Aircraft Maintenance Operations

Airmen engage in maintenance and loading operations on various aircraft, highlighting technical work and teamwork in military aviation.

F-14B Tomcat US Navy

020205-F-3838S-019. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Load crew team members assigned to the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron load an inert guided bomb unit into a mock B-1 bomber simulator in the Load Crew Training Facility at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Aug. 13, 2013. After every tasking, weapons loaders perform quality checks to verify all weapons systems are operational prior to B-1 missions.

Airmen assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing, stationed at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, and 509th Bomb Wing, stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, conduct a specialized fuel operation from a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III to a U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit at Edwards Air Force Base, California, Dec. 1, 2022. The SFO marks the first time a C-17 refueled a B-2, increasing flexibility for the bomber to conduct agile combat employment operations.

DF-ST-86-09954. Base: Paris Country: France (FRA)

Ground staff at work on an F-104G Starfighter.

Cargo is secured aboard a KC-10A Extender aircraft during a loading demonstration. Base: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

F-14B Tomcat US Navy

020722-N-3642E-502. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: VRC-40 C-2A

DF-ST-87-01051. Base: Wurtsmith Air Force Base State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-SD-07-25392. Base: Fargo State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps crew chiefs with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, check on the payload of a CH-53E Super Stallion while conducting an external lift during Hide and Seek Field Exercise on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 27, 2022. Hide and Seek is a field exercise hosted by 10th Marines, 2nd Marine Division that trains participants on signature management, communication, electronic warfare, cyberspace operations and intelligence collection, processing and dissemination in order to enable future operations in a multi-domain contested environment.

010923-N-0271M-002. Base: Uss Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

U.S. Air Force Loadmasters and Aerial Porters assigned to the 115th Airlift Squadron load a U.S. Forest Service Modular Airborne Firefighting System (MAFFS) inside a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, Port Hueneme, California, Sept. 7, 2022. MAFFS is a portable fire retardant delivery system inserted into an aircraft, temporarily converting it into a fire fighting airtanker that provides a critical surge” capability to bolster wildfire suppression efforts when commercial airtankers are fully committed or not readily available.

Crew chiefs assigned to the 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron rearrange electrical wires in the wing of a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 13, 2022. The 6th AMXS enables mission readiness by ensuring the KC-135 meets safety standards and can provide air refueling anytime, anywhere.

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -Tech. Sgt. Dave Gabe, 41st Airlift Squadron, signals Senior Airman Brandon Smith, 732nd Air Mobility Squadron, to move the 32-foot platform, consisting of a humvee and howitzer, forward. Members of the 732nd AMS loaded the platform onto the back of a C-130 April 4. The C-130 J Model was from the 19th Airlift Wing, Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. This was in preparation for a heavy drop and personnel drop performed with 43rd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment.

USA, Florida, Leesburg, WW II military airplanes

Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary Aerial Port Squadron work side by side with loadmasters to load a C-17 Globemaster III with cargo here Aug. 1, 2011. The 455 EAPS's mission is moving passengers and cargo all throughout Afghanistan. More than 80 percent of all people and supplies traveling through the country come through 455 EAPS.

DN-SC-86-00768. Base: Naval Station, Long Beach State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030907-F-0017M-043. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Byrd Field State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Coast Guard Air Station - Clearwater, Florida - Katrina Relief - 26-HK-217-6. Hurricane Katrina

DN-SD-03-11241. Base: Hainan Country: China (CHN) Scene Major Command Shown: USPACOM

An Air Force Reserve C-5 Galaxy from 433d Military Airlift Wing, Kelly AFB, Texas delivers two AH-64 Apache helicopters to take part in NORTHERN EDGE '98, an annual Joint Chiefs of STAFF winter exercise involving air and ground units of all services. The Apaches are assigned to the 4th Battalion, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Carson, Colorado and will join others as part of the 353d Combat Training Squadron Thunderdome at Eielson AFB. The Apaches will fly to Fort Greely to participate in the joint service exercise. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE '98 Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U. S Air Force Senior Master Sgt. William J. Lamela, Load Master for a C-17A Globemaster from the 729th Airlift Squadron, out of March Air Reserve Base, directs the off loading of equipment and supplies Friday, January 15th, 2010, at the Port -au-Prince International Airport, Haiti. The C-17A and crew, both out of the 452nd Air Mobility Wing at March Air Reserve Base, are taking part in the massive international effort to assist in rescue, recover and humanitarian efforts following a 7.0 earthquake. President Barack Obama ordered a swift and aggressive rescue effort. The January 12, 2010 quake, centered near the island nation's capital of Port-au-Prince, has left untold numbers of residents homeless, injured or dead.

