Aviation Crew Operations

U.S. military aviation crew members preparing for missions, performing checks, and engaging in training scenarios for flight readiness.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman John Douglas, a loadmaster assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Force Base, Japan, assists airborne operations aboard a C-130J Super Hercules during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2 above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, June 15, 2022. This exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint, coalition and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases.

Staff Sgt. Shawn Higgins, crew chief assigned to the 148th Fighter Wing, Duluth Air National Guard Base, Minnesota, checks the air pressure of a tire on an F-16 Fighting Falcon 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)

MARINE CORPS BASE, Hawaii (July 25, 2022) U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Pat Boedeker, a naval aircrewman, takes notes while participating in a personnel recovery scenario at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 25, during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

1st Lt. Cody Durbin, an infantry officer with Company D, 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry Regiment, Iowa National Guard, tests as a Rappel Master inside a UH-60 Black Hawk at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Sept. 14, 2022. Nearly 30 Soldiers and Airmen participated in a Rappel Master course at Camp Dodge. The course was taught by a mobile training team from the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center in Fort Benning, Georgia.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Nathan Arnold, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162, opens the engine panel of an MV-22B Osprey at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Sept. 19, 2022. VMM-162 prepared personnel and aircraft in support of a Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. VMM-162 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Juan Gutierrez from Revere, Massachusetts, a crew chief assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing awaits takeoff aboard an MV-22B Osprey during Weapons and Tactics Instructors (WTI) course 1-23 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Oct. 5, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, 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.

A U.S. Air Force crew chief assigned to the 154th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron conducts pre-flight checks on an F-22 Raptor from the 199th Fighter Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 6, 2022. Aircraft, aircrew and ground personnel from the 154th Wing conduct missions out of Kadena in support of the ongoing commitment to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A U.S. Air Force Airman with the 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, recovers a returning C-17 Globemaster III following Hurricane Ian at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Oct. 1, 2022. Base personnel executed the rapid recovery of the C-17s, ensuring the continuation of Team Charlestons rapid global mobility mission.

Air and Marine Operations air crews respond to affected areas along Florida's coast after Hurricane Ian made landfall. Crews are ready with hoist-capable aircraft to assist anyone in need of emergency extraction. Photo by Ozzy Trevino

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman John Douglas, a loadmaster assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Force Base, Japan, assists airborne operations aboard a C-130J Super Hercules during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2 above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, June 15, 2022. This exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint, coalition and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases.

220922-N-XN177-1707 PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 22, 2022) - Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 1st Class Jesse Pedersen, from Black River Falls, Wisconsin, scans the horizon from an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 during a search and rescue (SAR) swimmer training evolution Sept. 22, 2022. HSC-23 is embarked aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7). Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (Apr. 20, 2022) Cmdr. Carolyn Peterson, commanding officer of the Valkyries” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 50, takes her seat in the cockpit in preparation for the squadron's first flight at Naval Station Mayport, April 20, 2022. HSM-50 is the newest expeditionary squadron at Naval Station Mayport.

A crew chief from the 419th Fighter Wing demonstrates how to operate the F-35A Lightning II fighter jets ladder as part of the Multi-Capable Airman concept May 4, 2022 at the Air Dominance Center in Savannah, Georgia. The MCA concept is based on the idea that Airmen can be trained to do tasks outside of their assigned jobs.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Zachery Conner, 555th Fighter Generation Squadron avionics craftsman, activates a power generator to power on a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon during exercise Falcon Strike 2022 at Amendola Air Base, Italy, Nov. 15, 2022. Falcon Strike 22 provided an opportunity to test fourth-generation airpower like the F-16 in ally roles as well as adversary roles alongside NATO allies and fifth-generation airpower.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jason Rueshhoff, 56th Fighter Wing commander, signs his name on a retiring F-16 Fighting Falcon on Sept. 7, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The 309th FS held a jet signing event to commemorate the last of the 27 oldest F-16 aircraft retiring from the 56th FW to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.

