Airborne Refueling and Exercises

Images of military aircraft refueling operations, including fighter jets and helicopters, emphasizing aerial combat readiness and strategic maneuvers.

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the South Carolina Air National Guard is in-fight refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the Kansas Air National Guard over the Atlantic Ocean during Sentry Savannah 22-1, May 3, 2022. Sentry Savannah is a joint, total force integrated exercise that showcases the nation's combat aircraft readiness, tests the capabilities of warfighters in a near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

A view from inside the cockpit of a Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) F-14A Tomcat aircraft as it approaches the refueling drogue trailing behind an Air Anti-submarine Squadron 22 (VS-22) S-3A Viking aircraft during Operation Desert Storm. VF-32 and VS-22 are based aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) , which is on station in the Red Sea. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

011101-N-0271M-005. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

A U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter from the 332d Air Expeditionary Wing receives fuel from a 332d AEW HC-130J Combat King II during a combat search and rescue exercise over Southwest Asia Jan. 23, 2022. The Combat King II is the only Air Force dedicated fixed-wing personnel recovery platform; its mission comprises of personal recovery in both combat and peacetime environments, helicopter air-to-air refueling, airdrop, humanitarian aid and disaster relief. These dynamic deployments represent the U.S. commitment to allies and to enhance regional security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Lauren M. Snyder)

An air-to-air left overhead view of a 21st Tactical Fighter Wing F-15 Eagle aircraft during Exercise Team Spirit '85. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '85 Country: South Korea

A B-1B Lancer departs from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, June 29, 2022, in support of United States Africa Command's Exercise African Lion. The B-1 carries the largest payload of both guided and unguided conventional weapons in the United States inventory.

A right side view of an Attack Squadron 105 (VA-105) A-7E Corsair II aircraft trailing a refueling drogue from a wing tank, as seen from an Attack Squadron 176 (VA-176) KA-6D Intruder aircraft. Both aircraft are based aboard the aircraft carrier USS FORRESTAL (CV 59). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle assigned to the 67th Fighter Squadron receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 168th Air Refueling Wing during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, May 12, 2022. RF-A 22-1 provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases.

U.S. Air Force Col. Travolis Simmons, 3rd Wing commander, completes a fini-flight in a U.S Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 3 WG at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 13, 2022. A fini-flight, otherwise known as a final flight, is a traditional final flight often followed by landing in a champagne-and-water shower for pilots and some air crew members before they move to another base or retire.

A U.S. Air Force 5th Bomb Wing B-52 Stratofortress approaches a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, over the Pacific Ocean Oct. 27, 2022. The B-52 is a long range heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the South Carolina Air National Guard is in-fight refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the Kansas Air National Guard over the Atlantic Ocean during Sentry Savannah 22-1, May 3, 2022. Sentry Savannah is a joint, total force integrated exercise that showcases the nation's combat aircraft readiness, tests the capabilities of warfighters in a near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

010808-F-7910D-007. Base: Buckley Air Force Base State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Combat Command

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle assigned to Louisiana Air National Guard 159th Fighter Squadron is shown reflected in a mirror while flying over the Caribbean Sea June 27, 2022, in support of North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) Operation Noble Defender (OND) June 29, 2022. As part of OND, which is a recurring operation, the continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR)coordinated and conducted joint operations with the U.S. Navy while concurrently launching jets from different locations across the United States' gulf coast and Puerto Rico. OND, is an integrated air and missle defense operation designed to ensure the defense and security of the northern and southern approaches to North America. This particular OND allowed NORAD units to exercise maneuvers designed to defend the southern approach to the United States from simulated cruise missle threats. NORAD is a bi-national Canadian and American command that employs a network of aerial, ground-based, and space-based sensors, air-t

Egyptian Air Force F-16 aircraft conduct aerial training operations with U.S. Air Force partners in support of exercise Agile Phoenix within the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility June 29, 2022. Agile Phoenix is a joint agile combat employment exercise focused on enhancing interoperability and ensuring regional security.