DF-ST-89-05437. Subject Operation/Series: CORONET WARRIOR II Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

STAFF Sergeant Jim Miller, assigned to the 723rd Air Mobility Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, completes a post flight inspection of a Charleston Air Force Base, SC., C-17A Globmaster III after it arrives with cargo and pasengers at Ramstein Air Base. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

040114-F-9629J-011. Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: Bravo Company, 2-501st, 1ST Armo

Members of the 28th Munitions Maintenance Squadron practice loading weapons on a B-52H Stratofortress aircraft during Strategic Air Command Exercise Global Shield '83. Subject Operation/Series: GLOBAL SHIELD '83 Base: Ellsworth Air Force Base State: South Dakota (SD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-85-05215. Base: Fairchild Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

ANDERSEN AFB, Guam (August 31, 2022) - Civilian and military staff members of Joint Region Marianas toured the hangars and spaces of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 "Island Knights during their onboarding for JRM.

A weapons load crew (not shown), from the 20th Bomb Squadron at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, arms a B-52H "Stratfortress" (not shown), at RAF Fairford, England, with Mk-82 bombs in preparation for a combat mission over Yugoslavia. B-52s, B-1s, KC-135s and personnel (not shown) from throughout the Air Force are deployed to RAF Fairford to support NATO Operation Allied Force. Subject Operation/Series: NATO Base: Raf Fairford State: Gloucestershire Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

U.S. military personnel assigned to United States Central Command load equipment needed to assist in moving critical aid to Pakistan, Sep 11, 2022. USAID leads the U.S. Government's international development and disaster assistance, helping people emerge from humanitarian crises, such as the catastrophic flooding currently plaguing Pakistan. This USAID-led delivery was the first of many to be distributed at several locations throughout the country.

Members of the 66th Rescue Sq. Nellis AFB, Nevada, loaded two HH-60G "Pave Hawks" onto a C-5 "Galaxy" on Nellis AFB on 9 February 1998. The members of the squadron left for the gulf region as part of a international effort to ensure Iraq complies with United Nation Security Council resolutions and weapons inspection procedures. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-85-08656. Base: Philadelphia State: Pennsylvania (PA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Dummy bombs inside the bomb bay on the bottom of on a World War II era B-17 bomber from the Commemorative Air Force is on display in Sioux City, Iowa on July 25, 2022. The historic aircraft is one of only 5 remaining active Flying Fortress aircraft remaining. U.S. Air National Guard photo Senior Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot

060523-N-7711S-134. Base: USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76)

DF-ST-85-05224. Base: Fairchild Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 378th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Fire and Emergency Services Flight, maneuver through the cargo bay of a KC-10 Extender aircraft, during a simulated emergency response exercise, Dec. 9, 2022, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Firefighters and first responders assigned to the 378th ECES routinely conduct training exercises to ensure emergency response times and overall mission readiness.

Motor maintenance of a long distance maritime patrol fluid Lockheed P-3C (Update II) Orion at the MarineLiegkamp Valkenburg

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III airplane attached to 204th Airlift Squadron is unloaded by U.S. Marines on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 27, 2022. The C-17 carried two U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z viper helicopters assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 from Hawaii to Okinawa, Japan as part of a routine effort to rotate aircraft in and out of Japan to lower maintenance problems and to train interoperability with the heavy lift capabilities of the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Emily N. Weiss)

970204-F-5774B-004. Subject Operation/Series: PHOENIX THUNDER 97-B Base: Seymour Johnson Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 688th Rapid Port Opening Element, Fort Eustis, Va., load cargo and relief supplies onto a U.S. Air Force Reserve C-17 Globemaster III aircraft in support of Haiti earthquake relief efforts at Langley AFB, Va., Jan. 16, 2010. The C-17 crew is from the 729th Airlift Squadron, March Air Reserve Base, Calif., taking part in Operation Unified Response.

Airmen of the 2nd Maintenance Squadron wash a B-52H Stratofortress during phase maintenance process at Barksdale Air Force Base, La.

DF-ST-85-10889. Subject Operation/Series: DEEP FREEZE Country: Antarctica (ATA)

An interior view of a C-5A Galaxy aircraft of the 60th Military Airlift Wing. Aboard the aircraft are the vehicles and equipment of a United Nations-sponsored assistance group. The group, made up of 28 civil engineers from two Royal Australian Army units, has been sent to aid Namibia in its transition to independence from South Africa. The group was flown to Namibia aboard a C-5A Galaxy aircraft of the 60th Military Airlift Wing. Base: Windhoek Country: Namibia (NAM)

GULF OF OMAN (June 22, 2013) A Sailor maintains and cleans ordnance aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.

