Aircraft Maintenance and Operations

Images of U.S. Air Force fighter aircraft undergoing maintenance and preparations, highlighting technical aspects and personnel in action.

F-15C Eagles assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron receive hot-pit refueling during surge operations at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 24, 2022. During a hot-pit refuel, the pilot remains in the cockpit with engines running while maintenance crews perform safety checks and refuel the aircraft, cutting the time between sorties to less than 30 minutes.

Ground crew members perform last minute maintenance on a United States Air Force F-15C Eagle fighter aircraft on Moron Air Base, Spain in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Moron Air Base State: Sevilla Country: Spain (ESP) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 177th Maintenance Group, recover an F-16C Fighting Falcon upon landing in Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) protective gear used by U.S. military personnel in a toxic environment during a training exercise at the 177th Fighter Wing, Egg Harbor Township, N.J., June 9, 2018. The 177th FW participated in a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) exercise to ensure capability and survivability in an overseas military operation.

041117-F-7203T-005. Base: Misawa Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

020314-F-9032T-015. Complete Scene Caption: Dedicated crewchiefs from the 492nd Fighter Squadron (FS), 48th Fighter Wing (FW), Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom, go through final checks prior to launching a F-15E Strike Eagle. Onboard the Eagle are pilot Lieutenant Colonel (LCOL) Scott Purdie, USAF, and Air Vice-Marshal Philip Sturley, Assistant CHIEF of the Air STAFF, Ministry of Defense, who is receiving an orientation ride. Air Vice-Marshal Sturley was invited up from London by Major General (MGEN) Kenneth Hess, USAF, Commander, 3rd Air Force, to visit RAF Mildenhall and to receive an orientation flight in the F-15E Strike Eagle. The Eagle is equipped with an AIM-120A Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) (right), Low-Altitude Navigation and Targeting InfraRed for Night (LANTIRN) system (center), and an SUU-20 Practice Bomb Adapter (centerline). Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Air Force F-15Es from the 366th Fighter Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, arrive at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, May 18, 2022 to participate in the Raging Gunfighter exercise. Raging Gunfighter is an Air Combat Command exercise designed to simulate operating a Lead Wing from an Austere Environment. The purpose of the exercise is to prepare the 366th Fighter Wing and its Airmen for potential future operations in accordance with the National Defense Strategy

980416-F-4116M-009. 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 Capt. Eliot Shapleigh, an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, boards an F-16 during Exercise Ballast Cannon 24.3 at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 7, 2024. Ballast Cannon occurs nearly quarterly with the Royal Bahraini Air Force to support the U.S. Air Forces rapid expeditionary capabilities by integrating Agile Combat Employment objectives for F-16 Fighting Falcon, KC-135 Stratotanker, and operational support personnel. The long-standing relationships the U.S. Air Force has developed within the CENTCOM AOR enables regular and routine training, which advances the coalitions ability to become a seamless operational force across every warfighting domain.

040929-M-5607G-004. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

970423-F-6217S-015. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS Base: Kirtland Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

F-15C Eagles assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron receive hot-pit refueling during surge operations at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 24, 2022. During a hot-pit refuel, the pilot remains in the cockpit with engines running while maintenance crews perform safety checks and refuel the aircraft, cutting the time between sorties to less than 30 minutes.

STAFF Sergeant Glenn Rehr, a crew chief from the 492nd Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom, prepares to marshal General Gregory Martin, United States Air Forces in Europe Commander, to the taxi way for take off. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

An F-15E Strike Eagle from the 492nd fighter squadron, 48th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom takes on fuel in the "hot pit". An F-15E Strike Eagle from the 492nd fighter squadron, 48th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom takes on fuel in the "hot pit".

U.S. Air Force Col. Shaun Bellamy, the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing A/2,3,5 director, conducts pre-flight systems checks in an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, prior to launch from Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Nov. 14, 2022. These F-16s currently assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron play a key role in supporting the 378th AEW's mission of sustaining and defending joint and partner forces by projecting combat airpower in support of theater plans and operations.

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon pilot makes final data inputs prior to taking off.

030412-F-7875T-005. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

F-15E Strike Eagle, two seat, all-weather, tactical fighter, on static display in support of the Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic (SACLANT) Seminar held at Langley Air Force, Virginia. The SACLANT Seminar was attended by 100 delegates from 18 countries, the purpose was to bring NATO leaders together to discuss issues from a Maritime and North American perspective and give leaders a hands on opportunity. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

011017-F-0308N-154. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Al Udeid Air Base, Doha Country: Qatar (QAT) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 sits on the flight line after arriving to Kunsan Air Base for Vigilant Storm 23 at Kunsan, South Korea, Oct. 31 2022. Vigilant Storm is an annual training event designed to further reinforce the combat readiness and interoperability between Republic of Korea and U.S. airpower through exercising operational and tactical-level command and control on the Korean peninsula.

