Aircraft Operations and Training

Scenes of pilots and crew interacting with fighter jets, showing pre-flight preparations and evaluations during military exercises.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Tazer Palmer, 100th Fighter Squadron F-16 pilot, climbs into the aircraft cockpit at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 12, 2022. The 187th Fighter Wing stationed at Dannelly Field, Alabama, sent aircraft, crew and support personnel to Eglin in support of the 43d FS dissimilar aircraft combat training.

A U.S. Sailor with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, completes post-flight procedures on a F/A-18 Super Hornet as the pilots prepare to exit the aircraft 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.

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle pilot assigned to the 131st Fighter Squadron, Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, taxis 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.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Tazer Palmer, 100th Fighter Squadron F-16 pilot, climbs into the aircraft cockpit at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 12, 2022. The 187th Fighter Wing stationed at Dannelly Field, Alabama, sent aircraft, crew and support personnel to Eglin in support of the 43d FS dissimilar aircraft combat training.

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 9, 2013) Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) 81 Executive Officer, Cmdr. Brett Dresden wipes down a windshield of an F/A-18E Super Hornet on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are underway off the coast of Southern California conducting flight operations.

U.S. Air Force F-15 Strike Eagle fighters from Royal Air Force Lakenheaths 48th Fighter Wing land at Łask Air Base, Poland to begin deterrence operations on NATOs Eastern Flank, Nov. 27, 2022. As part of U.S. European Commands initiative to bolster collective defense posture and Allied integration, the Strike Eagles will take over the fighter mission from the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. The 90th EFS will return to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska after a successful deployment in support of NATO's Air Shielding mission.

KOREA STRAIT (March 31, 2023) - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Aaron Trent, commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, exits an F-35B Lighting II aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island, March 31, 2023. The 13th MEU is embarked with the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of the Makin Island and the amphibious transport dock ships USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) and USS Anchorage (LPD 23), and operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Major Frank "Zappa" De Martini an F-15 Strike Eagle pilot and Major Tom "Bit" Bednarek a WSO (Weapons System Operator) both from the 334th FS Seymour Johnson AFB, NC, climb into the aircraft for another mission at Roswell Industrial Air Center. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS 95 Base: Roswell State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220905-N-TF-1248 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Sept. 5, 2022) A Navy officer assigned to the Sunliners of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81, dsiembarks an F/A-18 Super Hornet during a homecoming onboard Naval Air Station Oceana. VFA 81, attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, completed a nine-month deployment onboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group in support of naval operations to maintain maritime stability and securityt.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Fighter Wing returns from a flight during an exercise in Barranquilla, Colombia, Sept. 02, 2022. Relampago VII is a combined Colombian and U.S. exercise taking place in the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) theater that focuses on techniques, tactics and procedures to strengthen the longstanding partnership between our armed forces.

A U.S. Airman assigned to the 391st Fighter Generation Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, overlooks as F-15E Strike Eagle pilots deplane 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.

F/A-18 HornetUSS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)US Navy

020703-F-8425S-007. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

011012-F-0308N-325. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

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

A Fighter Squadron 211 (VF-211) pilot adjusts his flight gear as he stands with a maintenance crewman on the left wing root of an F-14A Tomcat aircraft. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A member of Marine Attack Squadron 224 (VMA-224) inspects an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile mounted on the pylon of an A-6E Intruder aircraft. VMA-224, stationed at MCAS, Cherry Point, N.C., is on a two-week deployment to MCAS, Yuma. Base: Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Airmen perform a pre-flight inspection on an F-15E Strike Eagle at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sep. 29, 2022. The F-15E Strike Eagle is capable of performing air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

060727-N-7241L-011. Base: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)

F/A-18C Hornet USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) US Navy

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

A U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter pilot, assigned to the Ohio National Guard's 180th Fighter Wing, prepares to taxi in an F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 180FW, for a training flight at Naval Air Station Key West, Fla., Nov. 3, 2022. The 180FW deployed to Key West to train with VFC-111, the Navy's premier adversary squadron, providing realistic training scenarios that ensure the 180FW is prepared for homeland defense and contingency operations around the globe.

Several A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft wait for a sunset take off during night training at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho on March 20, 2017.

