Aircraft Maintenance Operations

Visuals capture U.S. Air Force personnel conducting maintenance and refueling operations on various aircraft, highlighting teamwork and technical skills.

Maintenance Airmen with the 5th Bomb Wing hold the bomb bay doors of a B-52H Stratofortress for inspection during exercise Prairie Vigilance at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Sept. 17, 2022. Prairie Vigilance tests the 5th Bomb Wings ability to conduct strategic-bomber readiness operations.

B-1B Lancer aircraft maintainers assigned to the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, secure a refueling hose to a B-1B Lancer during a hot pit refueling at RAAF Base Darwin, NT, Australia, for a Bomber Task Force mission June 20, 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.

U.S Air Force Airmen assigned to the 934th Maintenance Group from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Reserve Station, Minnesota, rest after conducting maintenance on a 96th Airlift Squadron C-130 Hercules after a sortie during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 14, 2022. RF-A 22-2 provides realistic combat training in a simulated environment.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kyle Leven, a fuels management technician with the 104th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Massachusetts Air National Guard, refuels an F-15 Eagle during exercise Eagle Claw, a readiness exercise, June 11, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. The exercise assessed Barnestormers ability to maintain air dominance in a simulated contested, degraded, and operationally limited environment and test their implementation of the Agile Combat Employment deployment concept.

Staff Sgt. Keyli Pillaro-Estrada, 57th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, conducts pre-flight checks on a Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II during Black Flag 22-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Sept. 21, 2022. Members of the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps conducted F-35 cross service maintenance and logistics during Black Flag 22-2.

Maintenance Airmen with the 5th Bomb Wing hold the bomb bay doors of a B-52H Stratofortress for inspection during exercise Prairie Vigilance at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Sept. 17, 2022. Prairie Vigilance tests the 5th Bomb Wings ability to conduct strategic-bomber readiness operations.

A crew chief with the 421st Fighter Generation Squadron, prepares an F-35 Lightning II for refueling at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, April 5, 2022. The fifth-generation fighter aircraft will integrate with the B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit and B-52 Stratofortress as part of Exercise Agile Tiger. 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. Army Spc. Ali Nasser, Apache helicopter repairer, assigned to Alpha Company, 1-3rd Attack Battalion, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade takes a fuel sample from an AH-64D Apache helicopter during a pre-flight check at Lielvarde Air Base, Latvia, April 3, 2022. 12 CAB is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe that works alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retains command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Zackary Merritt, 43d Fighter Generation Squadron assistant dedicated crew chief, rests against a tire of an F-22 Raptor 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.

Army Staff Sgt. Daniel Kinsey, a member of the Arizona Army National Guard, carries a Hellfire missile to be loaded on an AH-64D Apache Nov. 4 during the Gunfighter Fly-In competition in Marana, Ariz. The Gunfighter Fly-In pits some of the best AH-64D Apache attack helicopter crews from seven different Army National Guard units from across the nation in a competition to see who's best. Crews from Arizona, Utah, Idaho, South Carolina, North Carolina, Texas and Missouri competed for the top scores in various events such as a live fire scenario, unmanned aerial systems teaming, simulator test and a written evaluation.

Two U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew members, assigned to the 1-108th Assault Helicopter Battalion, Kansas Army National Guard, survey the landing zone in preparation to land aboard a U.S. Navy ship in the Arabian Gulf, March 29, 2019. The 1-108th AHB deployed to the Middle East to complete aviation missions in support of Operations Spartan Shield and Inherent Resolve.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st class Christian Mondeau, and Senior Airman Danelle Tubania, 154th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chiefs, perform preflight checks on an F-22 Raptor from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, at Royal Australian Air Force Base Curtin, Western Australia, Aug. 22, 2022. Pacific Air Forces Airmen and aircraft operate throughout the Indo-Pacific to enforce an international rules-based order.

