Aircraft at Dawn

Silhouetted military aircraft at sunrise, featuring various models undergoing testing and checks, set against striking orange and blue skies.

The sun rises above a C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing March 24, 2014, at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. The first C-17 to enter the Air Forces inventory arrived at Charleston Air Force Base in June 1993. The C-17 is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area.

The sun rises on an F-15EX Eagle II after a night of ground testing Oct. 26 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The aircraft underwent various ground and flight acoustic testing to create a baseline noise level for use by the Department of Defense. This was the first time this type of in-depth digital acoustic sound testing was done on any F-15 model.

The sun rises above a C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing March 24, 2014, at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. The first C-17 to enter the Air Forces inventory arrived at Charleston Air Force Base in June 1993. The C-17 is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area.

An A-29 Super Tucano sits on the flightline during a preflight inspection Jan. 8, 2015, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. At the completion of Moody AFBs Afghan pilot and maintenance training mission, the aircraft is set to provide an air-to-ground capability to the Afghan air force. The A-29 is assigned to the 81st Fighter Squadron.

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 391st Fighter Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, and F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 125th Fighter Squadron, Tulsa Air National Guard, Oklahoma, undergo preflight checks during Checkered Flag 23-1 at Tyndall AFB, Florida, Nov. 4, 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.

A U.S. Air Force U-2 Dragon Lady aircraft prepares to take off from an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia on Nov. 24, 2010. The U-2 is a high altitude reconnaissance aircraft that reaches altitudes above 70,000 feet.

A F/A-18 Hornet prepares to launch from the flight deck of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) on a night mission in support of OSW. TRUMAN is on station in the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH (OSW). OSW is the mission that enforces the coalition imposed southern "no-fly zone" over Iraq. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

United States Marine Corps aircraft maintenance specialist working on an engine housed inside an engine nacelle of an MV-22 Osprey, Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft assigned to the 34th Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, is pushed into a parking spot at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam after supporting a Bomber Task Force integration mission in the Indo-Pacific region. 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. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Nicholas Priest)

A rear view of three USAF F-15 Eagle aircraft poised for take-off during ROVING SANDS 95. The aircraft in the background has its afterburner on, ready for a full power take-off from the Roswell Industrial Air Center. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS 95 Base: Roswell State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

United States Marine Corps aircraft maintenance specialist working on an engine housed inside an engine nacelle of an MV-22 Osprey with US Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules in background, Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Benjamin Preston, a crew chief assigned to the Ohio National Guard's 180th Fighter Wing, and U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Allison Garcia, a munitions specialist assigned to the 180FW, stand next to an F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 180FW, before morning training flights at Naval Air Station Key West, Fla., Nov. 3, 2022. The 180FW deployed to Key West to train with VFC-111, the Navy's premier adversary squadron, providing realistic training scenarios that ensure the 180FW is prepared for homeland defense and contingency operations around the globe.

040220-F-1646R-075. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

The sun sets on a C-130 Hercules, as Operation Iraqi Freedom draws to a close at an air base in Southwest Asia. Operation New Dawn began Sept. 1, bringing with it a new mission focused on a strategic partnership signifying the U.S. governments long-term commitment to the government and people of Iraq.

120126-N-PK218-005 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 26, 2012) Sailors clean an F/A-18 Super Hornet aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise is part of Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, which is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise.

020104-F-1005J-006. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Fort Smith State: Arkansas (AR) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

A Fighter Squadron 33 (VF-33) F-14A Tomcat aircraft heads for the setting sun during a flight off of the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV 66).. Country: Caribbean Sea

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II sits on the ramp in Tyler, Texas, July 1, 2022. The A-10 Demonstration Team travels to shows around the country, as well as internationally, to highlight the combat capabilities of the A-10. The A-10 is the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support.

An F-22 awaits an End Of Runway (EOR) inspection, at Tyndall AFB Fl. prior to the night flying exercise for the 43rd Fighter Squadron.

111206-N-EZ913-076ARABIAN GULF (Dec. 6, 2011) Sailors move fixed wing aircraft 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.

U.S. Airmen prepare an F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 391st Fighter Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, for takeoff during Checkered Flag 23-1 at Tyndall AFB, Florida, Nov. 4, 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.

A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 19th Air Refueling Group of the Kansas Air National Guard, sits on the ramp at RAF Lakenheath United Kingdom, on March 28, 1999. The Kansas ANG aircraft temporarily assigned to the 100th Air Expeditionary Wing at RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, was diverted to Lakenheath due to adverse winds at Mildenhall. This mission is in direct support of NATO Operation Allied Force. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Base: Raf Mildenhall Country: Great Britain / England (GBR)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 114th Fighter Wing, taxis out for a training sortie during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., April 6, 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.

