Aircraft Maintenance Operations

Photos capturing air force personnel performing weapon load and equipment maintenance, reflecting teamwork and precision in military operations.

Staff Sgt. Connor Young, Spc. Chad Clemons and Pfc. Aaron McCallister, assigned to 404th Aviation Support Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, assembles the Unit Maintenance Aerial Recovery Kit on the aircraft at Fort Carson, Colorado, Aug. 24, 2022. The UMARK is used to recover malfunctioning helicopters and drones affected by accidents, and it's typically used in combat zones or areas where an enemy threat is present.

The 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Red team lifts an AIM-9 onto the rail of an F-15 during the squadrons weapons load competition July 29 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The Red team battled the Blue (F-16) team for weapons loadcrew supremacy during the quarterly competition. The Red team claimed victory this quarter. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Loadmasters from the 155th Airlift Squadron, load cargo during the 164th Airlift Wing's weekly channel.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jacklyn Edgmond, 435th Security Forces Squadron team chief, fastens equipment to a fellow Airman during joint training with German and U.S Armies Feb. 13, 2024. Joint service-members performed a static-line jump above Ramstein Air Base to demonstrate airlift and airdrop capabilities. Air Force

On January 18, 2023, Soldiers demonstrated their expertise and knowledge during training today, helping set up signal operations that provide communication between units far and wide. Nothing moves without their hard work and diligence, and we appreciate everything they do to make this the best Signal Brigade in the U.S. Army!

Spc. Kellan Mathis, an allied trade specialist assigned to Field Support Command, 2nd Battalion, 34th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division uses an angle grinder to shape the metal sheet into a rear deck fastener on an M1A2 Abrams tank at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, March 30, 2022. Maintenance and repair of military equipment ensures the U.S. and allies can respond quickly and decisively to crises.

Senior Airman Andrew Small, left, 436th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron hydraulic systems journeyman, and Tech. Sgt. Victor Torres, 436th AMXS hydraulic systems craftsman, review technical orders during a C-5M Super Galaxy main landing gear strut repack at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Oct. 6, 2022. Small, Torres and other hydraulic system maintainers removed and replaced internal seals during the repack procedure.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jaxon Brown, 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. Airmen with Aerial Port of the 139th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Missouri Air National Guard, load a platform onto a K-loader for an airdrop during Saber Junction 19 at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sep. 18, 2019. SJ19 is an exercise involving nearly 5,400 participants from 16 ally and partner nations at the U.S. Armys Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels Training Areas, Sept. 3 to 30 Sept. 2019. SJ19 is designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Armys 173rd Infantry Airborne Brigade to execute land operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with participating allies and partner nations.

Staff Sgt. Connor Young, Spc. Chad Clemons and Pfc. Aaron McCallister, assigned to 404th Aviation Support Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, assembles the Unit Maintenance Aerial Recovery Kit on the aircraft at Fort Carson, Colorado, Aug. 24, 2022. The UMARK is used to recover malfunctioning helicopters and drones affected by accidents, and it's typically used in combat zones or areas where an enemy threat is present.

Alaska Air National Guard Tech Sgt. Michael Cashman, a loadmaster on the HC-130J Combat King II aircraft with the 211th Rescue Squadron, 176th Wing, waits for clearance before leaving Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson with a delegation of 32 soldiers, airmen and civilians from the Alaska National Guard and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs bound for Gambell, Alaska, on St. Lawrence Island March 28, 2023.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Haden Gator Fullam, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team pilot and commander, taxis at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, July 14, 2022. Fullam flew a capability demonstration of the A-10 Thunderbolt II in front of cadets from the U.S. Air Force Academy as part of a routine practice sortie.

A U.S. Air Force crew chief, training with the 179th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, hooks up a fuel hose to a Block 50 F-16CM Fighting Falcon at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, April 29, 2022. Crew chiefs are general system mechanics that oversee all maintenance, related to the aircraft. 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.

Airman 1st Class Tyler De Tata, 18th Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight technician, collects a water sample to test for bacteria at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 21, 2022. The 18th BEF incubates the water sample for 24 hours to determine if there has been a bacterial contamination.