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

Special Tactics operators assigned to the Kentucky Air National Guards 123rd Special Tactics Squadron rehearse their parachute jump exit from a C-130J Super Hercules at Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville, Ky., on April 23, 2022, in preparation for a parachute insertion in the Ohio River for the Thunder Over Louisville air show. Members of the squadron kicked off the show by jumping with banners for the United States of America and Kentucky.

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 23rd Wing prepares an A-10C Thunderbolt II for takeoff at Savannah Air National Guard Base, Georgia, July 22, 2022. Agile Flag 22-2 is Air Combat Command's first lead-wing certification event designed to demonstrate the 23rd Wing's capability to generate combat air power while continuing to move, maneuver, and sustain the Wing and subordinate force elements in a dynamic and contested environment.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Daniel Watford, Forward Area Refueling Point (FARP) Operator assigned to the 355th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, fuels up an A-10C Thunderbolt II during Black Flag 22-1 at Nellis AFB, May 10, 2022. Black Flag is focused on developing and validating large force tactics and integration required to deliver combat capability and tactical advantage for the Combat Air Force to build readiness that credibly deters and successfully defeats adversaries.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jacob Helzer, 100th Maintenance Squadron hydraulics maintenance journeyman, uses the Boom Cover Tool on a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, July 22, 2022. The Boom Cover Tool, created by Helzer, is expected to save 40,000 man-hours and $1 million annually.

U.S. Sailors with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, wait for pilots to exit a F/A-18 Super Hornet during Weapons System Evaluation Program East-22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 12, 2022. WSEP is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 391st Fighter Generation Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, perform maintenance on an F-15E Strike Eagle at Tyndall AFB, Florida, Oct. 28, 2022. The unit visited Tyndall to participate in Checkered Flag 23-1. 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.

Soldiers of the Alaska Army National Guard transfer their luggage prior to boarding a HC-130 Combat King II for transport to Bethel, Alaska, Sept. 21, 2022. Approximately 100 members of the Alaska Organized Militia, which is comprised of the Alaska National Guard, Alaska State Defense Force and Alaska Naval Militia, were activated following a disaster declaration issued Sept. 17 after the remnants of Typhoon Merbok caused dramatic flooding across more than 1,000 miles of Alaskan coastline. (Alaska National Guard photo by Victoria Granado)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Aaron Jacobs, an F-35A crew chief, and Airman 1st Class Nathan Hernandez, a low observability maintenance technician, both assigned to the 495th Fighter Squadron, conduct pre-flight checks during exercise Poseidon's Rage 22 at Souda Air Base, Greece, July 22, 2022. PR22 focuses on the partnership between the U.S. and Hellenic Air Forces in order to validate F-35 and F-15E deployment capabilities and is the first iteration to feature the F-35 at Souda AB.

Airmen from the 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri Air National Guard, disembark a C-130 Hercules aircraft June 27, 2022 at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The 139th Airlift Wing was the lead unit for Task Force Iron Herk II providing airlift support for European Commands area of responsibility.

Master Sgts. John Brownell and Neil Allison of the 158th Fighter Wing unload cargo from a C-17 Globemaster III at Burlington International Airport, Vt., Nov. 3, 2015. This was the final plane to return from the theater support package the Vermont Air National Guard supported.

Crew chiefs with the 509th with the 509th maintenance squadron inspect a B-2 during Exercise Agile Tiger on Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri on April 4, 2022. Exercise Agile Tiger is designed to enhance our ability to communicate, collaborate, and operate with our joint service partners.

A U.S. Marine with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 153 guides a joint light tactical vehicle into the cargo hold of a KC-130J Hercules during a training event, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, March 21, 2023. The training was conducted to familiarize Marines with procedures for loading a JLTV onto a cargo aircraft.

011022-F-0308N-071. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Al Udeid Air Base, Doha Country: Qatar (QAT) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

Two C-130 crew chiefs from the 153d Airlift Wing walk away after preparing their C-130 equipped with USDA Forest Service MAFFS II (Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System) for a training flight.