DA-ST-85-01490. Subject Operation/Series: PHOTO FINISH '81 Base: Gulfport Air National Guard Base State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons sit on the flightline of the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, in the early morning hours, during a large-scale readiness inspection, Aug. 8, 2022, at the base in Swanton, Ohio. The exercise was a full-scale assessment of the rapid generation and movement of personnel and equipment, utilizing a 24-hour operation concept. The wing was evaluated on its ability to pack, prepare and deploy mission-ready personnel, aircraft and support equipment, while operating in a contested and degraded environment.

An EA-6B Prowler aircraft of Electronic Counter-Measures Squadron One Three Six (VAQ-136) sits on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62) at sunset as maintenance crewmen inspect and secure the aircraft. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD 95 Country: Sea Of Japan

070121-N-6364G-133. Base: USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)

5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Airmen work quickly to prepare B-52Hs for inclement weather conditions. The 5AMX squadron The B-52 is capable of dropping or launching the widest array of weapons in the U.S. inventory.

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle assigned to the 67th Fighter Squadron is parked on the flightline at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 29, 2022. The Eagle's air superiority was achieved through a mixture of unprecedented maneuverability and acceleration, range, weapons and avionics.

U.S. Marines with work with members of U.S. Air Force to load M777 towed 155 mm howitzers in the cargo hold of a C-17 Globemaster III at March Air Reserve Base, California, April 23, 2022. The howitzers are part of the United States efforts, alongside allies and partners, to identify and provide Ukraine with additional capabilities.

As the sun sets, flight operations on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70) are just warming up as an F-18 Hornet crew participates in the exercise RIMPAC 98. Subject Operation/Series: RIMPAC '98 State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

During early morning operations, 131st Bomb Wing Missouri Air National Guard mantainers service a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri.

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, undergoes postflight maintenance at Andersen AFB, Guam, after completing a Bomber Task Force mission, Oct. 27, 2022. BTF missions demonstrate lethality and interoperability in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

An AV-8B Harrier, attached to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, is chocked and chained to the flight deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) during exercise BALTOPS 22, June 10, 2022. BALTOPS 22 is the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region. The exercise, led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea.

The last C-130E Hercules at Hurlburt Field, Fla., prepares for its final take off March 4, 2013, prior to retirement. The Hercules has been in service in the Air Force for more than 40 years and flew during the Vietnam War.

U.S. Air Force advisors, maintenance contractors and Iraqi air force airmen conduct a foreign object debris, or FOD walk, in front of a line of T-6 Texan II aircraft before one of the last joint training missions between the 52nd Expeditionary Flying Training Squadron and the Iraqi air force Squadron 203 Sept. 4, 2011, at Camp Speicher, Iraq. The 52nd EFTS turned over flight operations to the Iraqi air force Sept. 5. The training program takes 18-months to qualify and certify an instructor pilot.

DN-ST-85-05539. Base: USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 22, 2018) A naval aviator taxies an F-35C Lightning II from the Rough Raiders of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125 on the flight deck after landing aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Pierce Bender, 6th Air Refueling Squadron KC-10 Extender flight engineer, inspects aircraft during Exercise Agile Tiger on April 6, 2022, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. Exercise Agile Tiger gives us the opportunity to practice operational unpredictability, while assuring our partners and Allies that we are postured to execute nuclear operations and global strike anytime, anywhere.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Joshua Stiltner and Tech. Sgt. Joshua Schickedans, 37th Airlift Squadron loadmasters, prepare to drop cargo over a drop zone during Stolen Cerberus IX at Elefsis Air Base, Greece, May 4, 2022. During the flight, loadmasters simulate two cargo load drops as part of exercise which is designed to enhance interoperability and airlift capabilities among allied armed forces through realistic, joint air operation scenarios.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Danny Johnston and Master Sgt. Justin King, C-130 Loadmasters from 130th Airlift Wing, McLaughlin Air National Guard Base, Charleston, West Virginia, perform a precheck on C-130J Hercules aircraft from the 130th AW on the flightline 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.