Col. Matthew Wolf 64 Gaetke, 8th Fighter Wing commander, reviews aircraft certifications before flying a training sortie as part of Joint Exercise Cobra Gold 24 at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, 29 Feb. 2024. Aircraft 89-2060, also known as Wolfs jet, is painted in honor of U.S. Air Force legend, Gen. Robin Wolf 1 Olds and the F-4 Phantom he used to lead Operation Bolo from Ubon Air Base. The familiar paint has returned to Thailand to lead 80th Fighter Squadron participation in Cobra Gold 24, the largest joint exercise in mainland Asia. Air Force

Service members participate in an unprecedented joint force exercise on Sept. 8, 2022 at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. The exercise provided an opportunity for cross-platform familiarization training for fuels and crew chiefs who were able to get first-hand experience with multiple platforms they usually would not obtain at their home station.

Service members participate in an unprecedented joint force exercise on Sept. 8, 2022 at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. The exercise provided an opportunity for cross-platform familiarization training for fuels and crew chiefs who were able to get first-hand experience with multiple platforms they usually would not obtain at their home station.

U.S. Air Force Airmen use a C-17 Globemaster III assigned to Charleston Air Force Base (AFB), South Carolina to refuel an F-22 Raptor assigned to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska at Nellis AFB, Nevada, Feb. 2, 2024. The F-22 Raptor performs both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions allowing full realization of operational concepts. Air Force

An A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft with a commemorative paint scheme, assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing, takes part in multi-aircraft generation maneuvers July 10, 2022, at the Fort Wayne Air National Guard base, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Airmen from the 122nd Fighter Wing performed military duties during a large-scale readiness exercise that tested their abilities to respond to real-world threats.

A U.S. Airman assigned to the 354th Air Expeditionary Wing and Marines assigned to the Marine Wing Support Squadron 372 conduct a hot pit refueling on a Navy E/A-18 Growler assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138 at Palau International Airport, in support of Valiant Shield 22. June 13, 2022. VAQ-138 is currently assigned as the expeditionary electronic attack squadron for Commander, Task Force 70. U.S. Joint Forces are prepared to rapidly respond to crises and contingencies across the spectrum of operations from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to armed conflict.

A crew chief directs the pilot of an F-15 Eagle aircraft onto the apron during Exercise Cope North 84-3. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH 84-3 Base: Chitose Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

040824-F-3431H-066. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A U.S. Air Force crew chief with the 169th Fighter Wing, performs a preflight inspection on an F-16 Fighting Falcon during exercise Sentry Savannah May 6, 2022, on the flightline at the Air Dominance Center in Savannah Georgia. Exercises like Sentry Savannah held at the Air Dominance Center not only train and test the counter air capabilities of the next generation of fighter pilots, but they also provide critical experience and training to 10 different units of maintenance Airmen in the rapid employment and recovery of aircraft.

Aircraft maintenance specialists with the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing, conduct post flight procedures during a Weapon System Evaluation Program exercise February 13, 2024, at Tyndall Air force Base, Florida. The Combat Archer exercise was a formal evaluation of the unit's ability to conduct air-to-air live fire missions. Airmen were given the opportunity to train on tasks and skills that they don't perform at their home unit such as unrestricted takeoffs and loading live ammunition onto the airframe. Air National Guard

030318-F-9528H-002. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

An A-6E Intruder aircraft stands on the flight line after arriving at the station. Members of both wings are returning to NAS Oceana after serving in the Persian Gulf area during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Kevin Williams, right, F/A-18 pilot, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, Marine Air Group 31, conducts pre-flight checks in an F/A-18 Hornet at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Oct. 2, 2022. Pilots with VMFA-312 departed for the Unit Deployment Program in order to provide forward presence and assist commanders around the globe.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft preps for take off during the Heritage Flight Training Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Feb. 29, 2024. The F-16 was one of Air Combat Commands four demonstration teams. Air Force

Romanian Air Force F-16AM Fighting Falcon on the ramp at BorceaAir Base, Romania.