U.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, prepare to load an AH-1Z Viper into a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III from the 3rd Airlift Squadron, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, June 29, 2022. Embarking rotary wing aircraft into C-17 Globe Master IIIs demonstrates expeditionary logistics enabling offensive air support in austere, distributed environments and validates HMLA operational concepts as lethal, networked, and persistent. 3rd Marine Aircraft Wings warfighting readiness directly enables aviation superiority in support of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force and joint operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl. Rachaelanne Woodward)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Thomas Nafziger, an aircraft electrical systems technician with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, inspects an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft before takeoff during exercise Keen Sword 2023 at Japan Air Self-Defense Force Nyutabaru Air Base, Japan, Nov. 15, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial exercise designed to enhance Japan-U.S. readiness, interoperability, and bilateral relations while demonstrating U.S. resolve to support the security interests of allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Abel Medellia, 146th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, California Air National Guard, marshals a C-130J Hercules into a parking spot at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, April 20, 2011. The C-130 is equipped with the Modular Airborne Firefighting System which is capable of dispensing 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant in under five seconds. MAFFS is a valuable tool in the effort to control the wildfires that are burning across Texas.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Adrian Garcia, left, 19th Special Operations Squadron operations superintendent, and U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Frank Veres, right, 492nd Special Operations Training Support Squadron MC-130H program manager, check harness lengths for the MC-130H Combat Talon II final flight under the 492nd Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida, May 31, 2022. Combat Talon IIs first arrived at Hurlburt June 29, 1992, and after acceptance testing, began official flying operations Oct. 17, 1992.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Dennis Sifford, 36th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron loadmaster, rests on the ramp of a C-130J Super Hercules before loading Bangladesh Special Forces for a static-line jump in support of Cope South 2024, Feb. 24, 2024, near Sylhet, Bangladesh. CS24 is a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored, bilateral tactical airlift exercise conducted in Bangladesh, with a focus on improving interoperability with the BAF and supporting the Bangladesh Armed Forces long-term modernization efforts. The Indo-Pacific region has been largely peaceful for more than 70 years due to the commitment of free nations to the rules-based international order. Air Force

A Pilot Inspects an F-16 Before a Flight

Airmen unload a 36th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules at the Palau International Airport, Republic of Palau, Oct. 31, 2022. This aircraft transported 23rd Air Expeditionary Wing troops and cargo from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to continue a Dynamic Force Employment operation.

Airmen assigned to the New York Air National Guards 106th Rescue work with members of the New York Air National Guards 105th Airlift Wing to offload 106th HH-60 Pave Hawk search and rescue helicopters from 105th C-17s at a Brazilian Air Force Base in Campo Grande, Brazil on August 20, 2022. The Airmen were in Brazil to participate in Exercise Tapio, a combined Brazilian- U.S. irregular warfare exercise in Campo Grade, Brazil. The New York Air National Guard dispatched 100 Airmen from the two wings to participate as part of the State Partnership Program relationship with Brazil,

Aeromedical technicians pass medical equipment at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 30, 2024. Aeromedical evacuation technicians play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of patients during air transport and are responsible for administering medical care, monitoring vital signs, and ensuring the safe and secure transfer of individuals in need of urgent medical attention.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Rhio Rendon-Rivera, Senior Airman Rodrigo Jimenez, and Airman 1st Class Logan Ward, 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit maintainers, mount a GBU-12 Paveway II bomb onto the wing of an F-35 Lightning II at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, July 22, 2022. Luke Air Force base serves as the premiere training base for F-35 pilots for the United States and other partner nations.

U.S. Army Spouses apart of the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade participate in the brigade spouse flight on Fort Drum, NY May 12, 2022. Spouses had the oppurtunity to fly in UH-60M Black Hawk and CH-47F Chinook helicopters.