Aftermath and Relief - 26-HK-295-130. C-130 Ride. Hurricane Katrina

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 25, 2022) Sailors direct an F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Tophatters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, on the flight deck of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Carl Vinson and Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Groups conduct dual carrier operations to advance Joint Force interoperability while demonstrating our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Joint Force routinely seeks opportunities to operate in support of peace and stability for all nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael Singley)

An HC-130 Combat King II search and rescue aircraft assigned to the 106th Rescue Wing of the New York Air National Guard, arrives at Campo Grande, Brazil on August 21, 2022 as part of the preparations for Exercise Tapio, a combined Brazilian- U.S. irregular warfare exercise. The New York Air National Guard dispatched 100 Airmen to participate as part of the State Partnership Program relationship with Brazil,

The 33rd Fighter Wings F-35A Lightning II aircraft are used to train and transform the AFs newest selection of F-35A student pilots at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The 33rd FW is one of two locations in the AF that train combat-ready 5th-generation fighter pilots.

030806-F-6701P-015. Subject Operation/Series: JTF LIBERIA Base: Lungi Country: Sierra Leone (SLE)

Air transportation specialists assigned to the 156th Contingency Response Group, 156th Wing, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, load equipment onto a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 403d Wing, Keesler Air Force Base, during night operations as a part of Southern Strike 2022 at Avon Park, Florida, April 24, 2022. Southern Strike 2022 offers unique conventional and special operations training opportunities for its approximately 2,000 participants.

040915-F-3983J-029. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Balad Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ)

An F/A-18C Hornet aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 101 flies over the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) in the Atlantic Ocean Jan. 24, 2013. The George H.W. Bush conducted training and carrier qualifications in the Atlantic Ocean.

5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Airmen work quickly to prepare B-52Hs for inclement weather conditions. The 5AMX squadron The B-52 is capable of dropping or launching the widest array of weapons in the U.S. inventory.

U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing , assigned to Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, flies above Wake Island Dec. 6, 2022. Airmen assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing conducted off-station training in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibilities to hone global reach and readiness capabilities.

U.S. Marines assigned to the Aviation Combat Element, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conduct MV-22 Osprey night flight operations aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) in the Atlantic Ocean, July 11, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, are 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.

More than 200 Airmen and 10 A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthogs from the 924th Fighter Group of the 944th Fighter Wing are working out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 27, 2022, during the units participation in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Airmen assigned to the New York Air National Guards 106th Rescue Squadron, prepare to load simulated casualties onto one of the wings HC-130 Combat King II search and rescue aircraft during a medical evacuation mission being conducted as part of Exercise Tapio, a joint Brazilian- U.S. training exercise, in Campo Grande, Brazil on August 24, 2022. The New York Air National Guard sent 100 personnel to participate in the exercise as part of the New York National Guard State Partnership Program relationship with Brazil. The 106th Rescue Wing is based at Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach.

A B-1B Lancer assigned to the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, sits on the flightline at Eielson AFB, Alaska, during the Baked Alaskan exercise, Sept. 9, 2022. Two B-1s and approximately 50 total force Airmen from the 7 BW and 307 BW engaged in the Agile Combat Employment exercise to refine multiple skills in under 24 hours.

111016-N-BT887-336ARABIAN SEA (Oct. 16, 2011) Sailors signal to launch an E-2C Hawkeye assigned to the Golden Hawks of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 112 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 Operation Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron prepares to take off from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, for a Bomber Task Force deployment, Jan. 31, 2023. BTF deployments are designed to showcase the Air Forces ability to deter, deny and dominate any influence or aggression from adversaries or competitors.

DF-ST-87-04055. Base: Charleston Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

011017-F-0308N-473. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Al Udeid Air Base, Doha Country: Qatar (QAT) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

An air-to-air silhouetted right side view of an F-14 Tomcat aircraft assigned to the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV 66). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" F-16 FIghting Falcon on the ramp at Montana's Military Open House "Flight over the Falls" at Montana Air National Guard Base, Great Falls, Montana, July 23, 2022. The Thunderbirds are the U.S. Air Force's premier air demonstration squadron.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. John McNiece, a C-17 Globemaster III loadmaster assigned to the 300th Airlift Squadron, performs engine start procedures prior to an experimental airlift mission to Berlin, Germany, June 15, 2022. The C-17 is the most flexible cargo aircraft in the airlift force, capable of rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo.

001023-N-6699W-028. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 2000 Base: Uss Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer, assigned to 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, parks on a taxiway at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, after returning from a Bomber Task Force mission, June 25, 2022. 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.

