Aircraft Maintenance Operations

Images highlight personnel inspecting and maintaining various military aircraft, showcasing teamwork and technical skills in aviation settings.

A U.S. Sailor with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, prepares to open a panel on an 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.

011012-F-0308N-208. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

020304-F-4814D-034. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. David Cummings, a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft loadmaster with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, inspects an external fuel tank of a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft during pre-flight inspections at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 3, 2022. U.S. Marines with VMGR-152 conduct routine flight operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Staff Sgt. Spencer Magers inspectcs the intake and exhaust on the engines to a C-130H Hercules that sits on the flightline during awaiting the mission for the day at the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio, April 26, 2018.

Technical Sergeant (TSGT) Bruce Yargeau, with the 439th Aircraft Generation Squadron (AGS), Westover Air Reserve Base (ARB), Massachusetts begins a post-flight maintenance check on a C 5 Galaxy cargo aircraft immediately following its landing at Moron Air Base, Spain in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Moron Air Base State: Sevilla Country: Spain (ESP) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Staff Sgt. Erica Spaulding, 127th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintainer, Michigan Air National Guard, reloads an A-10 Thunderbolt II during an Integrated Combat Turn (ICT) at Northern Strike 22-2, at Grayling Army Airfield, Grayling, Mich., Aug. 9, 2022. The ICT was a part of the Air National Guards new exercise Northern Agility 22-2. Northern Agility and Northern Strike executing currently demonstrate how the Air Forces new Agile Combat Employment concept can be integrated into the joint fight. (Michigan Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Robert Douglas).

Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, hosted a Recruiting Exposition on Armed Forces Day. Members of the 127th Wing Squadrons showed their Employers and guests who are interested in joining the Air National Guard, what their jobs are all about. Pictured is US Air Force SENIOR AIRMAN Mike Kerr as he loads munitions onto an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. Base: Selfridge Air Natl Guard Base State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Technical Sergeant Scott Martin checks the security of the tail rotor system of an MH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter prior to the aircraft being moved into a C-17 Globmaster III aircraft. Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030312-F-9528H-007. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

A U.S. Sailor with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, prepares to open a panel on an 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. Air Force Airman perform a hot pit refuel with a KC-135 Stratotanker at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, June 22, 2022. A hot pit refuel transfers fuel from an expeditionary fuel bladder or a fuel truck to the wings of an aircraft while the engines run.

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

US Air Force SENIOR MASTER Sergeant Bill Wunderlin a Loadmaster in the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, Moffett Federal Airfield, California, stands in front of an MC-130 Combat Shadow aircraft. The loadmaster is talking to the pilots and watching for fire or other problems as part of the pre-start checklist. The 129th is preparing to conduct a training rescue operation in the Pacific Ocean. Base: Moffett Federal Air Field State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Corey J. Martin, 18th Air Force commander, boards a C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Sept. 14, 2022. Martin visited Joint Base Charleston to discuss challenges, successes, and joint efforts with base personnel.

Staff Sgt. Logan Sauer, an aircraft electrician assigned to the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Generation Squadron, attaches a fuel nozzle to a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle during Agile Combat Employment exercise Agile Tuskegee July 12, 2022, at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. The exercise allowed 14 Airmen, assigned to the 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadrons Petroleum, Oils and Lubricants section, the ability to train on hot pit refueling operations.

Members from the 143d Airlift Wing Operations Squadron, Rhode Island Air National Guard perform a preflight inspection before takeoff, Jan. 23, 2022, Jacksonville, Fla. During preflight inspections, aircrew members examine the exterior and interior of aircraft, checking for discrepancies and ensuring serviceability. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Senior Airman Brittni Capozzi)

Medium long shot. SENIOR AIRMAN Mark Larmony, a loadmaster from the 37th Airlift Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, deployed to Air Force Base Hoedspruit, South Africa, directs a forklift to load his aircraft with humanitarian relief supplies at the International Airport at Maputo, Mozambique, Africa, on his birthday, 17 March 2000. These organizations are deployed in support of Operation Atlas Response, a Humanitarian Aid Operation to help the people of Mozambique, after severe flooding displaced over a million people from their homes. Subject Operation/Series: ATLAS RESPONSE Base: Maputo State: Inhambane Country: Mozambique (MOZ)

U.S. Air Force Captain Aaron Doyle, 14th Fighter Squadron wing flight safety officer, performs a pre-flight inspection on his F-16 Fighting Falcon at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, during RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1, Oct. 13, 2022. The F-16 is an all-weather, extremely maneuverable, tactical fighter designed to permit the Air Force to gain and maintain air supremacy over the battlefield.