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 23rd Wing inspects an A-10C Thunderbolt II before takeoff from Savannah Air National Guard Base, Georgia, July 22, 2022. Agile Flag 22-2 is Air Combat Command's first lead-wing certification event designed to demonstrate the 23rd Wing's capability to generate combat air power while continuing to move, maneuver, and sustain the Wing and subordinate force elements in a dynamic and contested environment.

Two United States Marines Corps air crewmen walk away from a KC-130E Hercules tanker that is parked on the Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, flight line during preparations to hot pit refuel incoming CH-46E's Sea Knights. The Marines are part of a KC-130F tanker crew from Marine Aerial Refueler/Transport Squadron Two Five Two (VMGR-252) 'Heavy Haulers' that have positioned themselves on a large section of open tarmac to hot pit refuel the inbound helicopters. During this hot pit refuel, the KC-130F crewmembers visible next to the aircraft wheel-well will pump fuel to the running helicopters through the hose that runs from the aircraft and out of frame. The KC-130F is assigned to Marine.... Complete Scene Caption: Two United States Marines Corps air crewmen walk away from a KC-130E Hercules tanker that is parked on the Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, flight line during preparations to hot pit refuel incoming CH-46E's Sea Knights. The Marines are part of a KC-130F tanker crew f

U.S. Army Col. Travis McIntosh, 10th CAB Commander, finishes his final flight in his Army career on Fort Drum, Ny. July 15, 2022. CW5 Rolando Sanchez, 10th CAB Command Chief Warrant Officer, also conducted his last flight with the brigade.

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers wash a UH-72A Lakota helicopter during PATRIOT South 19 at Savannah Air National Guard Base, Ga., Mar. 2, 2019. PATRIOT South 19 is an annual, accredited Joint National Training Capability exercise that provides a simulated natural disaster environment for units to test their response and capabilities to conduct domestic operations.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Michael Ortolani, right, a crew chief, administers multi-capable Airman training to Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Bollock, left, a logistition, at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility for the joint Ballast Cannon exercise, Jan. 7, 2024. 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 long-standing relationships the U.S. Air Force has developed within the CENTCOM AOR enables regular and routine training which advances the coalition's ability to become a seamless operational force across every warfighting domain.

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

020529-F-1460M-008. Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jack Desmidt, a loadmaster assigned to the 15th Airlift Squadron, stationed at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, prepares to load cargo onto a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Nov. 30, 2022. Airmen assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing departed Joint Base Charleston to conduct off-station training in the U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibilities to hone global reach and readiness capabilities.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Austin Sondergard, 605th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, performs pre-flight checks on a KC-10 extender at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. on Oct. 10, 2022. Sondergard received brain surgery to remove an arteriovenous malformation, and later suffered losses to both memory, speech, and motor skills due to a stroke. Recovered, Sondergard returned to his duties as a Crew Chief and hobby as an avid powerlifter.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jesse S. Jahn, A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft pilot assigned to the 163rd Fighter Squadron, parks after landing at the Fort Wayne Air National Guard base in Fort Wayne, Indiana June 5, 2022. Jahn celebrated his final military flight amongst family and friends during the 2022 Fort Wayne Air Show.

An Airman assigned to the 77th Fighter Generation Squadron practices Forward Area Refueling Point (FARP) procedures at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., July 7, 2022. FARP, a specialty within the petroleum, oils and lubrication career field, trains Airmen to effectively refuel aircraft in remote locations when air-to-air refueling is not possible or when fueling stations are not accessible.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ryan Estes, an aerial gunner with the 4th Special Operations Squadron, participates in a training sortie on an AC-130J Ghostrider, April 27, 2022 at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The 4 SOS regularly performs training sorties on the AC-130J in order to ensure readiness to perform special operations missions any time, any place.