Airmen assigned to the 43d Fighter Generation Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, remove a panel on an F-22 Raptor in preparation to perform gear swings at Savannah Hilton Head International Airport, Georgia, May 3, 2022. The 325th Fighter Wing sent more than 200 personnel and 22 aircraft to participate in Sentry Savannah, a near-peer training exercise hosted by the Air National Guards Air Dominance Center.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to Shaw Air Force Base and Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, re-arm an F-16 Fighting Falcon during Exercise Iron Hand 22-09 at North Auxiliary Airfield, South Carolina, Aug. 26, 2022. During the exercise, Airmen went through specific medical and security forces training while still performing their primary duties.

Reservists from the 419th Fighter Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah participate in exercise Sentry Savannah at the Air Dominance Center in Savannah, Georgia on May 2, 2022.Sentry Savannah is the Air National Guards largest air-to-air, joint aerial combat exercise for fourth and fifth generation fighters, which tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a simulated environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

An F-15E Strike Eagle piloted by U.S. Air Force Capt. Frank Fryar, 336th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John F. Campbell, Combined Joint Task Force 101, Regional Command East commander, gives a thumbs-up after flying a mission over Eastern Afghanistan. F-15 that provide close-air support to the 101st Airborne Soldiers serving on the ground in eastern Afghanistan.

Brigadegeneral Frank Graefe, Abteilungsleiter Einsatz der Luftwaffe vor einem Eurofighter. Aufgenommen bei der Uebung Rapid Viking 2023.m Keflavik Island, 03.08.2023

U.S. Air Force F-15Es from the 366th Fighter Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, arrive at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, May 18, 2022 to participate in the Raging Gunfighter exercise. Raging Gunfighter is an Air Combat Command exercise designed to simulate operating a Lead Wing from an Austere Environment. The purpose of the exercise is to prepare the 366th Fighter Wing and its Airmen for potential future operations in accordance with the National Defense Strategy

A Fighter Squadron 211 (VF-211) F-14A Tomcat armed with six AIM-54 Phoenix air-to-air missiles takes off. Country: Unknown

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Benjamin Vanwingerden, pilot, Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401 (VMFT-401), Marine Aircraft Group 41 (MAG-41), 4th Marine Aircraft Wing (4th MAW), inspects his F-5N Tiger II before takeoff at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Sep. 23, 2022. VMFT-401 is a Marine Corps Reserve fighter adversary squadron that represents enemies in simulated air battles against Marine aircrafts.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II pilot assigned to the 421st Fighter Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, taxis during Checkered Flag 23-1 at Tyndall AFB, 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 F-35B Lightning II pilots with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 shut down an aircraft during Exercise Resolute Dragon 22 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 13, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, ground support personnel work on an F/A-18, one of the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels aircraft. The demonstration squadron will perform at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. The Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron will take to the skies in military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F/A-18 Super Hornet jets for the second annual Space & Air Show at Kennedy. This years show brings together the best in military aircraft, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event includes military aircraft demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing.

Pilots from the 190th Fighter Squadron, Idaho Air National Guard prepare to take off from Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Michigan, June 7, 2022 during the Agile Rage 22 exercise. Agile Rage 22 provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

A close-up view of the open canopy and empty cockpit of the "Spirit of Goldsboro," the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing's (4th TFW's) first F-15E Eagle aircraft. The 4th TFW is the first operational Air Force unit to receive the F-15E. Base: Seymour Johnson Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Matt Serfling, 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron F-22 Raptor pilot, taxis for take-off to conduct a training flight, Oct. 12, 2022 at Łask Air Base, Poland. The 90th EFS, from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska is currently forward-deployed to the European Theater to support the NATO Air Shielding mission and enhance the defense posture on the eastern NATO flank. The 3rd Wing commander and command chief from Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson recently visited the 90th EFS to support deployed Airmen and integrate with the squadron.

040120-F-2575F-001. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

A U.S. Airman, assigned to the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, pose for a photo with a Royal Saudi Air Force fighter jet during a 92nd Saudi National Day celebration at Prince Sultan Air Base, Oct. 11, 2022. Saudi National Day, Sept. 23, every year, commemorates the naming of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by royal decree in 1932.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 525th Fighter Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska, taxis during Weapons System Evaluation Program East-22.08 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 13, 2022. WSEPs are formal, two-week evaluation exercises designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

Ground crewmen move a weapons skid after securing an external fuel tank to an F-15C Eagle aircraft during Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Saudi Arabia(SAU)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Richard Newman, 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, assigned to the 169th Fighter Wing at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina, marshals Maj. Luke Weyhmuller, 157th Fighter Squadron F-16 fighter jet pilot, to taxi for a routine flight from Columbia Metropolitan Airport in West Columbia, South Carolina, September 15, 2022. The 169th Fighter Wing is temporarily using the Columbia Metropolitan Airport while runway repairs occur at McEntire Joint National Guard Base.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned tothe 1st Fighter Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, taxis on the flight line during Weapons System Evaluation Program East-22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 16, 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 F-35B Lightning II Pilot assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 prepares for take off during exercise RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, May 2, 2022. This exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases.