An F-15 Eagle, with the 159th Fighter Wing, Louisiana, flies over the wing of a KC-135 Stratotanker with the 914th Air Refueling Wing, New York, July 10, 2022 over Southeastern United States. The 159th FW is nicknamed the Bayou Militia,” which is displayed on the F-15’s tail.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jordan Kahn, 13th Fighter Squadron commander, climbs down a ladder attached to an F-16 Fighting Falcon after reaching its 10,000 flight hour milestone at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 27, 2022. Aircraft 913 is currently piloted by Kahn and maintained by Senior Airman Jefte Reyes-Salinas, 13th Fighter Generation Squadron (FGS) dedicated crew chief, Senior Airman Pedro Muriel, and Airman 1st Class Nathan Hungate, both 13th FGS assistant dedicated crew chiefs

Aircraft maintainers from the 757th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Viper Aircraft Maintenance Unit, perform preflight checks on an F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 64th Aggressor Squadron before a Red Flag 14-1 training mission Jan. 29, 2014, at Nellis Air Force Base Nevada. Pilots of the 64th AGRS are trained in the use of adversary tactics and act as part of the Red Force” during Red Flag exercises. Red Flag provides realistic combat training in a contested, degraded and operationally limited environment providing real-time war scenarios.

A front view of an F-4D Phantom II aircraft as ground crew personnel prepare it for a training flight during Exercise Coronet Brave. Subject Operation/Series: CORONET BRAVE Base: Raf Finningley Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

021010-F-4649H-005. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

030411-F-9448S-025. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 20, 2012) Marine pilot Maj. Howard Longwell from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU), top, makes final preparations for to takeoff in an AV-8B Harrier jet aircraft, assigned to Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 542, aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6).

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Michael E. Langley, the commander of Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command, and Her Excellency Dame Karen Pierce, Her Majestys Ambassador (HMA) to the United States of America are given a tour of the F-35B Lightning by U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col Christopher E. Bant, the commanding officer of the Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, and Royal Navy Lieutenant Chris J. Avison, an instructor pilot with the UK Pilot Exchange Program at Naval Station Norfolk Chamber's Field, Norfolk, VA, on April 21st, 2022. Lt. Gen. Langley hosted HMA Pierce to observe F-35B flight operations and continue strengthening partnerships with allies. The F-35B is a short take-off/vertical landing, multi-role fighter aircraft whose primary emphasis is air-to-ground combat.

981001-F-3588H-004. Base: RAF Mildenhall Country: Great Britain / England (GBR) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Falcon from the South Dakota Air National Guards 114th Fighter Wing follows behind the boom of a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the Iowa Air National Guards 185thAir Refueling Wing over Southeast South Dakota on June 27, 2023. The aircraft are flying together as part of a nationwide aerial refueling demonstration, commemorating the 100thanniversary of air refueling.

October 17, 2006 - Pilot gives a thumbs up after successfully refueling his F-16 Fighting Falcon from a KC-10 Extender over Southwest Asia.

A United States Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet assigned to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323 out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, prepares for takeoff at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Sept. 20, 2022. Joint operations allow each squadron to develop realistic training concepts and establish necessary processes and relationships to smoothly deploy in the future.

Crew chiefs from the 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron finish pre-flight checks of an F-15E Strike Eagle during Point Blank 22-4 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Aug. 25, 2022. The 48th Fighter Wing regularly takes part in this multilateral exercise as a way to strengthen interoperability with allied nations, and develop skills critical to gaining and maintaining air superiority.

LT. Shaffer of the 53rd Fighter Squadron climbs into the cockpit of his F-15C Eagle aircraft to fly to a sortie in support of Operation Deny Flight, the enforcement of the United Nations-sanctioned no-fly zone over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Subject Operation/Series: DENY FLIGHT Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Joseph Sullivan, 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, oversees the successful preparation of an F-35A Lightning II for flight Oct. 3, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The F-35A was one of several jets on their way to join a B-1B Lancer assigned to the 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess AFB, Texas in formation over the United States, exercising the interoperability of the different aircraft.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Calvin Conner, 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron pilot, signals to a member of the 96th Maintenance Squadron during post flight recovery on an F-15EX Eagle after arriving for The Great Texas Airshow Apr. 21, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The U.S. Air Force is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a The Great Texas Airshow as a key event. The airshow features the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds performing for people to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Forces premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

011113-F-1718K-028. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH 02-1 Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: PACOM JASDF

AIRMAN 1ST Class Kirk Dunkle, 492nd Fighter Squadron, performs a preflight check on an F-15E Eagle aircraft which is armed with an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile and a Paveway laser-guided bomb. Dunkle is included among the 40 percent of the base's aircraft maintenance personnel who have been chosen to cross-train from F-111 to F-15E maintenance. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