U.S. Air Force Airmen 1st Class Justin Carrizales and Natanaell Vicente-Castro, 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chiefs, speak to each other during C-17 Globemaster III relocation operations for Tropical Storm Ian at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Sept. 29, 2022. The base routinely relocates aircraft prior to extreme weather conditions in order to continue the rapid global mobility mission and to avoid potential damage. (U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sara Jenkins)

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 404th Civil Affairs Battalion, board a CH-47 for an Airborne operation at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. on Sept. 10, 2022. The unit conducted non-tactical airborne operations at the Army Aviation Facility in order to maintain mission readiness and proficiency among their paratroopers with the assistance of two CH-47s out of Virginia.The Army Aviation Facility was created through a MILCON effort valued at 11.7 million dollars and made possible by the joint effort of ASA Fort Dix and the U.S. Marine Corps Marine Aircraft Group 49. The 2100 square foot building is host to an Army Ramp Management Area which provides a wide range of capabilities for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft such as the C-130, CH-47S, and UH-60S.

A U.S. Air Force tactical aircraft maintenance technician with the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing, Madison, Wisconsin, preps an F-16 Fighting Falcon Aircraft Nov. 22, 2022 during a senior leadership visit at Truax Field.

Airmen from the 124th Fighter Wing, Boise, Idaho arrive at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, MI, June 4, 2022 to participate in Agile Rage 22. Agile Rage 22 is a National Guard Bureau-led exercise, held June 6-19, 2022 at Alpena CRTC, part of the National All-Domain Warfighting Center, and provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Isaac Fagan, a low-observable aircraft structural maintenance journeyman assigned to the 3rd Maintenance Group, executes a post-flight assessment of an F-22 Raptor in support of RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 10, 2022. In addition to aircrew, RF-A provides training for maintenance and support personnel in sustainment of large-force deployed air operations.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Sean Dolan, an F/A-18 Hornet pilot, right, and Capt. Raymond Rickenbach, an F/A-18D Hornet weapons system officer with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533 conduct pre-flight inspections on an AGM-84D Harpoon Anti-Ship Missile attached to an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft at Andersen Air Force Base Guam, June 14, 2022, in preparation of 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.

Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Damian Sullivan, from Moreno Valley, California, assigned to the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) supply department, checks for signs of a chemical biological radiological attack during a general quarters drill, Oct. 13, 2022. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) is deployed in the Atlantic Ocean, conducting training and operations alongside NATO Allies and partners to enhance integration for future operations and demonstrate the U.S. Navys commitment to a peaceful, stable and conflict-free Atlantic region.

A U.S. Army UH-60M Blackhawk assigned to the 150th Aviation Regiment upload onto a C-17 Globematser III on May 6, 2022, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. The Black Hawk offers pilots seats that are protected with heavy armor, and an armored fuselage capable of withstanding hits from guns with up to 23mm shells. It can also operate safely in the majority of severe weather conditions due to its wide array of advanced avionics.

U.S. Air Force Col. Richard Hunt, vice commander of the 175th Wing, Maryland Air National Guard, prepares for flight, ready to conduct Agile Combat Employment training in support of the DEFENDER-Europe 22 exercise, May 18, 2022, Ämari Air Base, Estonia. DEFENDER-Europe is an annual large-scale U.S. Army-led, multinational, joint exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between U.S., NATO and partner militaries.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Noah Coronel-Yamamoto, 37th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, reviews a pre-flight checklist at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Feb. 13, 2024. Airmen from the 86th Operations Group, 86th Maintenance Group, and members of the U.S. German Armies partnered together to showcase the Global Gateways airlift capabilities across the European theater. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Suthichai Hill, 177th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, sits under a 177th Fighter Wing F-16C Fighting Falcon Jan. 23, 2022, at the 156th Wing, Muñiz Air National Guard Base in Carolina, PR. The 177FW F-16s were flown to Puerto Rico for the NJ ANGs first Agile Combat Employment (ACE) training exercise. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Hunter Hires)

Two Soldiers from Bravo Company Big Windy, 1-214th General Support Aviation Battalion, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade chain and moor a CH-47F Chinook helicopter at the Katterbach Army Airfield, Germany, June 14, 2022. The 1-214th GSAB spent over three months in Poland working alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retain command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater. 12 CAB is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe. They work alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retain command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

Texas Air National Guardsmen at the 136th Airlift Wing listen to a briefing from a Chilean Air Force service member in preparation for the FIDAE Chilean International Air and Space Show April 2, 2022, at Arturo Merino Benitez Airport, Santiago, Chile. The Texas Air National Guard, the State Partner of Chile, is supporting FIDAE by transporting various support crews and cargo.