A 42nd Electronic Combat Squadron EF-111A Raven aircraft rolls down a runway as it departs on a mission during the U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) exercise Display Determination '89. Subject Operation/Series: DISPLAY DETERMINATION '89 Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

DF-ST-86-12896. Country: English Channel

An F-14A Tomcat aircraft climbs skyward after missing the arresting cables on the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Country: Adriatic Sea

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, fly for the Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach, California, Sept. 30, 2022. Huntington Beach played host to more than a million attendees along the stretch of Pacific Coast Highway that the Thunderbirds used for their demonstration.

DF-ST-87-09618. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

An F-14A Tomcat aircraft is launched from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71). Country: Unknown

An Armée de l'air et de lespace Rafale aircraft conducts aerial refueling operations with a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Aug. 10, 2022. France is a key player of military contributions to Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, the multinational coalition dedicated to militarily defeating ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

DF-ST-85-12611. Subject Operation/Series: NIGHT TRAIN/GLOBAL SHIELD '84 Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 421st Fighter Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, fly behind a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, over the Pacific Ocean, while conducting Agile Combat Employment (ACE) rehearsals, June 30, 2022. ACE shifts operations from centralized physical infrastructures to a network of smaller, dispersed locations that can complicate adversary planning and provide more options for joint force commanders.

Russian 24S Returned Imagery Part 208

An air-to-air view of the cockpit of an F-4 Phantom II aircraft as it undergoes refueling from a KC-10A Extender aircraft during the joint Australia/New Zealand/US Exercise PITCH BLACK '84. The F-4 is assigned to the 51st Tactical Fighter Wing. Subject Operation/Series: PITCH BLACK '84 Country: Unknown

An Attack Squadron 46 (VA-46) A-7 Corsair II aircraft is launched during flight operations aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

011113-F-2171A-005. Base: Randolph Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-88-08386. Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

Military transport aircraft, illustration

A French Air Force Dassault Mirage 2000 soars overhead during a French Vol de Nuit air show at Air Base 188, Djibouti, April 26, 2022. The U.S. and our partner forces remain committed to the stability, security, and prosperity of Africa.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 3rd Wing receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Aerial Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, Alaska, Aug. 1, 2022. The JPARC is the largest airspace over land that the Department of Defense has, its size is optimal to push the capabilities of fifth-generation aircraft pilots forward.

A 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron F-15 Eagle aircraft takes off during Cope North 90-1, a joint U.S. Air Force/JASDF exercise. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH 90-1 Base: Naval Air Facility, Misawa State: Aomori Country: Japan (JPN)

DF-ST-88-08387. Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

Three F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft of the 169th Tactical Fighter Group, South Carolina Air National Guard, fly in formation, as seen from the cockpit of a fourth F-16. The aircraft, armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, display the new "South Carolina" tail marking. State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron fly in formation over an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Oct. 21, 2022. Fighter aircraft routinely conduct presence patrols within the CENTCOM AOR to reassure allies and ensure regional security.

An F-16 pilot, supporting NATO operations Decisive Edge and Joint Endeavor, looks up at K-135E Boom operator, SENIOR MASTER SGT. Ed Shehart from Bangor, Maine, who is refueling his F-16 Fighting Falcon over the Adriatic Sea. SENIOR MASTER SGT. Shehart is a member of the 101st Refueling Wing, Air National Guard, Bangor, Maine, which is deployed on a 30 day rotation to Pisa, Italy. The four man crews, pilot, copilot, navigator and boom operator, will fly 5 to 10 hour missions, aboard the specially equipped KC-135s, circling a preplanned route over the Adriatic, refueling NATO fighters participating in Operation Decisive Edge and Joint Endeavor. Subject Operation/Series: DECISIVE EDGEJOINT ENDEAVOR Country: Adriatic Sea

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter pilot assigned to the 199th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron awaits the completion of post-flight procedures upon arrival to an agile combat employment training event at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 15, 2022. During the ACE training event, the 199th EFS 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.

