Aircraft Pilots and Operations

Pilots preparing for missions in various fighter aircraft, depicting pre-flight checks, training activities, and aircraft inspection in military settings.

Pilot climbing inside his T-346 aircraft for a training mission.

040110-F-0758D-001. Base: Terre Haute Iap State: Indiana (IN) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

U.S. Air Force Capt. Patrick O'Shea dons his helmet in the cockpit of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, during an off-station agile combat employment training exercise, Jan. 12, 2023 at King Fahad Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The 378th Air Expeditionary Wing conducted this training exercise to assess and ensure the wings Agile Combat Employment, rapid maneuverability and deployment capabilities in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Lt. Col. Joost Luijsterburg, Royal Netherlands Air Force detachment commander, Morris Air National Guard Base, performs a walk around inspection of his F-16 Fighting Falcon at Naval Air Station Key West, Florida. This is the last temporary duty that the RNLAF will make with the 162nd Wing before they return to the Netherlands.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Joshua Martin, executive officer, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, Marine Aircraft Group 31, deplanes from an F/A-18 Hornet at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Sept. 19, 2022. VMFA-312 offered flights for Marines who reenlisted as a way to reward their dedication to the Marine Corps.

Pilot climbing inside his T-346 aircraft for a training mission.

070115-N-5345W-084. Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

DF-ST-87-07806. Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

U.S. Air Force Col. Michael D. Stohler, commander of the 122nd Fighter Wing, Indiana Air National Guard, taxis in an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft, April 23, 2022, at the 122nd Fighter Wing, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Stohler flew his last military flight during a regularly scheduled drill.

An F-16C Fighting Falcon Block 52 aircraft from the 157th Fighter Squadron, 169th Fighter Wing, McEntire Air National Guard Station, South Carolina, with the canopy up after landing. Country: Unknown

020208-F-1631A-004. Base: Zaragosa Air Base Country: Spain (ESP) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (April 30, 2018) Aviation Electrician's Mate Airman Thomas Collins, assigned to the Fighting Checkmates of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211, cleans the cockpit window of an F/A-18F Super Hornet on the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman is currently deployed as part of an ongoing rotation of U.S. forces supporting maritime security operations in international waters around the globe.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Zachary Olalere, crew chief at the 419th Fighter Wing, Utah Air National Guard, conducts pre-flight checks on an F-35 Lightning II at the Air Dominance Center in Savannah, Georgia on May 4, 2022. Sentry Savannah is a total force integrated exercise that showcases the nation's combat aircraft readiness, tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a near-peer environment and trains our next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

DF-ST-89-10424. Base: Bergstrom Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor crew assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron prepares for takeoff at the Slovak International Air Fest, Aug. 27, 2022. The Raptors participation marks the first-ever showcase of F-22s at the Slovak International Air Fest and reinforces the U.S.s steadfast commitment and support to our NATO Allies and partners.

Strike Fighter Squadron Three Seven (VFA-37) US Navy

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England prepares an F-15E Strike Eagle for take off at Andravida Air Base, Greece, April 5, 2022. The U.S., Cyprus, France, Israel, Romania, Italy, Slovenia, Austria and Canada supported and participated in 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.

Maintenance crews with the 67th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, Kadena Air Base, Japan, prepare an F-15 for departure to Valiant Shield, a joint training exercise held in Guam. More than 18 aircraft and 600 Kadena members deployed in support of the bi-annual operation. (US Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christopher Hummel)

Capt. Timothy Neely, 480th Fighter Squadron pilot, dismounts from an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Sept. 13, 2018, during a base-wide readiness exercise. Exercises help ensure 52nd Fighter Wing aircraft have the ability to continue flying during an attack and can respond to any regional threat in a moment's notice.