MQ-9 Reaper crew chiefs perform a routine inspection Aug. 12, 2014, on an MQ-9 remotely piloted aircraft at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. The 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron thoroughly inspects each part of the aircraft before takeoff and after landing, looking for any discrepancies that could interfere with the proper operation of the aircraft. Inspections are performed based on various factors including total hours flown and discrepancies noticed or reported during training sorties. The crew chiefs are assigned to the 49th AMXS.

050404-F-9429S-005. Base: Bagram Air Base Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

Marines with the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron - 773, Det. Alpha guide a Bell AH-1Z Viper helicopter onto a C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Louisiana, Sept. 13, 2022. This was the first time the Marines from the HMLA-733 participated in the NATO days air show.

Airman Jonathan Quinchia drags the fuel hose to a 46th Test Wing F-16 Fighting Falcon to be refueled Nov. 28, 2011, at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Last year, more than 14 million gallons of fuel and cryogenics products were delivered to fulfill the 8,000 test and training missions on base. Quinchia is assigned to the 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

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.

A crew chief from the 36th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron looks out at the line of C-130J Super Hercules waiting on the flightline early on a rainy morning at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Aug. 25, 2022. C-130J Super Hercules are one of the core components of the bases rapid airlift mission, making the job of maintaining a critical aspect in mission completion for units on the base and visiting aircraft from around the globe.

A U.S. Air Force maintainer from the 352d Special Operations Wing removes the wheel chock from an MC-130J Commando II on the flightline Royal Air Force Mildenhall, U.K., Aug. 3, 2022. The training mission included three airdrops, emergency recovery simulation, air-to-air refueling and low-visibility special tactics.

A U.S. Air Force aerospace propulsion specialist, assigned to the 179th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, inspects for engine leaks on a Block 50 F-16CM Fighting Falcon at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, May 26, 2022. Propulsion specialists repair and maintain parts of the engine. The 179th EFS projects combat airpower across AFCENTs area of responsibility, supporting personnel, improving force movement, and showing U.S. and partner nations resolve in the region.

A U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II prepares for flight June 30, 2022 at Hurlburt Field, Fla. The Commando II flies clandestine, or low visibility, single or multiship, low-level infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces, by airdrop or airland and air refueling missions for special operations helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft, intruding politically sensitive or hostile territories.

011107-F-0308N-021. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Southwest Asia Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

A soldier sits in an M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, May 26, 2022. The MLRS carries three crew members: the gunner, driver, and launcher chief.

U.S. Air Force Col. Kristoffer Smith, 20th Fighter Wing commander, prepares to climb into the cockpit of an F-16 during exercise Red Flag-Nellis (RF-N) 23-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, March 20, 2023. RF-N 23-2 provides a challenging and dynamic environment for the 20th Fighter Wing pilots and aircrew by bringing air forces and airframes from around the world together to integrate as a team during simulated wartime operations, ensuring seamless interoperability for potential future conflicts.

Airmen with the 172nd Airlift Wing, Jackson, Mississippi, monitor systems during a C-17 Globemaster III engine startup at Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii, July 11, 2022. Members of the 183rd Airlift Squadron, 172nd Maintenance Group, and the 186th Air Refueling Wing recently returned from Hawaii after taking part in training that flexed the skills required to keep the 172nd Airlift Wings global mission running smoothly. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jared Bounds.