Kosovo, Yugoslavia, May 1999Flying from its main installation at Trapani Air Base, Sicily and a forward location at Taszar Air Base, Hungary, the A-10s of the 104th Expeditionary Operations Group (EOG) were known as the "Killer Bees." They belonged to a composite or "rainbow" Air National Guard (ANG) unit composed of personnel and aircraft from the 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, the 110th Fighter Wing at Battle Creek, Michigan, and the 124th Wing at Boise, Idaho. The 104th EOG also included active duty Air Force members who were responsible for base operating support functions. The 104th EOG was formed as a temporary composite unit because no single ANG fighter wing possessed enough A-10s to meet the wartime requirements for Operation Allied Force, the war for Kosovo. The unit flew 439 combat sorties expending 64 AGM-65s "Maverick" air-to-surface missiles, 539 MK-82 free-fall non-guided general purpose 500-pound bombs, 49 CBU-87 "Combined Eff

An F-14A Tomcat aircraft prepares to launch from the number one catapult of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) as another F-14 comes in for a landing in the background. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Scott Ferraris, 96th Airlift Squadron flight engineer from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Air Reserve Station, Minnesota, performs a preflight inspection on a C-130 Hercules assigned to the 96th AS during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 15, 2022. RF-A provides training for deployed maintenance and support personnel in sustainment of large-force deployed air operations. (U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Julia Lebens)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon with Luke Air Force Base prepares to conduct an air refueling with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 161st Air Refueling Wing during a local sortie on Sept. 16, 2022. The 161st out of Goldwater Air National Guard Base, conducts regular air refueling missions with their regional partners at Luke Air Force Base.

A C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron flies over Japan during a formation flight, July 7, 2022. C-130Js assigned to the 36th AS regularly conduct training missions to maintain proficiency and necessary skills to support contingency operations.

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer attached to the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, flies into the setting sun at Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, June 8, 2022. Bomber Task Force missions strengthen the collective ability of the U.S. and our allies and partners to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A pair of F-15 Eagle fighter jets assigned to Barnes Air National Guard Base, fly alongside a KC-46 Pegasus assigned to the 157th Air Refueling Wing, in the sky off the coast of New England. The fighters were refueled by the KC-46 as part of the Super Sortie exercise, Aug. 3, 2022.

Lt. Col. Mary Clark and David Arrington, 96th Test Wing pilots, adjust their helmets in the MH-139A Grey Wolf prior to a flight Aug. 17 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The Grey Wolf sortie was the first flight since the Air Force took over ownership of the aircraft Aug. 12. It also marked the first all-Air Force personnel flight in the Air Forces newest helicopter. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

A ground-to-air view of an F-4 Phantom II aircraft as it makes a low-level pass over several discarded Army trucks that are used for target practice at the North Fort Hood bombing target. Base: Fort Hood State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 61st Fighter Squadron and T-38A Talons assigned to the 2d Fighter Training Squadron fly in formation over southern Idaho, Sept. 14, 2022. The units, assigned to Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, and Eglin AFB, Florida, traveled to Idaho for a training exercise as the F-35 student pilots basic course capstone.

A US Air Force F-16C Falcon from the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, moves into the contact position during a refueling mission while deployed to a forward location in the European theatre. This mission is in direct support of Joint Task Force Noble Anvil. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE ANVIL Country: Unknown

A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots compete in Hawgsmoke 2022 at Saylor Creek in Idaho, Sept 8, 2022. Hawgsmoke is a biennial USAF bombing, missile, and tactical gunnery competition for A-10 Thunderbolt II units which provides unique training.

A U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry prepares to receive fuel from a 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker during a flight over the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve May 27, 2017. The E-3 Sentry is an airborne warning and control system aircraft with an integrated command and control battle management surveillance, target detection, and tracking platform.

German Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft refueling over France.