DN-SC-90-04324. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DF-ST-87-10680. Base: Tel Aviv Country: Israel (ISR)

110713-N-YR391-049MAYPORT, Fla. (July 13, 2011) A Sailor aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) observes from the forecastle as Enterprise approaches the pier at Naval Station Mayport for a port visit. The Enterprise Carrier Strike Group is returning to homeport at Naval Station Norfolk after a deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.

040303-F-3838S-069. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

200213-N-VH871-1021 OAK HARBOR, Wash. (Feb. 13, 2020) Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Kiyomi Bell, left, and Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Jermaine Snowden, preload a CATM-84D Harpoon in preparation for upcoming Conventional Weapons Technical Proficiency Inspection. Patrol Squadron 46 (VP 46) has recently returned from deployment in the U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 7th Fleet areas of operations and is making preparations to transition from the P-3C platform to the P-8A Poseidon.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Thomas Evans, a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft pilot assigned to 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, inspects the outside of a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 340th EARS before flight operations at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, April 6, 2022. The 340th EARS deployed with the Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central), is responsible for delivering fuel to U.S. and partner nation forces, enabling airpower, deterrence, and stability.

A flight deck crewman secures the nose of a Fleet Logistic Support Squadron 30 (VRC-30) C-2A greyhound aircraft on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DF-ST-89-00371. Base: Indian Springs Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220806-N-XK047-3018PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 6, 2022) - Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) Airman Ariel Ariola transports an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter using a spotting dolly aboard amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), Aug. 6. Makin Island is designed to field an integrated amphibious force that can support operational commanders around the globe with both strike and amphibious capabilities. Makin Island, flagship of amphibious squadron (CPR) SEVEN, along with 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), is currently underway conducting integrated training in the U.S. 3rd fleet to prepare for an upcoming deployment.

Maintenance personnel service a B-52 Stratofortress aircraft engine. Base: K. I. Sawyer Air Force Base State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-89-06615. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-86-07736. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A close-up underneath view of a C-5A Galaxy aircraft in kneeling position during an operational utility evaluation test for aircraft. Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Aviation Ordnanceman Third Class (AO3) Fox makes adjustments on a Mark 50 ALWT (advanced light weight torpedo) in the Weapons Division of the NAF Operations Department. Base: Naval Air Facility, Atsugi Country: Japan (JPN)

DN-SC-89-04607. Country: Unknown

Earthquake relief supplies and cargo bound for Haiti are loaded onto a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from the 452nd Air Mobility Wing, March Air Reserve Base, Calif., at Langley AFB, Va., Jan. 17, 2010. The C-17 crew is assigned to the the 729th Airlift Squadron, March ARB, Calif.

A 53rd Aviation Battalion UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is offloaded from a Military Airlift Command C-5 Galaxy aircraft at Faleolo International Airport. The helicopter will be used by U.S. military personnel during disaster relief efforts on the islands of Upolu and Savaii in the aftermath of Cyclone Ofa. Country: Western Samoa (ESM)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Beau Dormer, 9th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, prepares to offload a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite support cargo from a U.S. Air Force C-5M Super Galaxy at NASA Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, Florida, Jan. 23, 2024. GOES-U, the final spacecraft in the GOES-R series of weather and climate satellites, was transported by 9th AS Airmen to NASAs Kennedy Space Center ahead of its scheduled launch in April 2024.

A view of the Mark 16 Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) in Mount 24 aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Caribbean Sea

220610-N-MJ302-1100 PACIFIC OCEAN (June. 10, 2022) An E-2C Hawkeye, from the Sun Kings of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 116, rests in the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is underway conducting routine operations.

Airmen from the 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron and the 728th Air Mobility Squadron unload equipment from a C-5M Super Galaxy from Dover Air Force Base, Del., in support of Operation Inherent Resolve Aug. 9, 2015, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The Air Force deployed six F-16 Fighting Falcons from Aviano Air Base, Italy, support equipment, and approximately 300 personnel to Incirlik AB.