010426-F-8748C-009. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

On the flight line A1C Kurt Guidry, crew chief talks with MAJ Clark Burtch, the F-15 pilot in the cockpit, as he removes a safety pin during the preflight inspection. Both men are from the 2nd Fighter Squadron, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, and are participating in the world's largest joint service, multi-national tactical air operations exercise. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS '97 Base: Albuquerque State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A left side view of a Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft parked on the flight line. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020115-F-8752S-003. Base: Tucson Airport State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

Tech. Sgt. Devin Richters and Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Kruse, 114th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chiefs, monitors a F-16 Fighting Falcon during the hot pit refueling Dec. 2, 2017, Joe Foss Field, S.D. Hot pit refueling allows for quicker refueling and shorter down time because it eliminates other inspections needed if the aircraft is shut down.

A member of the 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron refuels a 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron A-10C Thunderbolt II during forward area refueling point training at Plovdiv, Bulgaria, Feb. 11, 2016. A single A-10 usually receives approximately 2,000 pounds of fuel in a four- to five-minute span during FARP training but the C-130 Hercules can provide tens of thousands of pounds of fuel if needed.

US Air Force and contract maintainers with the F-22 Raptor Combined Test Force at Edwards Air Force Base, California, stand by as a F-22 pilot prepares for a test flight on March 1ST, 1999. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft is examined on at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Feb. 6, 2024. The A-10C model featured a .30mm GAU-8/A rotary cannon protruding from the nose. Air Force

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the Air Force Reserve Command Test Center arrives in support of a joint force exercise on Sept. 8, 2022, at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. This joint force exercise incorporates more than seven military entities across three branches creating innovative operational concepts to allow quick response to an ever changing wartime horizon.

230410-N-XK462-3008 PHILIPPINE SEA (April 10, 2023) An E/A-18G Growler from the Cougars of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139 prepares for flight operations on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is in U.S. 7th Fleet conducting routine operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 389th Fighter Squadron (FS) taxi an F-15E Strike Eagle at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sep. 29, 2022. The F-15E is operated by a pilot and weapons system officer in tandem.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Carlos Paonessa, F-22 dedicated crew chief, marshals in Maj. Joshua Cabo Gunderson, F-22 Demo Team commander and pilot, upon his arrival for the 2022 FIDAE Air & Trade Show, April 2, 2022 in Santiago, Chile. Crew chiefs like Paonessa are responsible for all the mechanical maintenance of the aircraft, and ensure the F-22 Raptor demonstration is conducted on time during an airshow.

A pilot in an F-35B Lightning II, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 501, awaits further instructions at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, June 8, 2022. VMFAT-501 trains pilots to be proficient and combat ready to serve in their future-fleet units and to conduct aviation operations globally. VMFAT-501 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Servante R. Coba)

124th Fighter Wing crew chiefs prepare to launch A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 190th Fighter Squadron, Idaho Air National Guard prepare to take off from Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Michigan, June 7, 2022 during the Agile Rage 22 exercise. Agile Rage 22 provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

United States Marine Corps F/A-18 fixed-wing aircraft mechanics prepare an F/A-18 Hornet assigned to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323 out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, for flight at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Sept. 20, 2022. Fixed-wing aircraft mechanics inspect and maintain aircraft airframes and airframe components as well as perform additional duties relating to flightline operations.

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet aircraft, with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533, prepares to take off from Andersen Air Force Base Guam, June 14, 2022, to participate in a joint maritime strike to demonstrate service components fires and effects capabilities in the maritime environment during exercise Valiant Shield 22 (VS 22). Exercises such as Valiant Shield allows 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.

DF-ST-87-05153. Base: Bitburg Air Base Country: West Germany (FRG)

An F-15 Eagle from the Oregon Air National Guard's 123rd Fighter Squadron undergoes deicing in preparation for a morning sortie on an unusually snowy April morning at Portland Air National Guard Base, Ore., April 11, 2022.