DF-ST-87-12785. Subject Operation/Series: KINDLE LIBERTY '86 Country: Unknown

U.S. Navy Blue Angels F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot Lt. Scott Goosens takes off at the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 12, 2022. The air show provided an opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of a Joint Force in the Indo-Pacific Region. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to express MCBHs appreciation to the residents of Hawaii and their continued support of the installation.

An air-to-air view of a Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) F-14A Tomcat aircraft as it passes over the desert while on a combat patrol off of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) , during Operation Desert Storm. The aircraft is armed with an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile on the outer portion of its wing pylon, an AIM-7 Sparrow missile on the inner portion and an AIM-54 Phoenix missile beneath its fuselage. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

DF-ST-89-07173. Base: Pease Air Force Base State: New Hampshire (NH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Fighter planes dropping bombs

Fighter planes dropping bombs

DF-ST-88-07172. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-35 Lightning II, assigned to Hill Air Force Bases 388th Fighter Wing and 419th Fighter Wing, receives fuel from a KC-135R Stratotanker, assigned to the Utah Air National Guards 151st Air Wing during an exercise on February 4, 2024. Exercise PERSES is a collaborative training endeavor that rigorously tests the tactics, techniques, and procedures of Utah Air and Army Guard units, alongside various component units. Air National Guard

DN-ST-88-02099. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform during the Fairchild Skyfest 2022 at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, May 15, 2022. Fairchild Skyfest 2022 included the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, one of the Air Forces premier demonstration teams showcasing the capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 22, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the Vigilantes of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet.

010308-N-3400W-025. Country: Sea Of Japan

US MarineFA-18 Hornet

F15 Eagle

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon with the 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, maintains its position on the port side of KC-135R Stratotanker, with the 108th Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, during an orientation flight at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, July 19, 2022. The flight provided New Jersey legislators and staffers a first-hand view of a KC-135R Stratotanker air refueling mission and its importance to the national defense strategy. (New Jersey National Guard photo by Mark C. Olsen)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 18th Aggressor Squadron, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, refuels from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, May 11, 2022. The JPARC provides more than 77,000 square miles of airspace, making it the worlds largest instrumented air, ground and electronic combat training range. RF-A is a Pacific Air Forces-directed field training exercise allowing forces to practice interoperability by providing unique opportunities to integrate into joint and multilateral training.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 18th Aggressor Squadron, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, departs from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, after refueling during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, May 11, 2022. The JPARC provides more than 77,000 square miles of airspace, making it the worlds largest instrumented air, ground and electronic combat training range. RF-A is a Pacific Air Forces-directed field training exercise allowing forces to practice interoperability by providing unique opportunities to integrate into joint and multilateral training.

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet is refueled by a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from Kadena Air Base over the Pacific Jan. 3, 2024. The 909th Air Refueling Squadron conducts joint operations throughout the Indo-Pacific region, demonstrating the critical role mobility forces have in projecting the joint force anywhere, anytime.

DF-ST-86-12779. Subject Operation/Series: COPE MAX 85 Country: Unknown

A left front view of a B-52 bomber aircraft in tow during exercise Bright Star '83. Base: Cairo West Air Base State: Al Qahirah Country: Egypt (EGY)

A KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron prepares for aerial refueling on a B-52H Stratofortress over the Pacific, Feb. 3, 2024. Aerial refueling extends the aerial capabilities of U.S. aircraft throughout the Indo-Pacific, demonstrating one of the many moving parts critical to deterrence missions. The B-52 and its crew are assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Wing and its members are deployed from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. Air Force

A B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 96th Bomb Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, takes off, concluding Exercise Prairie Vigilance/Bayou Vigilance 24-2 at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Jan. 9, 2024. Air Force Global Strike Command maintains a credible strategic capability that enhances deterrence of threats to the United States and its allies and partners.