Soldiers assigned to 1-229 Attack Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade refuel, rearm, and repair AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and other vehicles at the Forward Arming and Refueling Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Oct. 20, 2022.

Airmen from the 79th Rescue Generation Squadron discuss the proper way to repair an engine at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, 18 May, 2022. Maintenance and operations working alongside, towards similar objectives, promotes an overall better view of readiness.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 1st and 57th Munitions Squadron participate in Red Flag at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 12, 2022. Four Airmen from the 1st Munitions Squadron operate alongside the 57th Munitions Squadron working on GBU-10 Paveway II bombs during Red Flag 22-3.

Senior Airman Cameron Moots, second from left, a loadmaster assigned to the 517th Airlift Squadron, helps secure a simulated container delivery system on a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, April 14, 2022. Various aircrews attended the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Centers Advanced Tactics Aircrew Course in Fort Huachuca, Arizona, from April 11-15, 2022 including the U.S. Air Force Reserve Commands 302nd Airlift Wing, Rhode Island Air National Guards 143rd Airlift Wing, New York ANGs 105th Airlift Wing, the Royal Danish Air Forces 721 Squadron, and the U.S. Air Forces 517th Airlift Squadron. During ATAC, students spend their first week at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base in St. Joseph, Missouri, and their second week at Fort Huachuca.

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Cory Tracy, forward deployed from the 387th Air Expeditionary Squadron, Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, inspects cargo in preparation for a departure flight during Accurate Test 22 at Thumrait Air Base, Oman, May 22, 2022. The inspection helped ensure that the cargo was safe, secure and properly marked for shipment.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Johnathan Ferguson, 305th Air Mobility Wing quality assurance inspector (Right), and U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Chase Staron, 305th Air Mobility Wing crew chief, perform a quality assurance inspection at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. on Nov. 22, 2022. Ferguson is one of over one million registered bone marrow donors through the Department of Defenses Salute to Life program. This year he met with the recipient of a donation he made in 2012 that allowed the patient to achieve remission of leukemia.

Soldiers from across 1st Armored Division familiarize themselves with various mechanical parts of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle on Fort Bliss, Texas, January 27, 2022. 1st Battalion 37th Armored Regiment (Bandits) hosted training in their motor pool to prepare 1AD Soldiers for future training operations.

Senior Airman Xavier Carter, 334th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons load crew member, secures a bomb during a weapons load competition at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Oct. 7, 2022. Crews of three Airmen, from each of the aircraft maintenance squadrons on base, competed against each other for the best time while ensuring accuracy, serviceability and efficiency.

Soldiers from Charlie Company, 501st Brigade Support Battalion conduct a medical evacuation drill during a training exercise, May 20, 2022, on Rodriguez Live Fire Range, Republic of Korea. The training exercise provided further insight into real-world applications of medical evacuation and casualty care.

Texas National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk crew members, SSG Brant Spinn and SGT Kevin McLaughlin, install the Bambi Bucket. The crews were launched out of the Austin Army Aviation Support Facility to help fight the North Texas wildfires. The bucket carries over 600 gallons of water to fight fires.

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. - Staff Sgt. Wesley Baptiste, 91st Missile Maintenance Squadron missile maintenance instructor and Airman Daniel Peryer, 91st MMXS missile maintenance apprentice, perform a simulated missile reduction in accordance with the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, here Nov. 29. New START is a treaty between the United States and the Russian Federation to reduce the number of strategic nuclear missile launchers.

Medical technicians from the 36th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron practice keeping a sterile field while performing a procedure during flight while training on the newest Air Force air refueler, the KC-46 Pegasus, flown by the 77th Air Refueling Squadron from the 916th Air Refueling Wing, August 16-19, 2022. Aeromedical personnel are required to train on all airframes that can carry patients, from the loading and unloading, the setup of the litter stantions, to knowing where medical equipment plug ins are located, to the emergency evacuation procedures from the aircraft while on the ground, and prior to this four-day training session, only six members of the squadron had been trained on the KC-46 Pegasus.