Maj. Stanley Cheng, 122nd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, signals to maintainers during F-15C Eagle pre-flight procedures at Muniz Air National Guard Base in Carolina, Puerto Rico in support of North American Aerospace Defense Commands (NORAD) Operation Noble Defender (OND), 29 June, 2022. As a part of OND, which is a recurring operation, the Continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR) coordinated and conducted joint operations with the U.S. Navy while concurrently launching jets from different locations across the United States' gulf coast and Puerto Rico. OND, is an integrated air and missile defense operation designed to ensure the defense and security of the northern and southern approaches to North America. This particular OND allowed NORAD units to exercise maneuvers designed to defend the southern approach to the United States from simulated cruise missile threats. NORAD is a bi-national Canadian and American command that employs a network of aerial, ground-based, and space-based senso

DF-ST-87-07175. Subject Operation/Series: REFORGER '86 Base: Hahn Air Base Country: West Germany (FRG)

Crew CHIEF, AIRMAN First Class (A1C), Robert Hunt climbs out of the cockpit of his F-16 Fighting Falcon while performing maintenance in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

A 44th Fighter Squadron pilot smiles for a picture during an F-15 hot-pit refueling at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 14, 2022. Hot-pit refueling uses a single-point refuel pump which allows an aircraft to be refueled immediately after landing, with the engine running. This cuts down on response time and ensures the mission can be completed anytime, anywhere.

Members of the 53rd Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem AB, Germany, perform a basic postflight inspection on an F-15. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: TACTICAL WEAPONRY '95 Base: Flyvestation State: Karup Country: Denmark (DNK)

030115-F-7203T-003. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Bagram Air Base State: Parwan Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

010521-F-2021R-005. Base: Raf Lakenheath Country: Great Britain / England (GBR)

U.S. Airforce A10 Thunderbolt II "Warthogs" from the 190th Fighter Squadron, 12th Fighter Wing, Idaho National Guard, prepare for takeoff on Gowen Air National Guard Base in Boise, Idaho during exercise Garnet Rattler, April 25, 2022. Garnet Rattler is a joint exercise between Marines, Soldiers and Airmen to train and qualify Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) to be more efficient and lethal in a realistic training environment.

DN-ST-04-14304. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040428-F-0209W-028. Base: Kirkuk Country: Iraq (IRQ)

120207-N-DR144-051ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 7, 2012) Airman Ryan Mays, left, and Aviation Structural Mechanic (Equipment) 2nd Class Chad Mitchell, both assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 134, prepare tools before performing maintenance on the canopy jettison system of an EA-6B Prowler in the hangar bay aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Matthew Finneran, a pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115, inspects the aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, June 7, 2022. VMFA-115 supports the Marine Air-Ground Task Force commander by providing supporting arms coordination, conducting multi-sensor imagery reconnaissance, and destroying surface targets and enemy aircraft, day or night, under all weather conditions, during expeditionary, joint, or combined operations. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Servante R. Coba)

DF-ST-89-05034. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-87-12704. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER '86-3 Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

A 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Red team moves an AIM-120 toward their F-15 during the squadrons first quarter weapons load competition April 29 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The quick paced competition pits the F-16 Fighting Falcon Blue team against the F-15 Eagle Red team in a test of knowledge, proficiency, speed and skill. The Red Team emerged victorious this quarter. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Matthew Eldredge, former 309th Fighter Squadron commander, prepares to takeoff on his F-16 Fighting Falcon, on Sept. 7, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. After 28 years, the 309th FS is retiring 27 of Luke AFBs oldest F-16 Fighting Falcons to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.

040520-M-3856G-012. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F/A-18F Super Hornet on the flight deck of USS Theodore Roosevelt.

Capt. Jennifer Morton, 389th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron weapons system officer, does a pre-flight inspection before take-off at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, March 29.

020314-F-9032T-011. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A right front view of a US Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot from the 69th Fighter Squadron as he goes through final checks of his aircraft before a bombing mission at Cherry Point, NC.(Exact date unknown). Subject Operation/Series: JOINT TASK FORCE 95-3 Base: Moody Air Force Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Benjamin Vanwingerden, pilot, Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401 (VMFT-401), Marine Aircraft Group 41 (MAG-41), 4th Marine Aircraft Wing (4th MAW), boards his F-5N Tiger II before takeoff at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Sep. 23, 2022. VMFT-401 is a Marine Corps Reserve fighter adversary squadron that represents enemies in simulated air battles against Marine aircrafts.

040915-F-6701P-005. Base: Lask Air Base State: Lodzkie Country: Poland (POL)

011018-F-7910D-003. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Combat Command

A U.S. Air Force pilot assigned to the 157th Fighter Squadron, South Carolina Air National Guard, prepares for take off in an F-16 Fighting Falcon during exercise Sentry Savannah 22-1 at the Air Dominance Center in Savannah, Georgia, May 11, 2022. Sentry Savannah is the Air National Guards premier counter air exercise, encompassing 10 units of fourth- and fifth- generation fighter aircraft, which tests the capabilities of warfighters in a simulated near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Ferrario, Commander, 169th Operations Group, taxi 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.