020716-F-8425S-009. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

The canopy closes as US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Kerby, Weapons and Training Flight Commander, 325th Operations Support Squadron, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, prepares to take Mr. Dale Zimmerman on a flight in an F-15 Eagle. Mr. Zimmerman won an essay contest sponsored by Yahoo!, to experience Air Force life by being a fighter pilot for a day. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Trey Cronau, a fixed wing aircraft mechanic with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533, signals to an F/A-18 Hornet pilot at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 7, 2022. Marines with VMFA(AW)-533 traveled from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam to enhance squadron readiness and conduct joint-level training as part of an Aviation Training Relocation Program.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Michael Golike, a pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312, conducts a preflight check on an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft during exercise Keen Sword 2023 at Japan Air Self-Defense Force Nyutabaru Air Base, Japan, Nov. 11, 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.

110208-N-2055M-344ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 8, 2011) A plane captain performs a pre-flight inspection on an F/A-18C Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25, aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is deployed supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 112, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct pre-flight checks on an F/A-18C Hornet at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, Sept. 15, 2022. VMFA-112 is participating in a joint long-range strike exercise with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 234, VMFA-225, Marine Fighter Training Squadron (VMFT) 401 and U.S. Air Force 513th Operations Support Squadron. This large force exercise demonstrates MAG-41's ability to project long-range strike capability and integrate with the Marine Corps' active component 5th generation aircraft in contested environments.

070320-M-2166H-018. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Al Asad Air Base State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: VMAQ-1

Members from the 124th Fighter Wing, Idaho Air National Guard, travel aboard a C-17 Globemaster III from the 105th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard, in route to Alpena, Michigan June 4, 2022. This effort is in support of Agile Rage 22 which provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

DF-ST-86-07965. Base: Cairo West Country: Egypt (EGY)

F-16 Prepares to Launch

U.S. Navy Aviation Structural Airman Alan Luasalas, Electronic Attack Squadron 131, uses hand signals to communicate with a pilot and other U.S. Sailors as they finish a pre-flight inspection during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 5, 2022. RF-A serves as an ideal platform for international engagement, and the exercise has a long history of including allies and partners, ultimately enabling all involved to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures while improving interoperability.

020129-F-1631A-015. Base: Zaragosa Air Base Country: Spain (ESP) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Jacob Moore, an F-16 fighter pilot assigned to the Ohio National Guard's 180th Fighter Wing, parks an F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 180FW, after a training flight at Naval Air Station Key West, Florida, Oct. 31, 2022. The 180FW deployed to Key West to train with VFC-111, the Navy's premier adversary squadron, providing realistic training scenarios that ensure the 180FW is prepared for homeland defense and contingency operations around the globe.

During Operation MAPLE FLAG, held in Cold Lake Canada, a German MIG-29 stands on the flight line. The German Air Force took part in the NATO joint opertion with an Electronic Warfare Squadron Marine Attack Squadron 4 (VMA-Q4) EA6-B Prowler aircraft from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Subject Operation/Series: MAPLE FLAG 00 Base: Cold Lake State: Alberta (AB) Country: Canada (CAN)

111029-N-VN693-716ARABIAN SEA (Oct. 29, 2011) Sailors perform final checks before launching an F/A-18C Hornet from the Warhawks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 97 from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

An F/A-18 Hornet aircraft of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron 314 (VMFA-314), the Black Knights, gets the go signal for launch from the number one catapult of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Base: USS Abraham Lincoln @@(Cvn 72) Country: Western Pacific

030111-F-5605B-003. Base: Seymour Johnson Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

981001-F-3588H-005. Base: RAF Mildenhall Country: Great Britain / England (GBR) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Grant Thompson, 494th Fighter Squadron director of operations from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, pilots an F-15E Strike Eagle after landing for exercise Poseidons Rage at Souda Air Base, Greece, July 8, 2022. Poseidons Rage is a large force employment exercise designed to integrate joint capabilities with NATO-Hellenic forces, validating United States Air Forces in Europes fourth and fifth-generation deployment capabilities.

Airmen assigned to the 391st Fighter Squadron perform pre-flight checks at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sep. 13, 2022. The F-15E Strike Eagle can perform air-to-air and air-to-ground strikes.