Tech. Sgt. Justin Smith, left, and Tech. Sgt. Aimee Plotz, both 911th Maintenance Squadron homestation-check crew chiefs, prepare to lubricate the rudder assembly on a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, Jan. 18. 2024. MXS and Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Steel Airmen performed routine inspections and maintenance on the aircraft to ensure mission readiness.

070320-M-2166H-019. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Al Asad Air Base State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: VMAQ-1

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Gregory Johnson, 309th Aircraft Maintenance Group expeditionary depot maintenance tactical team member, replaces the wing on an A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 357th Fighter Generation Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 11, 2022. Depot teams are composed of more experienced individuals in specific job classifications for completing extensive maintenance such as a wing change.

011012-F-0308N-173. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

020313-F-3805C-010. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: Prince Sultan Air Base Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 23rd Wing prepares an A-10C Thunderbolt II for 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.

U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 and 3d Marine Division load equipment onto a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules during an Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force drill on Okinawa, Japan, initiating the deployment of the divisions Forward Command Element participating in KAMANDAG 6 in the Philippines, Sept. 27, 2022. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

A K-Loader carrying BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missiles approaches the loading ramp of a C-141B Starlifter aircraft. The Tomahawks are being flown back to the U.S. after being deployed during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy(ITA)

030321-F-9448S-013. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

Mr. Dale Zimmerman (Left) is given a final check out before his flight by US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Kerby, Weapons and Training Flight Commander, 325th Operations Support Squadron, Tyndal Air Force Base, Florida, and SSgt Brian K Gerlt, 95th Fighter Squadron Crew CHIEF. Mr. Zimmerman won a contest sponsored by Yahoo!, to experience Air Force life. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

Members from the 389th Fighter Squadron (FS), finish attaching a weapon to an F-16 Falcon, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Dylan Bailey connects a fuel hose during a hot pit refueling on Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, May 25, 2022. The event marked the second hot pit refueling performed in the wings history.

980622-F-9580Z-027. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tryston Salyers, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team avionics technician, washes an A-10 Thunderbolt II at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 6, 2022. Salyers is the sole avionics troop assigned to the team and is responsible for critical electrical systems, including the jets heads up display.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Christopher Hartman, a 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron pilot, conducts a pre-flight inspection on an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, prior to departure for the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) 22, from Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Nov. 6, 2022. BIAS, a biennial event, is an opportunity to strengthen military-to-military relationships with regional partners and promote U.S. national security objectives in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Oct. 19, 2013) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) Airman Rion Louis, from Bronx, N.Y., seats an aircraft to a catapult on the flight deck of the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

021217-F-3356N-008. Base: Whiteman Air Force Base State: Missouri (MO) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Acc

"I was drafted and in those days you had 30 days to sign up for the service of your choice," said Chief Warrant Officer Gary Arne, Task Force 34. "I knew the Army recruiter and he informed me I would be Vietnam ...he asked if I wanted to walk through the jungles or fly over them."

020709-F-0148C-009. Base: Tulsa International Airport State: Oklahoma (OK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force AIRMAN First Class Michael DiVergilio works to de-panel a KC-135 Stratotanker to do boom troubleshooting March 4th, 1999. A1C DiVergilio is an Assistant Crew CHIEF, assigned to the 319th (AGS) Aircraft Generation Squadron, Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, deployed to Moron Air Base, Spain. This mission is in direct support of Joint Task Force Noble Anvil. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE ANVIL Base: Moron Air Base State: Sevilla Country: Spain (ESP)

030419-F-6809H-006. Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: 398th AEG

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 86th Maintenance Group explain different components of the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft to Open House attendees at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 20, 2022. The 86 MXGheld an Open House to emphasize the aircraft maintenance aspect of the mission to service members and their guests. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Airman 1st Class Lauren Jacoby)

030312-F-9528H-006. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

040303-F-6175D-050. Base: Fresno Air National Guard Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030812-F-1443F-007. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

061013-N-6524M-002. Country: Arabian Sea

030211-M-5266H-021. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT)

U.S. Air Force Airmen offload a pallet of infant formula at Indianapolis International Airport, Indiana, May 22, 2022. U.S. Transportation Command expeditiously coordinated across federal agencies, including the Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration, to support U.S. President Joe Bidens direction to conduct Operation Fly Formula. The mission was executed with urgency and safety by 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing Airmen stationed on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and a Total Force aircrew stationed at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, currently staged at Ramstein AB.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Caitlyn Durant, an aircraft armament specialist with the 104th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Massachusetts Air National Guard, inspects rails on 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.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Fraser, 442nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, performs a post flight inspection on an A-10C Thunderbolt II assigned to the 303rd Fighter Squadron, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Feb. 6, 2024 at MacDill AFB, Florida. The A-10 can employ a variety of conventional munitions including general purpose bombs, cluster bomb units, laser guided bombs and joint direct attack munitions. It utilizes the GAU-8/A 30mm cannon, capable of firing 3,900 rounds per minute to defeat a wide variety of targets including tanks. Air Force

040116-F-6449C-001. Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 90th Aircraft Maintenance Unit participate in the 3rd Wing load competition at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 7, 2022. The load competition is held quarterly, and participants are rated based on quality and timeliness of their work.

