft maintainer, assigned to 34th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, prepares to marshal a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer, assigned to 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, to takeoff from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to support a Bomber Task Force mission, June 29. Bomber Task Force missions provide opportunities to train alongside our allies and partners to build interoperability and bolster our collective ability to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.

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

U.S. Air Force Cadets Angelica Noyola, right, and Seungmin Shim fly in the flight deck of a KC-10 Extender over California June 30, 2022. The KC-10 carried eight other cadets while also refueling four A-10 Thunderbolt IIs participating in Exercise Green Flag-West 22-08. Green Flag-West is a close air support and joint exercise administered by the U.S. Air Force Air Warfare Center and Nellis AFB, Nevada, through the 549th Combat Training Squadron.

220828-N-QI593-1014 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 28, 2022) Lt. Brady Evans, from San Antonio, assigned to the Proud Warriors” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 72, rinses an MH- 60R Seahawk helicopter on the flight deck aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) in the Atlantic Ocean, Aug. 28, 2022. Bainbridge 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.

Members of the 149th Fighter Wing, Air National Guard, prepare for a flight during Coronet Cactus, March 31 2023, at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. The annual training event deploys members of the 149th Fighter Wing, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, to another environment in order to familiarize them with accomplishing mission objectives in an unfamiliar location.

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