A storm brews behind an EA-18G Growler assigned to the Electronic Attack Squadron 132, Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, Washington, during Red Flag-Nellis 22-3 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 17, 2022. Red Flag-Nellis 22-3 provides realistic combat training that saves lives while increasing combat effectiveness.

Senior Airman Christian Byrd, 51st Maintenance Squadron aircraft fuel systems journeyman, and Airman Basic Marceleno Misael, 51st MXS aircraft fuel systems apprentice, begin response procedures for a hydrazine fuel spill during a training at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 26, 2022. The goal of the training was to familiarize Airmen with their roles and responsibilities during a response to a fuel spill while also strengthening communication and relationships between agencies across Osan.

CPT Kim Peterson, 80th Tactical Fighter Squadron, taxis his F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft out of the hangar. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

INDIAN OCEAN (June 11, 2013) Lance Cpl. Joseph Daugherty, assigned to the Death Rattlers of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323 cleans the canopy of an F/A-18C Hornet on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

An F-15 Eagle attached to the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing on the flight line prior to takeoff during exercise BOLD EAGLE '82. Subject Operation/Series: BOLD EAGLE '82 Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) commander, climbs into a F-16CM Fighting Falcon to prepare for departure during Operation Agile Spartan III at an undisclosed location, September 7, 2022. Grynkewich flew an F-16CM Fighting Falcon alongside coalition partners in support of Operation Inherent Resolve as part of Operation Agile Spartan III. OAS III tested rapid troop and equipment movement to and from dispersed locations around the region.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Lucas Haas, Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) F-16 Demonstration Team crew chief, stands by as Maj. Josiah Sirius” Gaffney, PACAF F-16 Demonstration Team pilot, prepares an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 8, 2022. The PACAF F-16 Demo Team demonstrates the U.S. Air Force's capabilities and their commitment to preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

A U.S. Air Force pilot with the 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron prepares to fly a F-16 Fighting Falcon for the last Enhanced Air Policing mission of the deployment at 86th Air Base, Romania, July 18, 2022. The 510th EFS deployed to Romania to support the enhanced Air Policing operations over NATO airspace. The multinational NATO Alliance currently hosts more than 100 combat aircraft on alert in the region, performing 24/7 patrols along the eastern borders.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle pilot prepares to depart Andravida Air Base, Greece, April 8, 2022. The U.S., Cyprus, France, Israel, Romania, Italy, Slovenia, Austria and Canada supported and participate in the multinational exercise, INIOCHOS 22, a Hellenic air force-led operational and tactical level field training exercise, hosted by the Hellenic Air Tactics Center at Greeces fighter weapons school.

040123-F-4338B-006. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. John Goulding, a pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242, arrives at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, Aug. 10, 2022. U.S. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 12 are conducting unit level training in Australia to maintain readiness, test expeditionary capabilities, and increase interoperability with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific.

F-18 Super Hornets from the Navy's Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 192 "Golden Dragons" based out of Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif. prepare for take off at Portland Air National Guard Base (PANGB), Ore. on July 12, 2022. F-15 Eagle pilots from PANGB's 123rd Fighter Squadron are participating in two-week long dissimilar air combat training (DACT) with the Golden Dragons, July 11-22.

030318-F-9448S-024. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

A ground crewman makes a postflight check on an 8th Tactical Fighter Wing F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Bartoletta, a pilot with the South Carolina Air National Guards 157th Fighter Squadron, returns from flying an F-16 fighter jet during Relampago VII, an exercise in Barranquilla, Colombia, Sept. 2, 2022. The purpose of this exercise is to provide the Colombian Air Force with requested realistic interoperability training as allied countries, under NATO standards. South Carolina is Colombias State Partner in the State Partnership Program.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing, Indiana Air National Guard perform post-flight maintenance to an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft during Guardian Blitz at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 31, 2023. During the final exercise with the A-10C before converting to the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, the 122nd FW trained on maneuvers and logistics in a deployed environment with the main force positioned at MacDill Air Force Base and a contingency force at Moody Air Force Base.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle pilot and weapons systems officer assigned to the 336th Fighter Squadron exit the aircraft after arriving at Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 8, 2023. While deployed to the Keystone of the Pacific, the Strike Eagle will work in conjunction with F-35A Lightning IIs deployed from Eielson Air Force Base and remaining F-15C/D Eagles at Kadena Air Base to ensure continued steady-state fighter capabilities in the region.