DF-ST-88-09896. Base: Nas, Roosevelt Roads State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft maintainers assigned to the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, wait for a B-1B Lancer to finish refueling at RAAF Base Darwin, NT, Australia, for a Bomber Task Force mission June 22, 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.

AIRMAN First Class Richard Watkins, USAF, 437th Aircraft Generation Squadron, Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina, blocks in an aircraft at Naval Air Station Sigonella during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. In response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 at the New York World Trade Center and the Pentagon, President George W. Bush initiated Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), fighting terrorism abroad. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

Airmen from the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron conduct egress training on a KC-135 simulated engine fire, Aug. 5, in Southwest Asia. The 379th ECES Firefighters respond to a variety of aircraft emergencies and work hard to stay proficient on their procedures. All of the Airmen are deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

020709-F-0148C-001. Base: Tulsa International Airport State: Oklahoma (OK) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

030312-F-9528H-008. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Marks, a propulsion mechanic from the Kentucky Air National Guards 123rd Airlift Wing, removes an engine from a C-130 Hercules aircraft at the Air National Guards Air Dominance Center in Savannah, Ga., June 15, 2016. Marks is attending Maintenance University here, a weeklong course designed to provide intensive instruction in aircraft maintenance. Now in its eighth year, Maintenance University is sponsored by the 123rd Airlift Wing.

United States Air Force Captain Jose Pinedo of the 510th Fighter Squadron pre-flight checks an F-16C engine air intake in preparation for deployment to Kuwait, 3 August 2000, Aviano Air Base, Italy. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

Airmen refuel an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from a fuel truck. Base: Raf Bentwaters Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

332d Civil Engineering Squadron (Fire Department and Explosive Ordnance) performs Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) training on an F-15 E Strike Eagle at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia July 26, 2022. HAZMAT includes substances such as toxic chemicals, fuels, nuclear waste products, and biological, chemical, and radiological agents.

Engineers prepare to test the parachute system for NASAs Orion spacecraft at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground in Yuma, Arizona on Aug. 24, 2015. During the test, planned for Wednesday, Aug. 26, a C-17 aircraft will carry a representative Orion capsule to 35,000 feet in altitude and then drop it from its cargo bay. Engineers will test a scenario in which one of Orions two drogue parachutes, used to stabilize it in the air, does not deploy, and one of its three main parachutes, used to slow the capsule during the final stage of descent, also does not deploy. The risky test will provide data engineers will use as they gear up to qualify Orions parachutes for missions with astronauts. On Aug. 24, a C-17 was loaded with the test version of Orion, which has a similar mass and interfaces with the parachutes as the Orion being developed for deep space missions but is shorter on top to fit inside the aircraft. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

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 Staff Sgt. John-Michael Salenga, 25th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, pulls chalks for an A-10C Thunderbolt II to taxi for takeoff as part of an agile combat employment (ACE) training sortie at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Nov. 9, 2022. The 25th Fighter Squadron and FGS work together to prepare for and execute close air support missions in defense of the ROKs regional stability.

Staff Sgt. Olin Smith and Airman 1st Class Ryan Burtis transition a loading extension to transport and raise inert munitions during a load competition April 6, 2015, at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. Crews worked diligently to showcase their skills to both Col. Ben Maitre, the 27th Special Operations Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Randy Scanlan, the 27th SOW command chief, a prior weapons troop himself, who were among the distinguished spectators and evaluators present during the competition. The Airmen are assigned to the 27th Special Operations Maintenance Squadron AC-130 armament shop.

030319-F-9448S-030. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Col. Phillip L. Mallory, inbound 154th Wing commander, vacates an F-22 Raptor Sept. 7, 2022, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Mallory took part in an in-flight change of command ceremony during a routine training sortie. Prior to assuming command of the Air National Guard's largest wing, Mallory most recently served as the 154th Wing vice commander, the 154th Operations Group commander, and the 298th Air Defense Group commander.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Austin Edrington, 67th Aircraft Maintenance Unit assistant dedicated crew chief, readies an F-15C Eagle for take-off during Exercise Pitch Black 2022 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, Australia, Aug. 24, 2022. Multilateral exercises with allies and partners throughout the region are designed to enhance each countries air operations, tactical execution of large force employment, and offensive counter air and land operations in order to enhance interoperability and strengthen relationships.