An F-15 Eagle from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, sits on the flightline before an early morning training sortie Sept. 17, at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. The unit traveled to Tyndall to participate in the Combat Archer exercise, a weapons system evaluation program designed to test the effectiveness of our Airmen and air-to-air weapon system capability combat aircraft.

U.S. Airmen from the 151st Air Refueling Maintenance Group and 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) load a Polaris Military RZR onto a KC-135R Stratotanker at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base, Utah, in preparation for a joint force exercise being held at Dugway Proving Ground on Sept. 1, 2022. The exercise is designed to challenge the status quo and allow the U.S. military to improve strategies against their greatest competitors.

A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 171st Air Refueling Wing of the Pennsylvania Air National Gaurd, heads a line up of tankers on the ramp at RAF Lakenheath United Kingdom on March 28, 1999. The Pennsylvania ANG aircraft temporarily assigned to the 100th Air Expeditionary Wing at RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, was diverted to Lakenheath due to adverse winds at Mildenhall. This mission is in direct support of NATO Operation Allied Force. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Base: Raf Mildenhall Country: Great Britain / England (GBR)

000920-N-3503M-001. Base: Uss Enterprise (CVN 65)

An Airman assigned to the 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron de-ices a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 7, 2022. The de-icer uses heated water mixed with glycol to defrost ice and prevent future ice from forming on the plane.

A member of the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron observes pallets dropped out the back of a C-17 Globemaster III over Afghanistan Sept. 30, 2011.

Multiple U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, park on the Air Dominance Center flight line on Nov. 6, 2022 during an agile combat employment exercise that was conducted by the 307th Fighter Squadron, the 414th Fighter Group maintenance and operations Airmen. This exercise is the first total force integrated ACE exercise that the units have done together. The goals of this exercise are to verify ACE concepts between the maintenance and operations groups as well as conduct unique flight training for our pilots and weapons system operators in the nearby airspace, said Maj. Timothy Shinol, a weapons systems operator from the 307th Fighter Squadron.

An aircraft maintainer walks along the flight line among the aircraft as the sun rises at Sentry Savannah on May 6, 2022. Exercises like Sentry Savannah, not only train and test the counter air capabilities of fighter pilots, but they provide critical experience and training to maintenance Airmen in the rapid employment and recovery of aircraft.

A C-5 Galaxy aircraft, in the background, waits ready for last minute loading at the conclusion of exercise Bright Star '80. In the foreground, two Egyptian F-4 Phantom II aircraft are parked. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR '80 Base: Cairo West Country: Egypt (EGY)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Anthony Logue, 14th Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III loadmaster, conducts pre-flight inspections prior to a training mission on Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, May 5, 2022. The 14th AS conducted training with Marines assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point on loading Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles onto a C-17.

With its afterburner blazing, a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet, belonging to Strike Fighter Squadron 105, Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Florida, launches from the flight deck of the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65) for a night-time strike against Iraq during DESERT FOX. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT FOX Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III prepares for a flying mission out of Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii, in support of the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center exercise 23-01, Nov. 4, 2022. The 15th Wings ability to provide rapid global mobility and surge combat-ready forces across the theater is critical to supporting regional alliances and the existing security architecture.

Soldiers from the 3-157th Field Artillery Battalion conducted an emergency deployment readiness exercise (EDRE) on Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait. Training included loading and unloading of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) onto a C-130 transport aircraft and finalized with a fire mission at UDAIRI ranges, Kuwait.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 27th Special Operations Wing check the Arctic ground conditions outside of a MC-130J Commando II during Arctic Edge 24 in Anchorage, Alaska, Feb. 27, 2024. AE24 is an annual defense exercise for the U.S. Northern Command emphasizing Joint Force operations in an extreme cold weather and high latitude environment and is designed to demonstrate Globally Integrated Layered Defense in the Arctic. Air Force

Airman 1st Class Logan Turner, 555th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, marshals a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 555th Fighter Squadron out of its hangar during exercise Falcon Strike 2022 at Amendola Air Base, Italy, Nov. 15, 2022. Falcon Strike 22 demonstrated the ability of NATO nations to conduct multinational offensive and defensive air operations that integrated fourth and fifth-generation airpower.

030114-F-4905S-002. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

031026-F-0848C-001. Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

Two U.S. Air Force Loadmasters assigned to the 352d Special Operations Wing prepare for infiltration/exfiltration training on a U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II on Cazaux Air Base, France, May 5, 2022. The 352 SOW supported exercise Athena, a French-led joint and combined Special Operation Forces exercise that validates the full spectrum of integrated component and partner capabilities.Training with our joint and combined Allies and partners increases our lethality and enhances interoperability, allowing our forces to counter military aggression and coercion by sharing responsibilities for a common defense.