U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to 163d Attack Wing performs required maintenance for rapid rearmament of the MQ-9 Reaper munitions on San Clemente Island, California on June 23. 2022. This multi-capable airman successfully performed several jobs in support of Exercise Rhino Strike. The goal of the exercise was to enhance the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) and Multi-Capable Airman (MCA) concept. (Photo by U.S. Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Joseph Pagan)

Sgt. Denton Anderson, flight engineer with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 111th Aviation Regiment, Mississippi Army National Guard, guides cargo onto a CH-47 Chinook helicopter in Meridian, Mississippi, Sept. 29, 2022. Approximately 20 Soldiers and Airmen from the Mississippi National Guard are deploying to Florida to assist with emergency response in the wake of Hurricane Ian.

Airmen from the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron set up solar panels for a Project Arcwater tent, Aug. 10, 2022, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. The solar panels produced energy that was used to supply the tent with power.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Johnathan Ferguson, 305th Air Mobility Wing quality assurance inspector (Right), and U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Chase Staron, 305th Air Mobility Wing crew chief, perform a quality assurance inspection at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. on Nov. 22, 2022. Ferguson is one of over one million registered bone marrow donors through the Department of Defenses Salute to Life program. This year he met with the recipient of a donation he made in 2012 that allowed the patient to achieve remission of leukemia.

Wheeled vehicle mechanics (91B) keep tactical vehicles operational at the District of Columbia National Guards Combined Support Maintenance Shop at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Jan. 18. 2024. District of Columbia National Guard electronics and calibration technicians within the Test Measurement Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE) section are responsible for testing, adjusting, and verifying the accuracy of calibration instruments.

Alaska Air National Guard Tech Sgt. Christopher Khamphady, assigned to the 176th Civil Engineer Squadron, secures tactical, diesel generators to a pallet in preparation for Vigilant Guard 2024-2, Feb. 27, 2024. The generators are part of the Disaster Relief Beddown Set, a rapidly deployable sustainable and expandable system capable of housing up to 150 military and first responders. The 176th Wing is now home to Alaskas first DRBS kit. Its a prime location to respond to floods, fires, earthquakes around the state due to its many airframes, road systems and the port of Alaska just next door. (Alaska National Guard

U.S. Sailors assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83 remove an AIM-9X sidewinder missile from an F/A-18E Super Hornet at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 10, 2022. The VFA 83 participated in the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Groups Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.08. 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.

Pvt. Abran Martinez and 1st Lt. Collin Edwards, part of the Downed Aircraft Recovery Team (DART) with Delta Company, 2-227th General Support Aviation Battalion, unload helicopter recovery equipment from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during a downed aircraft scenario with a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from Bravo Company, 3-227th Air Assault Helicopter Battalion, during Exercise Swift Response, Skopje, North Macedonia, May 15, 2022. Exercise Swift Response 2022 is an annual multinational training exercise, which takes place in Eastern Europe, the Arctic High North, Baltics, and Balkans from May 2-20, 2022. It aims to present combat credible Army forces in Europe and Africa and enhance readiness by building airborne interoperability with Allies and Partners and the integration of joint service partnerships.

Airmen with the Air Force Reserve Command aircrew for a C-17 Globemaster III work with Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment (1-147) of the Wisconsin National Guard on loading and unloading UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters June 10 at Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport at Fort McCoy. The 1-147th was set up with numerous Black Hawks and support equipment and personnel at the Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport throughout the first two weeks of June for annual training. The 1-147th and its UH-60s regularly support training operations at Fort McCoy as well as supporting distinguished visitor flying operations.

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.

Staff Sgt. Emily WarrenFeltz, 4th Operational Medical and Readiness Squadron NCO in charge of readiness and training, and Senior Airman Kushod Tucker, 4th OMRS bioenvironmental engineering journeyman, test the effectiveness of ear protection when standing next to a wash machine at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, April 28, 2022. This test helps bioenvironmental determine the effectiveness of hearing protection for base personnel around their everyday equipment.

Weapons personnel with the 124th Fighter Wing, Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, load munitions onto an A-10 Thunderbolt II at the Combat Readiness Training Center, Alpena, Michigan, June 13, 2022. The 124th FW, along with a number of other guard units, is participating in Agile Rage 22, a National Guard Bureau-led effort to train on the Air Forces agile combat employment mission.