Master Sgt.Karl Vickroy, 171st Air Refueling Wing's 2012 nominee for Outstanding Airman of the Year, Senior Noncommisioned Officer category, performs duties related to his job as aircraft crew chief. (National Guard

Aircraft Armament Systems specialists assigned to the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard, Duluth, Minn., remove the handling set of a M61A1. Aircraft Armament Systems specialists ensure that explosive devices can be accurately delivered from F-16 Fighting Falcons on October 7, 2022. From testing and evaluating new weapons systems to loading ordnance, these professionals make sure when a pilot pulls the trigger, the devices successfully launch away from the aircraft toward the target.

With an M-16 slung over his shoulder an Air Force Technical Sergeant uses marshalling lights to direct a C-130 Hercules into position at Kandahar International Airport, Kandahar, Afghanistan, in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Kandahar International Airport Country: Afghanistan (AFG) Scene Major Command Shown: Unknown

U.S. Air Force Maj. Joseph Martin, 355th Training Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, performs a walk-around inspection on an A-10 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, May 25, 2022. The A-10 is specially designed for close air support of ground forces and offers excellent maneuverability at low airspeeds and altitudes.

980623-F-2171A-002. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The 149th Fighter Squadron, Virginia Air National Guard, welcomes Lt. Col. Lawrence Dietrich as the new commander during a change of command ceremony June 4, 2020, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Dietrich took command of the unit from William J. Shnowske who had served as the commander since August 8, 2020.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. David B. Lyons, left, Air Combat Command director of operations, and Maj. Gen. Michael G. Koscheski, 15th Air Force commander, visit the Air Base Squadron at Avon Park Auxiliary Airfield, Florida, July 25, 2022. Agile Flag functioned as a contributing certifying event for the 23rd Wing of Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, to validate its ability to deploy, employ, sustain forces and execute priority mission essential tasks in a degraded and operationally limited environment as a Lead Wing.

U.S. Airmen with the 142nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon, place chocks against the tires of an F-15C Eagle during Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.08 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 17, 2022. WSEP is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

Staff Sgt. Ryan Amador, 52nd Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment maintainer (center), briefs Staff Sgt. Fabian Gilmore, 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew chief (right), and Airman First Class Matthew Tatingfong 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew member on the four-way communications splitter at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, August 31, 2022. Allowing up to three aircrew members to talk with a pilot, it can also be used to train newer personnel and troubleshoot any discrepancies that may occur during pre-flight checks. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Warren D. Spearman Jr.)

Airmen from the Kentucky Air National Guards 123rd Contingency Response Group board a West Virginia Air National Guard C-17 at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Sept 23, 2017, in support of Hurricane Maria recovery operations. Thirty-two members of the unit are deploying to San Juan, Puerto Rico to establish an air cargo hub to process relief supplies.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Allan Schaad, 56th Rescue Squadron special missions aviator, conducts a post flight inspection on a U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk during exercise Jolly Vihar at Pápa Air Base, Hungary, July 13, 2022. Jolly Vihar is a bilateral training exercise aimed to enhance U.S. and Hungarian forces ability to conduct integrated search and rescue operations and increase NATO ground and air rescue capabilities.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Adam Schmidt, commander of the 15th Special Operations Squadron, performs a final walk around” of MC-130H Combat Talon II, Tail Number 89-0280 at the Boneyard” at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., April 3, 2023. From there, the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group will perform regular anti-corrosion and other maintenance to preserve the MC-130H, as sometimes, aircraft can be returned to service based on needs of the Air Force.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Logan Haldopoulos, 104th Fighter Wing crew chief signals to an F-15 Eagle during a readiness exercise June 11, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. The exercise assessed Barnestormers ability to maintain air dominance in a simulated contested, degraded, and operationally limited environment and test their implementation of the Agile Combat Employment deployment concept.

Members of the 147th Attack Wing Aircraft Maintenance Squadron watch as an MQ-9 Reaper prepares to taxi at Scholes International Airport in Galveston, Texas on January 10, 2024. The Wing tested satellite launch and recovery operations at Scholes International Airport in Galveston as part of its innovative approach to the Agile Combat Employment Concept.