A maintainer assigned to the 56th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron pulls chocks from an F-35A Lightning II at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sept. 16, 2022. The units assigned to Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, traveled to Idaho for a training exercise as the F-35 student pilots basic course capstone.

U.S. Airmen with 535th Airlift Squadron, 15th Wing, guide a Light Capability Rough Terrain Forklift onto a C-17 Globemaster III in order to unload gear, in support of Valiant Shield 22, June 6, 2022. Exercises such as Valiant Shield enable real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces through detecting, locating, tracking and engaging units at sea, in the air, on land and in cyberspace in response to a range of mission areas.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Lordell Johnson, 495th Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load crew member, pulls chocks from an F-35A Lighting II during exercise Point Blank 22-4 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Aug. 24, 2022. Point Blank is a multilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and collective readiness of NATO forces, to ensure the skies with the European theater remain sovereign.

A missile crewman from the 416th Bomb Wing, inspects three Air-Launched Cruise Missiles mounted to the pylon of a B-52G Stratofortress aircraft. Base: Griffiss Air Force Base State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220509-N-VJ326-2104 PACIFIC OCEAN (May 9, 2022) - Aviation Machinists Mate 3rd Class James Powell, from Wasilla, Alaska, performs maintenance an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 in the hangar bay aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), May 9, 2022. Tripoli is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

Tech. Sgt. Daniel Ricci, 347th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance craftsman, marshals a C-130J Super Hercules onto the taxiway during Exercise Pacific Angel at Subang Air Base, Malaysia, Aug. 15, 2022. The C-130J is a multi-mission capable aircraft supporting aeromedical evacuation, search and rescue, special operations and refueling missions.

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.

030807-M-7837W-019. Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: VMGR-234

An airman assigned to the 319th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron removes a panel from an RQ-4 Global Hawk Block 40 aircraft Sept. 27, 2022, during Readiness Exercise Validation Global Griffin 09-22 at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. Airmen assigned to the 319th RW continued to support real-world operations during the exercise.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Daniel McAllister, an F-15 pilot from the Oregon Air National Guard's 142nd Wing, prepares to take-off from Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon in support of North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) Operation Noble Defender (OND), Sept. 14, 2022. This recurring Noble Defender operation, demonstrated the ability to launch at a moments notice from dispersed air and maritime locations to defend Northern approaches in multiple regions across the continent from all domains, displaying resilience in the face of multiple and complex threats. NORAD is a bi-national Canadian and American command that employs a network of aerial, ground-based, and space-based sensors, air-to-air refueling tankers, and fighter aircraft controlled by a sophisticated command and control network to deter, detect, and defend against aerial threats that originate outside or within North American airspace. (U.S Air National Guard Photo by Master Sgt. Steph Sawyer)

U.S. Air Force Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Pacific Air Forces commander, closes his canopy while preparing his F-22 Raptor for departure from Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Northern Territory, Australia, Sept. 5, 2022. Wilsbach flew alongside RAAF Air Marshal Robert Chipman and German Air Force Air Chief Lt. Gen. Ingo Gerhartz in a demonstration of friendship and cooperative leadership. Pacific Air Forces stands committed to U.S. Allies and Partners in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. John Signorelli, a dedicated crew chief for the RQ-4 Global Hawk, attaches a Dash-95 air cart, which provides air to the starter for launch of the unmanned aircraft system. Sergeant Signorelli is a member of the 12th Reconnaissance Squadron, Beale Air Force Base, Calif.

U.S. Airmen Master Sgt. Joel Miller, a crew chief assigned to the 139th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Missouri Air National Guard, installs a training magazine for the ALE-47 Chaff and Flare System, on a C-130H Hercules aircraft, while attending the Weapon Task Qualification Manager/Munitions Training Course, at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, in St. Joseph, Missouri, February 22, 2024. The WTQM course, taught by the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center, includes training in the uploading of expendables in the ALE-47 Chaff and Flare Systems, as well as explosive safety, expendables operations, and practical flare loading operations, utilizing training munitions items on mobility aircraft. Air National Guard

A U.S. Air Force 119th Wing aircraft maintainer adjusted the propeller of an MQ-9 as part of a pre-flight checks at Andersen Air Force base, Guam, during Exercise Valiant Shield May 27, 2022. Valiant Shield is a dynamic force employment exercise hosted at Guam Air Force Base from May 25 through June 20, 2022. Valiant Shield 2022 was a 12-day joint field training exercise (FTX) aimed to enhance integration between the US forces by conducting joint operations at sea, on land, in air, and in cyberspace. It provided an opportunity for the MQ-9 enterprise members to partner together and make a difference while providing dynamic force employment, and maritime domain awareness in a new location. Members of the 119th Wing and 174th Attack Squadron partnered together to demonstrate the capabilities of the MQ-9 Reaper in an overseas location.