A U.S. Air Force crew chief, training with the 179th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, checks the brakes on a Block 50 F-16CM Fighting Falcon at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, April 29, 2022. Crew chiefs are general system mechanics that oversee all maintenance, related to the aircraft. 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.

Ghost Brigade Soldiers attended training involving maintenance and operation on the new DVHA1 Stryker on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, on August 23, 2022. Ghost Brigade mechanics and operators are focused on cross-training to become subject matter experts and bring that knowledge back to their formations to teach and mentor other Soldiers regarding the new Stryker variation.According to Ken Poturica, lead instructor in the operator new equipment training, the most noteworthy upgrade to the DHVA1 Stryker is the Double V-Hull bottom. This change to the strykers provides a better shield against improvised explosive devices. With the ample amount of education and dedication necessary for this extreme change in the brigade's history, soldiers must be focused on the goal - to prepare the Ghost Brigade for combat, to overmatch our enemy, and to keep soldiers safe. (U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Laurie Ellen Wash)

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade conduct an emergency deployment readiness exercise (EDRE) on Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Oct. 8, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Pagtama, a weapons load crew chief assigned to the 333rd Fighter Generation Squadron, prepare to load munitions during an annual load crew competition at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, on February 23, 2024. Every year, a load crew from each unit goes head-to-head in a competition that tests their dress and appearance, weapons knowledge and speed and accuracy of loading munitions on an F-15E Strike Eagle. Air Force

030905-F-2021H-025. Base: Ellsworth Air Force Base State: South Dakota (SD) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

220927-N-PI330-1006 Gulfport, Mississippi (September 27, 2022) Construction Mechanic 2nd Class Jacob Miles, left, and Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Leighton Sheard, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 (NMCB 133), diagnose a faulty oil pressure gauge for a high mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicle on Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, Mississippi, September 27, 2022. NMCB 133 is at homeport in Gulfport, Mississippi conducting training cycles.

This Marine Unit, 1st Battalion 25th USMC are on the Fort Dix Range Complex on Range 65 during a Crew Gunnery Training event. This unit is located throughout New England and upstate New York. This training on Range 65 consists of targeting on mounted vehicles moving and/or stationary. (photos taken by the Fort Dix Training Support Center / Daniel Amburg)

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jesse Ballard, 48th Maintenance Group loading standardization crew chief, loads a GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition (QUICKSINK) onto an F-15E Strike Eagle at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Sept. 7, 2022. QUICKSINK is a new low-cost, air-delivered capability for defeating maritime threats.

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- United States Air Force Airmen and Space Force Gaurdians load a Mobile Constellation Control Station aboard a C-17 at Peterson Space Force Base on Wednesday, Sept 14 2022. The unit is being transported to an operating location as part of the 4th Space Operations Squadron at Schriever Space Force Base's multi-day operation to provide proof of concept for missions outside of the United States returning the MCCS to Schriever Space Force Base. The 4th SOPS mission is to operate the U.S. Space Force's protected and wideband Military Satellite Communications systems. They provide warfighters global, secure, survivable, strategic and tactical communication during peacetime and throughout the full spectrum of conflict. ( U.S. Space Force Photo By: Tiana Williams)

Senior Airman Tristen Estrada, 849th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron assistant dedicated crew chief, unveils the name of Col. Justin B. Spears, 49th Wing commander, on the 49th Wing F-16 Viper flagship, June 17, 2022, on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. Traditionally, the 49th Wing flagship bears the name of the current Wing Commander.

U.S. Army Spc. David Myers, a utility repair specialist, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Infantry Division Artillery, removes a fuse from a power generator at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, July 18, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division Artillery is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward-deployed corps in Europe.

040816-F-8769K-021. Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Chris Linton, a 202nd Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Engineers (RED HORSE) heavy equipment operator, instructs on the use of a chainsaw ahead of Hurricane Ian response at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center in Starke, Florida, Sept. 26, 2022. Nearly 40 202nd RED HORSE Airmen will mobilize to hurricane-affected areas to remove roadway debris as part of disaster response efforts.