040304-F-6175D-032. Base: Fresno Air National Guard Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A plane director signals to the pilot of an Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75) A-6E Intruder aircraft during flight operations on the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Country: Adriatic Sea

031216-F-9629J-006. Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: U.S. Navy F-18 Hornet receives

A U.S. Air Force pilot with the 125th Fighter Squadron, Tulsa Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma, poses for a photo at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Oct 28, 2022. The unit is visiting 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.

DN-SC-89-08002. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

ARABIAN GULF (Sep. 5, 2016) A pilot awaits in an F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Wildcats of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131 taxis across the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). The ship and its Carrier Strike Group are deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

Staff Sgt. Nicholas Smith, an F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chief assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing, Burlington Air National Guard Base, Vt., performs pre-flight checks before a training mission during Red Flag 15-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Feb. 4, 2015. Red Flag provides air combat training missions in a degraded and operationally limited environment making the missions as realistic as possible.

DF-ST-86-12014. Subject Operation/Series: GUNSMOKE '85 Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-15C Eagle fighter aircraft of the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is prepared for a mission in support of Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. David Anderson, 157th Fighter Squadron pilot, checks aircraft maintenance records as he prepares a F-16 fighter jet from the South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Fighter Wing to depart Columbia Metropolitan Airport in West Columbia, South Carolina to an alternate airfield September 29, 2022. The temporary relocation is a safety precaution ahead of the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Ian. The aircraft will return to South Carolina and resume their normal flight training operations just as soon as conditions allow.

STAFF SGT. Jacob Manning, F-16 Crew CHIEF, 22nd Fighter Squadron, Spangdahlem AB, Germany connects a fuel line to an F-16 Fighting Falcon. The three week exercise began 26 Aug 1995 and tested the effectiveness of both Danish and American air defenses. F-15 and F-16 Fighters from the 22nd and 53rd Fighter Squadrons flew three sorties daily, consisting of air to air and air to ground missions. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: TACTICAL WEAPONRY '95 Base: Flyvestation State: Karup Country: Denmark (DNK)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Logan C. Adcock, an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft pilot assigned to the 163rd Fighter Squadron, puts on an HGU-55/P helmet before a flight July 14, 2022, at the Fort Wayne Air National Guard base, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Members of the 122nd FW performed military duties during a large-scale exercise that tested their abilities to respond to real-world threats.

Col. Kevin Alons, a KC-135 Instructor pilot for the 185th Air Refueling Wing and the Director of Operations Joint Headquarters Iowa, preforms preflight checks on a KC-135 Stratotanker in Des Moines, Iowa, May 18, 2022. The Aircraft originally diverted from Topeka Kansas to Des Moines to avoid sever weather.

Crew chiefs and weapons troops from 138th Fighter Wing secure an F-16 Viper after flight during Agile Rage at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Mich., June 9, 2022. Members from the Tulsa Air National Guard base, Okla., traveled to the Alpena CRTC to participate in the exercise consisting of several Air National Guard units from across the country to train and practice missions that are unable to be completed at home station. (Oklahoma Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Imwalle)

U.S. Navy E/A-18G Growler aircraft pilots assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 138 prepare to depart a hangar operated by Marine Wing Liaison Kadena (MWLK) for joint force training at Kadena Air Force base, Okinawa, Japan, June 13, 2022. MWLK provides comprehensive operational and logistical support to local and deployed U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy squadrons operating at Kadena Air Base.

Members of the ground crew service an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft during Exercise Quick Thrust '83-1. Subject Operation/Series: QUICK THRUST '83 Base: Charleston Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 07, 2022) An E-2D Hawkeye, assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117, flies alongside the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is currently underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet.

970629-M-2111R-002. Subject Operation/Series: KERNEL BLITZ Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533 transport an AIM-9X Sidewinder missile at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 28, 2022. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, VMFA-242 and VMFA(AW)-533 conducted a live-fire missile exercise to increase weapon proficiency and enhance squadrons combat readiness in the air-to-air environment.

Members of the New Jersey Governors cabinet, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, the 177th Fighter Wing and the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs take a tour of one of the Aerospace Control Alert hangars at the New Jersey Air National Guard base, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, Sept. 28, 2022. The cabinet members, members of the NJEDA, and leaders from NJ DMAVA received a briefing from the Wing commander and then toured the 177th FW, viewing several operational demonstrations and trying out one of the units F-16 Fighting Falcon flight simulators.

011113-F-4177H-008. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

030114-F-4300H-003. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Combat Command

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