A Team Dover Airman observes weapons cargo being loaded onto a C-17 Globemaster III during a security assistance mission at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Sept. 14, 2022. The Department of Defense is working with industry to increase production of certain capabilities to continue meeting the needs of Ukrainian forces, while ensuring the U.S. is ready to defend itself, our partners and allies.

DF-SC-89-11178. Base: Unknown

Air to air right side view of a flight of two F-16 Fighting Falcons and two F-15 Eagles from Luke AFB, Arizona on a training mission. (L to R) the aircraft are the flagships of 58 Tactical Training Wing (F-16), 832nd Air Division (F-16), 832nd Air Division (F-15), and 405th Tactical Training Wing (F-15). Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

Low angle view showing a US Navy (USN) SH-60F Seahawk helicopter from Helicopter Anti-Submarine squadron One Four (HS-14) lifting a cargo cage from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63), during Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP), operations. Base: Uss Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

Venezuelan Air Force F-16 in flight over Brazil.

070328-N-7780S-078. Base: USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)

A B-52H Stratofortress from the 96th Bomb Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana flies west to participate in the 28th Rim of the Pacific exercise July 21, 2022. Two B-52s flew during RIMPAC 2022 as one of many aircraft in the worlds largest international maritime exercise.

AN air-to-air right side view of a Soviet Tu-95 Bear aircraft, front, being escorted by two F-4 Phantom II aircraft over international waters. Country: North Atlantic Ocean

110916-N-GC412-210INDIAN OCEAN (Sept. 16, 2011) Aviation Structural Mechanic (Equipment) Airman Sarah Stone, from Salem, Calif., pulls a seat bucket on an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Tophatters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and support missions as part of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

An F-14A Tomcat aircraft fires up its engines in front of a Mark 7 blast deflector prior to launching from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65). Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, assigned to the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, flies alongside a Saudi Arabian Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle during an agile combat employment exercise Agile Spartan within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Sep. 5, 2022. Joint training enhances international partnership and interoperability in the interest of regional security.

USAF A-10 WARTHOG FLYING OVER HILLS

U.S. and Iraqi air force airmen fly in formation during one of the last training flights for the 52nd Expeditionary Flight Training Squadron and Squadron 203 Sept. 3, 2011, over Iraq. Advisors from the 52nd EFTS turned over flight training operations to the Iraqi air force Squadron 203 Sept. 5. The Iraqi training squadron has 11 instructor pilots trained and ready to carry the torch.

STAFF SGT. Lance Dahz, KC-135 tail boom operator, 434th Air Refueling Wing, AFRES, Grissom AFB, Indiana, guides a C-5 "Galaxy" in for refueling as both aircraft support the operation. Subject Operation/Series: RESTORE HOPE Base: Moron Country: Spain (ESP)

An F-15E Strike Eagle receives fuel from a KC-135 during a mission over foreign skies in support of NATO Operation Allied Force. This image was shot through a Starlight System. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Country: Unknown

An air-to-air left rear view of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft of the 429th Tactical Fighter Squadron releasing four Mark 84 2000-pound bombs over a range in Nevada. Country: Unknown

A Royal Air Force pilot assigned to the No. 47 Squadron of the from RAF Brize Norton, England, conducts a preflight check during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 4, 2022. Approximately 2,220 service members from three nations participate in flying, maintaining and supporting more than 90 aircraft from over 25 units during this iteration of the exercise. RF-A enables joint and international units to train together to improve their combat skills in a controlled environment.

While en route from the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) to targets in Iraq and Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm, five A-7E Corsair aircraft from Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72) and an A-6E Intruder aircraft from Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75) rendezvous with a KC-135E Stratotanker aircraft for in-flight refueling. The A-7E aircraft third from the top is carrying AGM-88 HARM high-speed anti-radiation missiles; the others carry Mark 83 1000-pound bombs and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing, stationed at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, flies above the Pacific Ocean, Dec. 3, 2022. Airmen assigned to the 437th AW conducted off-station training in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibilities to hone global reach and readiness capabilities.

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