221007-N-XB010-1002 Philippine Sea (Oct. 7, 2022) -Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) carry combat ready rubber crafts (CRRCs) to the forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) stern gate in preparation for disembarkation. New Orleans, part of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

070101-A-5332O-148. Subject Operation/Series: OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Logistic Support Area Anaconda Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Tech. Sgt. Timothy Russo, assigned to the 435th Contingency Response Squadron on Ramstein Air Base in Germany, references technical data relating to the Ruggedized Aircraft Maintenance Test Station (RAMTS) and operation of the MQ-9 aircraft on March Air Reserve Base in California, on October 14th, 2022. In an effort to increase the arsenal of aircraft the 435th CRS is proficient on, several members of their unit traveled from Germany to Southern California to receive training from Air National Guard members with the 163rd Attack Wing who operate the MQ-9 Aircraft as their primary platform. (US Air National Guard Photograph by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pagan)

220905-N-XB010-1003 SEA OF JAPAN (Sept. 5, 2022) - Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit respond to a simulated casualty during a static casualty exercise on the forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) flight deck in the Sea of Japan. New Orleans, part of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Air Force members and civilians participate during a Major Accident Response Exercise, Mar. 30, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. MAREs demonstrate JBSAs Disaster Response Forces ability to assess and respond to an aircraft mishap. The 502nd Air Base Wing worked alongside the Schertz Fire Department, 12th Flying Training Wing and the 59th Medical Wing validate the necessary support during a simulated accident.

Spc. Jose Gonzalez and Cpl. Luis Sandoval, Soldiers assigned to Delta Troop, 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, prepare an AH-64 Apache for a blade folding training on Hunter Army Airfield, Dec. 6, 2022. Soldiers conducted the training to develop their speed and proficiency to maintain unit readiness.

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- United States Air Force Airmen and Space Force Gaurdians load a Mobile Constellation Control Station aboard a C-17 at Peterson Space Force Base on Wednesday, Sept 14 2022. The unit is being transported to an operating location as part of the 4th Space Operations Squadron at Schriever Space Force Base's multi-day operation to provide proof of concept for missions outside of the United States returning the MCCS to Schriever Space Force Base. The 4th SOPS mission is to operate the U.S. Space Force's protected and wideband Military Satellite Communications systems. They provide warfighters global, secure, survivable, strategic and tactical communication during peacetime and throughout the full spectrum of conflict. ( U.S. Space Force Photo By: Tiana Williams)

Airman 1st Class Johnathan Riley, 374th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical power productions technician, inspects an emergency aircraft landing cable on the runway at Yokota Air Base, Japan, on Sept. 5, 2012. These inspections are part of a routine checklist that power productions technicians must accomplish weekly, monthly and yearly. (Air Force

Commanders, honorary commanders and members of the 309th Fighter Squadron Ducks sign a retiring F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft Sept. 6, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The F-16 will be flown to the 309th Aircraft Maintenance and Regeneration Group, or Boneyard by Lt. Col. Matthew Fuse Eldredge, 309th Fighter Squadron former commander, the next day. The divestment marks history for the aircraft, retired after many faithful years of duty to our nation.

Senior Airman Rachel Remick, 355th Fighter Generation Squadron, removes the chocks on an F-15 Eagle during Red Flag-Nellis 22-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 27, 2022. Participants conduct a variety of scenarios, including defensive counter air, offensive counter air suppression of enemy air defenses and offensive counter air-air interdiction. (U.S. Air Force photo Airman 1st Class Josey Blades)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Morgan Reichard, 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron precision guided munitions specialist works with her team to prepare munitions during a contingency breakout exercise at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., June 27, 2023. The contingency breakout exercise relied heavily on communication and team cohesion, allowing Airmen to practice performing under pressure and strengthening their leadership capabilities.

From right, U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Duke A. Pirak, deputy director, Air National Guard, speaks to Staff Sgt. Lewis Peacock, aerospace propulsion craftsman, and Brig. Gen. Patrick Kennedy, assistant adjutant general-air, New Jersey National Guard, at the 177th Fighter Wing, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey September 10, 2022. During a base tour, Pirak discussed long-term fleet readiness with Airmen and provided mentorship to future leaders of the wing as part of the Air National Guards First Production Assessment Team visit.