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- A U.S. Army C-12 Huron prepares to land at an air base in Southwest Asia Nov. 18, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Tony Tolley)

Airmen from the 182nd Airlift Wing exit a C-130 Hercules at Sawyer International Airport, Marquette, Michigan, during the Northern Agility 22-1 exercise, June 29, 2022. The aircraft and crew from the Illinois Air National Guard picked up cargo and personnel to deliver to K.I. Sawyer in Michigans Upper Peninsula. Northern Agility is a multi-component exercise hosted by the Michigan National Guard designed to build readiness and enhance the ability to operate in austere environments.

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle assigned to the 67th Fighter Squadron receives liquid oxygen servicing at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 30, 2022. Since 1979, the F-15 Eagle has ensured air superiority for the U.S. and its allies across the Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility.

120115-N-OY799-337ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 15, 2012) An F/A-18F Super Hornet from the Black Aces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41 launches off the flight deck of 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 Operation Enduring Freedom.

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons sit on the flightline of the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, in the early morning hours, during a large-scale readiness inspection, Aug. 8, 2022, at the base in Swanton, Ohio. The exercise was a full-scale assessment of the rapid generation and movement of personnel and equipment, utilizing a 24-hour operation concept. The wing was evaluated on its ability to pack, prepare and deploy mission-ready personnel, aircraft and support equipment, while operating in a contested and degraded environment.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon with the 18th Aggressor Squadron prepares to take off from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, shortly after sunrise Jan. 24, 2016, in transit to Kadena Air Base, Japan, to participate in training exercises. More than 150 maintainers from the 354th Fighter Wing will keep the aggressors in the air and prepare Airmen, Sailors and Marines for contingency operations along with coalition partners in the Pacific theater.

An E-2C Hawkeye attached to Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 116 sits on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) in the Atlantic Ocean, Feb. 24, 2024. George Washington is conducting Tailored Ships Training Availability and Final Evaluation Problem (TSTA/FEP). TSTA prepares the ship and crew for full integration into a carrier strike group through a wide range of mission critical operations. Navy

Silhouetted by the setting sun, a C-130 Hercules aircraft prepares to land during a 10-ship air drop exercise being conducted by the 21st Tactical Airlift Squadron, 374th Tactical Airlift Wing. Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

DN-SN-89-01516. Country: Unknown

Ceremonial guardsmen retire the colors during a Veterans Day retreat ceremony Nov. 10, 2014, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. Veterans Day is observed Nov. 11 and was originally known as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day.

NORTH SEA (Oct. 10, 2020) A Marine with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211 launches an F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter from the deck aboard the British Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth (R 08). VMFA-211 is deployed aboard Queen Elizabeth to conduct training with their United Kingdom counterparts in preparation for the UK's Carrier Strike Group deployment this spring. The U.S. Marine Corps is supporting this historic deployment in support of USMC, DoD, National and Allied objectives.

USA, Colorado, Colorado Springs, United States Air Force Academy, Vietnam War B-52 bomber display

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 launches from the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), while underway, May 27, 2022. Marines with VMFA-121, based out of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, are conducting flight operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Air Force MC-130H Combat Talon II aircraft assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing from Hurlburt Field, Florida, await their departure at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Sept. 29, 2022. The 88th Air Base Wing Airmen provided strength through support as aircraft and aircrews from installations affected by the hurricane arrived seeking safety.

B-1B Lancers are parked on the flightline at Ellsworth Air Force Base. Carrying the largest payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the Air Force inventory, the multi-mission B-1 is the backbone of Americas long-range bomber force.

A U.S. Navy MQ-4C Triton assigned to the UnmannedPatrol Squadron 19 (VUP-19) is prepared to departMarine Corp Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022.Due to its geographic location and co-located airfield andharbor, MCAS Iwakuni is uniquely postured to provideadvanced naval integration in support of regionalsecurity.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Nathan Thomas, 27th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron,17th Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load crew member, conducts maintenance on a Bushmaster GAU-23 30mm chain gun during exercise Keen Sword 23 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Nov. 16, 2022. Keen Sword 23 is a joint/bilateral exercise involving U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) personnel designed to enhance Japan-U.S. readiness and interoperability while strengthening the bilateral relationship and demonstrating U.S. resolve to support the security interests of Allies and partners in the region.

061115-N-7526R-013. Base: USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76)

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