DF-ST-87-08061. Base: Warner Robins Air Force Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-86-07647. Base: Amman Air Base Country: Jordan (JOR)

SGT Keith Trimpey, left, and AMN Eric Henderson of the 42nd Field Maintenance Squadron work on an aircraft engine during the base's conventional operational readiness inspection. Base: Loring Air Force Base State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-87-07424. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER '86-1 Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

011023-F-1545M-006. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Members of the Air Wing maintain a F-14 Tomcat in Hangar Bay Three onboard USS Harry S. Truman. TRUMAN is currently conducting advanced battle group exercises off the Atlantic coast in preparation for her maiden deployment in November of 2000. Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-SC-89-06727. Base: Sturgeon Bay State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A view of the automatic ammo (ammunition) feeding system below the AK-176 76.2mm/59 caliber DP gun aboard the USNS HIDDENSEE (185NS9201) while the ship is moored at the Naval Sea Systems Command facility at Solomons Annex. The Soviet-built Tarantul I class missile corvette was acquired from the Federal German navy in November 1991, and is currently undergoing testing and evaluation by the U.S. Navy. Named Rudolf Egelhofer in the East German navy, the ship was renamed HIDDENSEE after the reunification of Germany in 1990. Country: Solomons

030905-F-0017M-073. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Byrd Field State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

110504-N-RC734-009GULF OF ADEN (May 4, 2011) A Scan Eagle unmanned aerial vehicle launches from the amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45). Scan Eagle is a runway independent, long-endurance, unmanned aerial vehicle system designed to provide multiple surveillance, reconnaissance data, and battlefield damage assessment missions. Comstock is assigned to Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, a multi-national coalition conducting counter piracy and maritime security operations in the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin.

Casualties" are placed, one above the other, aboard a C-141B Starlifter aircraft during Exercise Wounded Eagle '82. Subject Operation/Series: WOUNDED EAGLE '82 Base: Norton Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

F-15 RPRV/SPV Attached to a B-52

May 9, 2010 - In less than thirty seconds, 40 container delivery system bundles totaling 70,000 pounds drop out of a C-17 Globemaster III over a drop zone in Afghanistan.

A KC-10 Extender parked inside a hangar during its final inspection at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., April 10, 2023. This final inspection marked a significant milestone in the 305th Air Mobility Wings history, as they have fully converted to the KC-46A Pegasus. This represents a new chapter in air-to-air refueling capabilities for the Joint Force.

DN-ST-89-03299. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Paratroopers with 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, conduct final checks onboard a C-17 Globemaster III prior to conducting an airborne operation into Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 8, 2024. JPMRC 24-02 depends on joint, multi-component and multinational partners to succeed, including U.S. Air Force air and ground crews, U.S. Marines, and international military participants from more than five countries, a testament to the realism and authenticity of its world-class training capability. Army

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 435th Contingency Response Support Squadron and the 86th Maintenance Squadron host a Crash Damaged and Disabled Aircraft Recovery course using an Aeritalia G-222 aircraft for members of the Slovakian air force at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Feb. 28, 2024. Hosting security cooperation events such as mobile training teams with foreign partners and allies is one of the primary duties of air advisors assigned to the 435th CRSS. Air Force

DF-ST-89-09537. Base: Raf Woodbridge Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

031229-F-9629J-031. Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

Aviation ordnancemen stand by to remove Aero 21A weapons skids loaded with 500-pound practice bombs from the forward magazine elevator on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). A Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 135 (VAQ-135) EA-6B Prowler aircraft is at right. Country: Caribbean Sea

The SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour spacecraft, with NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley onboard, is positioned on the SpaceX GO Navigator recovery ship for crew egress shortly after landing in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Pensacola, Florida, Sunday, Aug. 2, 2020. The Demo-2 test flight for NASA's Commercial Crew Program was the first to deliver astronauts to the International Space Station and return them safely to Earth onboard a commercially built and operated spacecraft. Behnken and Hurley returned after spending 64 days in space.

DF-ST-86-11748. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-84-11569. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '84 Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Senior Airmen Nolan Denney, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew member, fastens a GBU-38 training munition onto a B-1B Lancer in preparation for a Weapon System Evaluation Program at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Nov. 7, 2022. The B-1 is equipped with multiple compartments that can hold a variety munitions in a variety of sizes, carrying a payload up to 75,000 pounds. (

220707-N-NR343-2002 NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN (July 7, 2022) Sailors assigned to Commander Task Force (CTF) 52 practice conducting mine countermeasure operations aboard a rigid-hull inflatable boat with sailors aboard littoral combat ship USS Sioux City (LCS 11) while pierside at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, July 7. Sioux City is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.

Onondaga, Submarine, Pointe au Pere, Rimouski, Canada, Quebec, historical, Navy, miltary, interior, narrow,

U.S. Air Force personnel prepare to attach a M777 howitzers to a forklift on a C-17 Globemaster III from Joint Base Elmendorf AK., in Eastern Europe, May 2, 2022. The security assistance the U.S. is providing to Ukraine is enabling critical success on the battlefield against the Russian invading force.

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