Senior Airman Sean Wehner, 36th Fighter Generation Squadron aerospace propulsion journeyman, puts on gloves before draining hydraulic fluid from an F-16 Fighting Falcon during a training sortie at Gwangju Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 18, 2022. Deployed to Gwangju for the week, the Airmen trained and performed different jobs to become multi-capable Airmen as part of the U.S Air Forces Agile Combat Employment concept.

221005-N-PI330-2065 Gulfport, Mississippi (October 5, 2022) Utilitiesman Constructionman Dennis Kniffin, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 (NMCB 133), inspects a reverse osmosis water filtration system during a training course on Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, Mississippi, October 5, 2022. NMCB 133 is at homeport in Gulfport, Mississippi conducting training cycles.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), offload Stinger missiles from an MV-22B Osprey during exercise Steel Knight 23 on San Clemente Island, California, Dec. 3, 2022. Exercise Steel Knight 23 provides 3rd MAW an opportunity to refine Wing-level warfighting in support of I Marine Expeditionary Force and fleet maneuver.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Davon Taylor, left, 321st Contingency Response Squadron porter, briefs U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. John Klein, right, U.S. Expeditionary Center commander, on mission-related equipment Aug. 24, 2022, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. Devil Raiders had the opportunity to showcase their mission to the newest commander of the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center, Maj. Gen. John Klein, along with Chief Master Sgt. Freeman and their spouses.

221130-N-LM220-1095 PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov, 30 2022) U.S. Marine Sgt. Ian Rineer, from Lancaster, Pa., practices chocking and chaining in the hangar bay of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Zachary Belpedio, an anti-tank missile gunner with 1st Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division, receives ammunition during a live-fire range on Okinawa, Japan, April 14, 2022. Marines rehearsed combined arms tactics to maintain readiness for expeditionary operations in contested environments. 1/3 is forward-deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines as a part of the Unit Deployment Program. Belpedio is a native of Mohave, Arizona.

Spc. Michelle Metzger, a motor transport operator with 1487th Transportation Company, Ohio Army National Guard, applies grease to her vehicle at Multinational Base - Tarin Kot, Afghanistan, Aug. 12, 2013. Metzger, a mine resistant ambush protected vehicle driver, performs daily maintenance on the vehicle.

The TTC DIX 80th CMD is based out of Fort Dix, NJ is shown on Hanover Lake during Water Purification Training. Military water purification systems is a self-contained, portable Water Purification and Water Treatment Plant. This training is designed for the DoD and the UN Forces in any active theaters around the world. The Water Purification Process is necessary to prevent various waterborne diseases such as Dysentery and Typhoid. (Photos taken by the Fort Dix TSC Training Support Center)

U.S. Air Force Airmen 1st Class Blaze Winter and Benjamin Lenaker, 25th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons load crew members, participate in a weapons load crew of the quarter competition at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, March 31, 2023. The competition pitted two weapons teams against each other as they were judged on best uniform, best exam score and overall competition winner.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Bryce Johnson, 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, replaces a panel on a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Nov. 28, 2022. Airmen assigned to the 6th AMXS ensure all aircraft components are at peak performance in order to carry out the 6th Air Refueling Wings mission of global aerial refueling.

Tech. Sgt. Anthony Thlang, 31st Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, briefs Italian air force members on F-16 Fighting Falcon emergency procedures during exercise Falcon Strike 2022 at Amendola Air Base, Italy, Nov. 15, 2022. Falcon Strike 22 gave multiple NATO nations an opportunity to share knowledge and operational procedures with one another.

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Adam Harkness, 140th Wing, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, simulates an emergency response at Buckley Space Force Base, Colo., Sept. 24, 2022 during readiness exercise, Operation Thundercat. This four-day exercise provides a simulated combat environment that allows Airmen to practice real-world warfighting capabilities.