U.S. Marines with the All Type Model Series Armament Team (ATAT) re-arm an aircraft during training on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Nov. 3, 2022. The team routinely trains on multiple platforms to ensure each member becomes qualified and maintains proficiency to load ordnance on all aircraft platforms within 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. The capabilities these Marines bring to the 3rd MAW team provides increased flexibility and lethality to commanders.

U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Squadron 25 flight captains check the electrical systems on a F-18E Super Hornet during pre-flight checks prior to a training sortie during the Red Flag 22-2 exercise at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 16, 2022. The VFA-25 squadron, known as the Fist of the Fleet, has nearly an 80 year lineage with the U.S. Navy and has been utilizing the carrier-capable F-18E Strike Eagle since 1999. Red Flag-Alaska is the only exercise of its kind that provides allied nations and joint-partner forces the opportunity to see mock combat and high operational working tempo in a simulated deployed environment.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 1st Marine Logistics Group, prepare to unload gear off of a C-17 Globemaster III, in support of Valiant Shield 22 on Palau, June 10, 2022. Exercises such as Valiant Shield allows the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 177th Fighter Wing, the 108th Wing, the 305th Air Mobility Wing, and the 150th Special Operations Squadron participate in a Crash Damage or Disabled Aircraft Recovery training exercise, June 11, 2022 at the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, Lower Township, New Jersey. The exercise provided units from across the state with the training opportunity to recover a simulated downed aircraft in the event of a forced landing. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Airman 1st Class Darion Boyd)

Airman 1st Class Joshua Olea, 374th Comptroller Squadron financial operations technician, left, and Senior Airman Kyle Kane, 374th CPTS financial analysis technician, stands ready to defend a C-130J Super Hercules during the fly-away security training at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 10, 2022. Members from the 374th Security Forces Squadron familiarized their own Airmen as well as Airmen from other Squadron with how to secure an aircraft in a location that requires an extra measure of security. In case there are not enough Security Forces members on the aircraft, members from other units will assist in protecting the aircraft from potential threats.

An aircraft transporting Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall is parked on the flightline in front of U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. John Via, right, 137th Special Operations Wing (SOW) Mission Sustainment Team senior enlisted leader, who delivers a silver tent support beam to be packed away by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Logan Christensen, left, a 137th Special Operations Wing (SOW) Mission Sustainment Team Airman, during training Aug. 11, 2022, Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Mich. The Airmen were participating in Northern Strike 22-2, which has focused on the militarys ability to train the warfighter in any environment, and 137th SOW multi-capable Airmen have directly contributed to reaching that proof of concept.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 75th Fighter Generation Squadron unload luggage from an HC-130J Combat King II during exercise Agile Flag 22-2 at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, July 24, 2022. Agile Flag 22-2 is Air Combat Commands first lead-wing certification event designed to demonstrate the 23rd Wings capability to generate combat air power while continuing to move, maneuver, and sustain the Wing and subordinate force elements in a dynamic and contested environment. (U.S. Airman 1st Class Rachel Coates)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Grant Foslien, a 934th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Air Reserve Station, Minnesota, guides a 96th Airlift Squadron C-130H Hercules after a sortie during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 14, 2022. In addition to aircrew, RFA provides training for deployed maintenance and support personnel in sustainment of large-force deployed air operations.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Blake Witzel, 92nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron flying crew chief, performs a preflight inspection of a KC-135 Stratotanker during Operation Noble Defender in St. Croix, Virgin Islands, June 29, 2022. Operation Noble Defender is a series of NORAD operations that validates the commands capability to defend Canada and the United States against threats from every avenue of approach.

A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) member refuels a RAAF F-35A while conducting Forward Area Refueling Point (FARP) training during Black Flag 22-1 at Nellis AFB, May 13, 2022. Black Flag is focused on developing and validating large force tactics and integration required to deliver combat capability and tactical advantage for the Combat Air Force to build readiness that credibly deters and successfully defeats adversaries.

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