Lt. Col. Joost Luijsterburg, Royal Netherlands Air Force detachment commander, Morris Air National Guard Base, waits to taxi his aircraft at Naval Air Station Key West, Florida. This is the last temporary duty that the RNLAF will make with the 162nd Wing before they return to the Netherlands.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jon Merris, 142nd Fighter Wing, engine mechanic, Portland Air National Guard, completes a pre-launch check for an F-15C Eagle during Red Flag 12-3 March 8, 2012, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Red Flag is a realistic combat training exercise involving the air forces of the United States and its allies.

LT. COL. Roger Seidell, an A-10 Thunderbolt pilot, gives MASTER SGT. Bates the thumbs up to taxi onto the runway. LT. COL. Seidell and MASTER SGT. Bates are from the 110th Fighter Group, Air National Guard Base, Battle Creek, Mich. The 110th Fighter Group is deployed to Aviano to relieve the 81st Fighter Squadron of Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, in time for the Christmas holidays. The 81st and the 110th are deployed to Aviano to enforce the United Nations no-fly zone over war-torn Bosnia-Herzegovina. Subject Operation/Series: DENY FLIGHT Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

Lance Corporals Sluaght and Krous of Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, wash off a F/A 18C in a decontamination exercise during COMBINED ARMS EXERCISE (CAX) 2-01. Marines are in Mission-Oriented Protective Posture response level 4 (MOPP-4) gear, wearing the battledress overgarment (BDO), chemical protective footwear cover (CPFC), glove set, and the M40 Chemical-Biological Field Mask with protective hood. CAX is a two week course designed for practical experience in tactics, desert operations, and combined arms exercises. Lance Corporals Sluaght and Krous of Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, wash off a F/A 18C in a decontamination exercise during COMBINED ARMS EXERCISE (CAX) 2-01. Marines are in Mission-Oriented Protective Posture response level 4 (MOPP-4) gear, wearing the battledress overgarment (BDO), chemical protective footwear cover (CPFC), glove set, and the M40 Chemical-Biological Field Mask with protective hood. CAX is a two week course designed for practical experience in tac

US Air Force CHIEF MASTER Sergeant Carey Castle crawls out from under the right main landing gear well of an F-16CJ Fighting Falcon aircraft while his son, US Air Force AIRMAN First Class Nathan Castle continues to work in the left main landing gear well. The father/son team are both F-16 Crewchiefs and had the opportunity to launch a jet together as a team before CMSGT Castle retired. CMSGT Castle is assigned to the 20th Logistics Group while A1C Caslte is assigned to the 55th Fighter Squadron. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Crew Chiefs from the 149th Maintenance Group perform a landing gear swings operations check on an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, August 19, 2022. This routine check is done roughly every three years or when an issue arises with the aircraft. The aircraft is put up on jacks and the lading gear is cycled to ensure every small part is functioning properly so pilots are able to safely execute their mission. (Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Mancuso)

After climbing the stairs, NASA pilot Nils Larson sits in a NASA F/A-18 aircraft and begins preflight procedures.

PHILIPPINE SEA (April 22, 2022) Cmdr. Thomas Kolwicz, outgoing commanding officer of the Tophatters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, exits an F/A-18E Super Hornet following an in-flight change of command ceremony over the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

031204-F-6911G-001. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Japan Air Self-Defense Force pilots wave goodbye prior to taking off in support of Exercise Southern Beach at Naha Air Base, Japan, Sept. 16, 2022. Exercise Southern Beach is a locally organized bilateral training exercise that enhances interoperability with the opportunity for 18th Wing and Japan Air Self-Defense Force units to practice mission planning, flying and debriefing together.

A crew chief assigned to the 419th Fighter Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah marshals in an F-35A Lightning II during exercise Sentry Savannah at the Air Dominance Center in Savannah, Georgia on May 3, 2022. Sentry Savannah is the Air National Guards largest air-to-air, joint aerial combat exercise for fourth and fifth generation fighters, which tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a simulated environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

Maj. Nicholas De Wulf, 36th Fighter Squadron pilot, performs pre-flight checks on an F-16 Fighting Falcon prior to a training sortie at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 15, 2022. The 36th FS conducted both day and night sorties in support of the base-wide training event.