Twenty Minnesota National Guard, four Croatian, and three Canadian Soldiers are competing in Minnesotas Best Warrior Competition March 29 - April 1, 2023, at Camp Ripley, near Little Falls, Minnesota. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers nominated by units across the state. This year two of Minnesotas longstanding partner nations, Croatia and Canada, have sent competitors to participate. Minnesotas winners will move on to compete against the best Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from multiple states at the Region IV Best Warrior Competition hosted by the Ohio National Guard in May.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Skylar Hughes, from Somerset, Kentucky, a radio operator assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division sets up radio connection for a Marine expeditionary unit exercise during Weapons and Tactics Instructors (WTI) course 1-23, near Yuma, Arizona, on Oct. 13, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

220816-N-AV223-1018 SAN DIEGO (Aug. 16, 2022) Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) Airman Nahun Godoyherrera, a native of Miami, Fla., transports cargo in the hangar bay of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Aug. 16. Vinson is currently pierside in its homeport of San Diego.

U.S. Airmen with the Tulsa Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma, observe flight line activities prior to Checkered Flag 23-1 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 28, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise held at Tyndall which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th- and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 23-1 iteration of the exercise was held Oct. 31 - Nov. 10, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps ordnance technicians with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, load ordnance onto an AH-1Z Viper in preparation for a simulated tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel (TRAP) mission in Bradley, California, Aug 2, 2022. MAG-39 demonstrated their TRAP capabilities in support of exercise Summer Fury 22. Summer Fury 22 is designed to enhance Marine-Air-Ground Task Force integration and increase aviation operations proficiency with realistic, relevant training to ensure the Marine Corps largest aircraft wing remains operationally excellent, interoperable, deployable on short notice and lethal when called into action.

U.S. Army Sgt. Denise Paulos, assigned to the Michigan Army National Guard Joint Maneuver Training Center, waits for the command to begin fueling aircraft during an Agile Combat Employment event for Northern Strike 22-2, at Grayling Army Airfield, Grayling, Mich., Aug. 9, 2022. Northern Strike is designed to challenge 7,400 service members with multiple forms of training that advance interoperability across multicomponent, multinational and interagency partners. (Michigan Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Robert Douglas).

Sgt. Janessa Keeling, supply noncommissioned officer, Special Troops Battalion, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, refuels a Light Medium Tactical Vehicle during the units command post exercise at Fort Knox, Kentucky, April 21, 2022. The STB enables the 1st TSC to execute theater sustainment support for the Joint Force in the United States Central Command area of responsibility. On order, the STB deploys and establishes 1st TSC command posts facilitating mission command, internal administration, logistics support, and security for assigned, attached, and subordinate units.

U.S. Army Cpl. Davonte Higgs and Spc. Dallas Blake, both assigned to the 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, disassemble an M2 machine gun on Powidz, Poland, on Jan. 12, 2024. The 3rd DSB, which leads a multi-compositional force of sustainment units, provides ready and postured, combat-credible forces and forward presence in Europe, enabling rapid response to crisis and a deterrence to adversaries.

220727-N-RV233-0002USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG-108) hosts 3rd Marine Division and MIDPAC on familiarization tour to enhance combat systems integration at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, July 27, 2022.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Daniel Alvarez shows Indonesian-Angkatan Maj. Noorintyo Herbanu and Maj. Vicky Simatupang corrosion control techniques using a CH-47F Chinook helicopter at Army Aviation Support Facility #1, Wheeler Army Airfield in Wahiawa, Hawaii on July 21, 2016. The exchange is intended to build a strong relationship between the U.S. and Indonesia under the State Partnership Program

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Joseph Hosbrook, a motor transport operator with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 273, repairs a flat tire during an aircraft recovery exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, April 27, 2022. MWSS-273 and other squadrons assigned to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) trained to integrate with and support Marine ground units during Service Level Training Exercise (SLTE) 3-22. SLTE is a series of exercises designed to prepare Marines for operations around the globe. 2nd MAW is the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Army Spc. Dylan Chambers, and U.S. Army Cpl. Andre Frassier, both assigned to Alpha Battery, 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, answer questions asked by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jared Weeks, also assigned to Alpha Battery, during qualification training at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, July 1, 2022. The 3/4 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jamie Salunga, an aeromedical evacuation technician and flight examiner assigned to the 446th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, takes vitals of a simulated patient aboard a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, June 5, 2022, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. The 446th AES trains with aircrew and the 446th Aeromedical Staging Squadron members to transport simulated patients to exercise medical evacuation procedures.