U.S. Air Force Airman Fallon McGinniss, 67th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, marshals an F-15C Eagle onto the taxiway at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 5, 2022. Nighttime flying exercises provide fighter squadron aircrew and support personnel the experience needed to maintain a ready force capable of defending a free and open Indo-Pacific, day and night.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jacob Caldwell, 61st Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, connects the communication systems on an F-35A Lightning II aircraft Sept. 27, 2022, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Aircraft maintainers perform pre, post and between-flight safety and function checks, including triple-checking fluid levels, landing gear and flight control functionality as well as running diagnostics on the electrical systems.

Sailors assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103 conduct routine maintenance on an F/A-18F Super Hornet while on a training detachment at Naval Air Station Fallon, April 14, 2022. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and the George H.W. Bush CSG. The squadrons of CVW-7 are Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, VFA-103, VFA-86, VFA-136, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, HSC-5, and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

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. Marine Corps Cpl. David Chavez, a bulk fuel specialist, and Cpl. Yaroslav Painter, a lab technician, both with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, prepare a-frames to support a Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) at Pohang Airport, South Korea, July 19, 2022. The FARP was conducted with the Republic of Korea Marine Corps to promote multinational training and preparedness as part of the Korean Marine Exercise Program.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Michael Borzon, a crew chief assigned to the 525th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, repairs 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.

A U.S. Marine with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), loads a rocket at a forward arming and refueling point as part of Realistic Urban Training (RUT) on Fort Barfoot, Virginia, Jan. 14, 2024. RUT provides the 24th MEU the opportunity to operate in unfamiliar environments, integrate the units of the Marine Air Ground Task Force, and train towards being designated as special operations capable.

U.S. Air Force Airman Thomas Blazina, 55th Fighter Generation Squadron assistant dedicated crew chief, performs pre-flight checks during exercise Red Flag-Nellis (RF-N) 23-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, March 15, 2023. The 20th Maintenance Group is a vital component to the Wild Weasel mission, and the Airmen involved in supporting RF-N 23-2 are critical to delivering combat airpower and ensuring the 20th Fighter Wing aircrew receive world-class training.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kristy Jorgensen, a tactical aircraft maintenance specialist with the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing, performs a preflight check of the aircraft exterior during a Weapon System Evaluation Program exercise February 15, 2024, at Tyndall Air force Base, Florida. The Combat Archer exercise was a formal evaluation of the unit's ability to conduct air-to-air live fire missions. Airmen were given the opportunity to train on tasks and skills that they don't perform at their home unit such as unrestricted takeoffs and loading live ammunition onto the airframe. Air National Guard

040318-F-8156G-004. Base: RAF Fairford State: Gloucestershire Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 28, 2022) Sgt. Ewan Oliver, from Miami, assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), loads ordnance onto an F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft from the 31st MEU on the flight deck of the forward deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, lead ship of the America 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. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Theodore C. Lee)

Propulsion technicians with the 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron work on one of the new props for a C-130H at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, October 20, 2022. The Airmen of the 75th EAS come from the Connecticut Air National Guard to support the 449th Air Expeditionary Group by providing C-130H tactical airlift support to multi-users in East Africa, increasing regional access to generate the right effects, at the right place and the right time.

020625-F-4177H-004. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM -- Master Sgt. Scott Nybakken prepares a C-130 Hercules for an airlift mission to Iraq. Nybakken is a crew chief with the Delaware Air National Guard's 166th Airlift Wing. Airmen endure temperatures of at least 115 degrees daily on the flightline at their forward-deployed location in Southwest Asia.

Aircrew from the 43rd Electronic Combat Squadron perform pre-flight inspections at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Jan. 18, 2023. The 43rd ECS flies the EC-130H to perform its airborne electronic warfare mission as part of the only electronic combat group in the U.S. Air Force.

Aviation Electricians Mate 1ST Class John Perry talks with S-3 Viking pilots while performing final shut down checks aboard the aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN 68). Nimitz is deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

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