A crew chief from the 169th Fighter Wing, South Carolina Air National Guard, inspects the intake of an F-16 Fighting Falcon after a training exercise during Sentry Savannah at the Air Dominance Center in Savannah, Georgia on May 3, 2022. Exercises like Sentry Savannah, not only train and test the counter air capabilities of fighter pilots, but they provide critical experience and training to maintenance Airmen in the rapid employment and recovery of aircraft.

030305-M-2237F-004. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Al Jaber Air Base Country: Kuwait (KWT)

030812-F-7823A-006. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT RESCUE XI Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A 36th Fighter Squadron pilot prepares an F-16 Fighting Falcon for take-off as part of a training sortie at Gwangju Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 18, 2022. During the training, the 36th FS conducted multiple mission sorties in a simulated combat environment.

070320-M-2166H-012. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Al Asad Air Base State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: VMAQ-1

020129-F-1631A-005. Base: Zaragosa Air Base Country: Spain (ESP) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

SGT Charles Nall, right, a maintenance crew chief with the 526th Tactical Fighter Squadron, supervises the hot pit refueling of an F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Easy”, 43d Fighter Squadron F-22 Raptor pilot, climbs into the cockpit of an F-22 at Savannah Hilton Head International Airport, Georgia, May 3, 2022. The 325th Fighter Wing sent more than 200 personnel and 22 aircraft to participate in Sentry Savannah, a near-peer training exercise hosted by the Air National Guard’s Air Dominance Center.

020303-F-7910D-010. Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Alia O'Kane, an F/A-18 Hornet pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, demonstrates her aircraft to a Junior Reserve Officer Training Reserve Corps cadet on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, California, April 20, 2022. The cadets from Vista Murrieta High School in Murrieta, California, and Mitchell High School in Colorado Springs, Colorado, also received an obstacle course and Marine Corps Martial Art Program demonstration, visited the air traffic control tower, and saw a static display on the flight line as part of a visit to the base to familiarize them with air-station operations and everyday life in the military.

AIRMAN First Class (A1C) Robert Hunt an F-16 Crew CHIEF watches his F-16 Falcon, loaded with Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM), during the pre-launch checklist, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

040711-f-2295B-009. Subject Operation/Series: ORE Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force pilot assigned to the 157th Fighter Squadron, South Carolina Air National Guard, prepares for take off in an F-16 Fighting Falcon during exercise Sentry Savannah 22-1 at the Air Dominance Center in Savannah, Georgia, May 11, 2022. Sentry Savannah is the Air National Guards premier counter air exercise, encompassing 10 units of fourth- and fifth- generation fighter aircraft, which tests the capabilities of warfighters in a simulated near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornet aircrew assigned to 1 Squadron perform a pre-flight inspection during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 4, 2022. In addition to providing a unique opportunity for aircrew to train over the 77,000 square mile Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, RF-A also provides training for maintenance and support personnel in sustainment of large-force deployed air operations.

Airman 1st Class Brian Beach, a fuel specialist with 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron at Aviano Air Base, Italy, refuels an F-16 Fighting Falcon in support of Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn March 22, 2011. Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn is the U.S. Africa Command Task force established to support the larger international response to the unrest in Libya. A broad coalition of nations are partnering to enforce U.N. Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973, which authorizes all necessary means to protect civilians in Libya under threat of attack by Qadhafi regime forces. JTF Odyssey Dawn is commanded by Admiral Samuel J. Locklear, III. (US Army

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Alexus Scott, 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron crew chief, prepares an F-22 Raptor for take-off in support at Łask Air Base, Poland, Aug. 7, 2022. The F-22 Raptors from the 90th Fighter Squadron, 3rd Wing, Joint Base Elmendarf-Richardson forward-deployed to the 32nd Tactical Air Base to support NATO Air Shielding. The NATO Air Shielding mission is a multinational effort and a long-term deterrence and defense posture. (U.S. Air Force photo b y Staff Sergeant Danielle Sukhlall)

A U.S. Air Force flight crew member guides an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot at Aviano Air Force Base, Italy, after supporting Operation Odyssey Dawn, March 20. Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn is the U.S. Africa Command task force established to support the larger international response to the unrest in Libya. A broad coalition of nations are partnering to enforce U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973, which authorizes all necessary means to protect civilians in Libya under threat of attack by Qadhafi regime forces. JTF Odyssey Dawn is commanded by Admiral Samuel J. Locklear, III.