011204-F-7910D-018. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Combat Command

U.S. Air Force Col. Joseph Turnham, 355th Wing commander, prepares for his final A-10 Thunderbolt II flight at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, June 29, 2022. Turnham served as commander at DM from June 2020 to June 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Carson Driver, an aviation ordnance technician with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232, signals to an F/A-18C Hornet aircraft during Cope North 24 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 19, 2024. Allies and partners train together during the multilateral exercise, Cope North 24, to improve shared tactics and multilateral defense capabilities. Driver is a native of Maryland. Marine Corps

North Dakota Air National Guard "Happy Hooligans" F-16 Fighting Falcon aircrafts on the flightline at Fargo, North Dakota. Base: Fargo State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Pilots from the 190th Fighter Squadron, Idaho Air National Guard prepare to take off from Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Michigan, June 7, 2022 during the Agile Rage 22 exercise. Agile Rage 22 provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

020111-F-5872L-007. Subject Operation/Series: COPE TIGER 2002 Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

French Air Force Dassault Rafales pilots prepare to take-off from the flight line during Point Blank 22-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, April 28, 2022. The 48th Fighter Wing regularly takes part in this multilateral exercise as a way to strengthen interoperability with allied nations and development skills critical to gaining and maintaining air superiority.

General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon (Viper) taxiing during the Reno Air Races.

Team Minot Airmen move munitions during Exercise Prairie Vigilance, Nov. 4, 2022, at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. Prairie Vigilance tests the 5th Bomb Wings ability to conduct strategic-bomber readiness operations.

980606-F-4116M-023. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

An unidentified US Air Force (USAF) pilot from the 77th Fighter Squadron (FS), Shaw Air Force Base (AFB), South Carolina (SC), watches the sun rise in his F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter, as he waits to taxi out on an early morning mission. (Substandard image). Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle crew assigned to the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron coordinates hot pit refueling procedures with their crew chief during a routine agile combat employment exercise at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Aug. 15, 2022. Continual training in ACE competencies enhances mission proficiency and rapid dispersal and maneuver of U.S. coalition and Gulf partner combat capabilities in response to regional aggression.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Dylan Chavez, a fixed-wing aircraft mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, ground guides an F-35B Lightning II aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 12, 2023. Marines with VMFA-242 will take part in their first deployment in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit since becoming fully operationally capable in 2022.

Royal Netherlands Air Force personnel prepare to launch a U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 495th Fighter Squadron during an F-35 cross-service training exercise at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Jan. 19, 2023. The Liberty Wing, along with its NATO allies and mission partners continues to strengthen deterrence efforts and adapt through improving readiness and responsiveness.

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons pilots and crew chiefs conduct post-flight operations at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 6, 2024. As a routine exercise Ballast Cannon occurs nearly quarterly with the Royal Bahraini Air Force to support the U.S. Air Forces rapid expeditionary capabilities by integrating Agile Combat Employment objectives for F-16 Fighting Falcon, KC-135 Stratotanker, and operational support personnel. The exercise allowed Total Force Airmen to generate unique solutions in austere environments.

F-16 Fighting Falcons from Kunsan Air Base and South Korean KF-16s taxi to the runway together during Exercise Buddy Wing 14-8 at Seosan Air Base, Republic of Korea Aug. 21, 2014. The purpose of the exercise was not only to improve interoperability between U.S. Air Force and ROKAF fighter squadrons, but to practice with ROKAF KF-16 units for their first upcoming RED FLAG exercise in Alaska.

Pilots from the 190th Fighter Squadron, Idaho Air National Guard prepare to take off from Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Michigan, June 7, 2022 during the Agile Rage 22 exercise. Agile Rage 22 provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet aircraft with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533, taxis after an incentive flight at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 30, 2022. Incentive flights are periodically awarded to Marines and Sailors for meritorious actions and service.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 199th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron conduct preflight inspection on three 199th EFS F-22 Raptors during Agile Combat Employment training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 22, 2022. Applying operational maneuver to forward-deployed forces increases survivability and generates more military options for the joint force commander.

An A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft prior to divestment at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Feb. 6, 2024. Aircraft 82-648 was retired from service and transited the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group for storage purposes. Air Force

U.S. Marines with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533 disembark F/A-18 Hornet aircraft at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, May 28, 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.

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. Air National Guard F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chiefs from the 169th Fighter Wing, South Carolina Air National Guard, complete post-flight checklists at the Air Dominance Center, a Combat Readiness Training Center, located in Savannah, Georgia on April 28, 2022. The wing will participate in a two week exercise, Sentry Savannah, which is a total force integrated exercise that showcases the nation's combat aircraft readiness, tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a near-peer environment and trains our next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight..

Italian Air Force T-346s at Lecce-Galatina Air Base, italy.

The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, Blue Angels, perform at the Titans of Flight Air Expo, Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, April 9, 2022. The airshow showcases more than 50 aerial demonstration performances and static aircraft displays.

A Royal Canadian Air Force CF-188 Hornet preparing for a night takeoff from Romania.

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