Senior Airman Jeremiah Davidson, from the Wyoming Air National Guards 153rd Maintenance Group, replaces a turbine overheat detector on a C-130H Hercules Sep. 26, 2016, in Cheyenne, Wyo. The aircraft assigned to the 153rd Airlift Wing are undergoing a 3.5 engine enhancement modification and will begin an operational use evaluation test program at the jointly run Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve test center in Tucson, Ariz.

Team Dover Airmen load weapons cargo bound for Ukraine onto a C-17 Globemaster III during a security assistance mission at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Aug. 19, 2022. The Department of Defense is providing Ukraine with critical capabilities to defend against Russian aggression under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.

A 357th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons load crew team prepares an A-10 Thunderbolt II for loading air-to-ground missiles on the flightline at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Sept. 13, 2022. LOLA operations consist of loading live ordnance on A-10 Thunderbolt IIs in an authorized area on the flightline, away from people and buildings.

U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Wayne St. Croix, the incoming first sergeant of Charlie Company, 87th Division Sustainment Support Battalion, 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, thanks friends and peers during the company change of responsibility ceremony in Karliki, Poland, Jan 15, 2024. The change of responsibility is symbolized by the transfer of the guidon, which represents the unit's combat readiness and esprit de corps. The 3rd DSB deployed as part of a rotation of forces to Poland to support multinational training and operations to enhance interoperability and contingency response capabilities with allies and partners and deter adversaries in the European theater.

Airmen from the 2nd Munitions Squadron assemble a practice munition during WAMMO Fest at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, April 1, 2022. This competition focuses on speed and accuracy, with teams going head-to-head to improve their skills.

220809-N-YC581-1017PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 9, 2022) - Lance Cpl. Christian Kelsey, a telecommunications maintainer assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 13 (CLB 13), performs maintenance on a joint battle command platform system inside a medium tactical vehicle replacement (MTVR) in the well deck of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), Aug. 9. The joint battle command platform system requires regularly scheduled maintenance to help avoid mission critical casualties and serves as a convoy lines main source of communication. 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.

Loadmasters with the 300th Airlift Squadron help push a pallet of rice onto a forklift during a humanitarian aid mission to the island of Haiti on July 1, 2011.

After finishing his shift, U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Antonio Nocentelli, right, 660th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron KC-10 Extender aerospace propulsion journeyman, shoots a ball of trash into a trash can after an engine swap on a KC-10 at Travis Air Force Base, California, Oct. 24, 2022. Airmen assigned to the 660th AMXS maintain, repair and advance Travis AFBs fleet of KC-10 aircraft.

Airman 1st Class Anthony Lyles, 8th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operator, stows a fuel hose at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, April 28, 2022. Fuels distribution is one facet of many the Airmen of the 8th LRS petroleum, oil and lubricants flight (POL) is responsible for. To ensure the Wolf Packs fuels supply is ready for use, it must be quality controlled in the fuel laboratory, which ensures the fuel being used hasnt been contaminated.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Mateo Robbins, from the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, prepares to enter an underground plumbing service room on Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Aug. 1, 2022. Civil engineers maintain plumbing, electricity, and other aspects of the dormitories on AUAB.

U.S. Army soldiers assigned to the 44th expeditionary signal battalion, create a shelter from the rain during exercise Heavy Rain III at Sembach Army Base, Germany, Sept. 14, 2022. The exercise provided an opportunity for service members to receive training and operate in an environment similar to one with limited time, manpower and resources.

U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312 prepare ordnance during a loading exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 27, 2022. VMFA-312 conducted the exercise to further bolster Marine Aircraft Group 12s response and ordnance-related capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

Senior Airman Dylan Buchheit, 4th Logistics Readiness Squadron material management journeyman, puts materials into storage at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, May 17, 2022. The hazardous material shop has temperature-set storage units to keep substances from becoming less effective or from expiring.

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