STAFF SGT. John L. Maliska stands by while 1ST LT. Jeannie Flynn prepares to launch a training mission with LT. COL. John R. Sheekley in an F-15E. 1ST LT. Flynn, the first F-15E female pilot, arrived at the 555th Fighter Squadron for six months of tactical training. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot from the 389th Fighter Squadron (FS) gets his helmet bag from a maintainer before flying a sortie in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

Aircraft maintenance personnel from the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard conduct end of runway checks on an F-16 Fighting Falcon prior to take off on Feb. 5, 2021. A temperature of five degrees combined with 18-mph winds created a wind child of -16 degrees.

Malaysia, Kuantan Air Base, United States Marine Corps aviator climbing into cockpit of Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet

A Marine pilot gives the thumbs up signal from the cockpit of his Marine Attack Squadron 542 (VHA-542) AV-8B Harrier II aircraft on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Unknown

Pilot of an F-16 Makes Peace Sign Gesture

020508-F-4814D-065. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots with the 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron prepare to return home to Aviano Air Base, Italy from 86th Air Base, Romania, July 20, 2022. The 510th EFS was deployed to Romania to support the enhanced Air Policing operations over NATO airspace.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Brent Boren Jr., a native of Illinois and a fixed-wing aircraft mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing uses hand and arm signals to guide an F/A-18D Hornet pilot in preparation for Exercise Nordic Response 24 at Andenes, Norway, Feb. 23, 2024. Exercise Nordic Response, formerly known as Cold Response, is a NATO training event conducted every two years to promote military competency in arctic environments and to foster interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and allied nations. Marine Corps

DF-ST-87-13472. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '85 Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

040113-F-4350W-009. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Senior Airman Nicholas Smyth inspects an F-15E Strike Eagle during Green Flag-West 13-5 June 24, 2013, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. A typical Green Flag exercise involves two multi-role fighter and/or bomber squadrons, unmanned aircraft, electronic warfare aircraft and aerial refueling aircraft. Smyth is a crew chief assigned to the 4th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C.,

040715-F-2621S-002. Base: Swanton State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020410-F-8041A-001. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Battle Creek Ang Base State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

000511-F-1349H-015. Base: March Air Reserve Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 452 AIR WING

A ground crewman assists the pilot of an AV-8B Harrier aircraft from Marine Light Attack Squadron 231 (VMA-231), in a pre-flight cockpit check. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020522-F-6565E-010. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Duluth International Airport State: Minnesota (MN) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air National Guard Capt. Michael Breshears, pilot, 114th Fighter Wing, tightens his seat belt in an F-16 during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., April 6, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (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.

160709-N-TE278-033CORONADO, California (July 9, 2016) Retired Cmdr. Dean "Diz" Laird sits in the rear seat of a T-34C Turbomentor with the "Flying Eagles" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122. The T-34C marks the 100th aircraft Laird has flown in his 95-year lifetime.

A fighter pilot assigned to the 148th Fighter Wing, Duluth Air National Guard Base, Minnesota, adjusts his helmet prior to a Red Flag-Nellis 22-1 mission Jan. 27, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. 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 by Airman 1st Class Zachary Rufus)

010119-F-9033M-062. Subject Operation/Series: CORONET ROADRUNNER 2001 Base: Cannon Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Addison Dishart, a pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, mounts his F-35B Lightning II aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 12, 2023. Marines with VMFA-242 will take part in their first deployment in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit since becoming fully operationally capable in 2022.

U.S. Navy Electronic Attack Squadron 130 plane captains wait on the flightline for pilots of an EA-18G Growler to complete pre-flight checks prior to a training sortie as part of the Red Flag 22-2 exercise at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 16, 2022. The VAQ-130 Zappers squadron is composed of specialized variants of the F-18F Super Hornet, which includes tactical jamming capabilities and advanced radar suites to help other squadrons protect against adversary electronic warfare and retain communication abilities in contested environments. Red Flag-Alaska is the only exercise of its kind that provides allied nations and joint-partner forces the opportunity to see mock combat and high operational working tempo in a simulated deployed environment.

Military Jets Fixed Wing Boeing Aviat Airplanes Blue Angels USN US Navy F/A-18 Hornet head on

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