A U.S. Airman assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 354th Air Expeditionary Wing, and Marines from Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons (VMFA) 242 and 121, prepare to pick up an inert AIM-120 missile during Agile Combat Employment training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 6, 2022. ACE leverages interoperability between joint forces to maintain the strategic initiative, present lethal, credible combat power with operational unpredictability that will ultimately win in conflict.

230402-N-NH267-1042 GULF OF ADEN (April 2, 2023) Staff Sgt. Zach Newfrock overlooks helo operations from an HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter on the flight deck of the guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), April 2, 2023 in the Gulf of Aden. Paul Hamilton is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.

U.S. Army Pfc. Anthony Haines, armament electrical and avionics repairer, assigned to Bravo Company, 1-3rd Attack Battalion, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade conducts a biweekly 14-day inspection on the M230 automatic gun of an AH-64D Apache helicopter at Lielvarde Air Base, Latvia, April 3, 2022. The M230 is a single barrel, externally powered, electrically fired, chain-driven weapon. 12 CAB is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe that works alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retains command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

18th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operators perform hot-pit refueling operations at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 28, 2022. Hot-pit refueling allows the aircraft to keep its engines running while receiving fuel, which minimizes ground time and ensures the mission will continue with minimal delay.

Master Sgt. Timothy Bullock, 22nd Operations Support Squadron deputy chief of agile combat employment from McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, oversees ACE training at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 13, 2022. Airmen from the 22nd Refueling Wing further developed ACE skills by working alongside Airmen from the 18th Wing.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Joseph Ploog, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 261, adjusts dials on an MV-22B Osprey near Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Jan. 30, 2023. VMM-261 trained to support Marine ground units during Service Level Training Exercise 2-23, a series of exercises designed to prepare Marines for operations around the globe. VMM-261 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

Lt. Col. David Rayman conducts preflight checks July 17, 2014, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. The flight put Rayman past the 3,000-hour mark in the A-10C Thunderbolt II. Rayman is the 75th Fighter Squadron commander.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Philip Miller, right, a Traffic Management Craftsman, receives multi-capable Airman training from Senior Airman Michael Kaminski, left, a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chief, for Exercise Ballast Cannon 24.3 at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 7, 2024. Exercise Ballast Cannon occurs nearly quarterly with the Royal Bahraini Air Force to support the U.S. Air Forces rapid expeditionary capabilities by integrating Agile Combat Employment objectives for F-16 Fighting Falcon, KC-135 Stratotanker, and operational support personnel. The long-standing relationships the U.S. Air Force has developed within the CENTCOM AOR enables regular and routine training which advances the coalition's ability to become a seamless operational force across every warfighting domain.

US Marine Corps Aviators Prepare to Launch Their F/A-18D Hornet From Al Asad Air Base in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq on a Close Air Support Mission

Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief, National Guard Bureau, looks over the instrument panel of an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System alongside a member of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Grafenwoehr, Germany, June 12, 2022. Germany was Hokansons second stop on a five-nation trip to recognize and strengthen National Guard relationships with European allies and partners.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Victoria Valdez, 357th Fighter Generation Squadron weapon armament technician load crew member, prepares an A-10 Thunderbolt II for live ordnance loading area operations at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Sept. 13, 2022. Aircraft are positioned at LOLA once the flying schedule calls for live munitions on flying sorties.

Tech Sgt. Chad Johnson, 155th Air Refueling Wing boom operator, refuels a F-22 Raptor from the Demonstration team out of Joint Base Langley-Eustis. F-22 pilots received fuel from the 173rd Air Refueling Squadron in order to arrive and prepare for their air show in South Padre Island, Texas.

U.S. Air force Senior Airman Felix De La Cruz, an aircraft hydraulic systems technician, works to repair an engine on a C-17 Globemaster III at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 29, 2024. The C-17 is deployed within the U.S. CENTCOM area of responsibility to help defend U.S. interests, promote regional security, and deter aggression in the region.

PŌHAKULOA TRAINING AREA, Hawaii (Aug. 18, 2022) U.S. Air Force Maj. Ryan Whitehead, 17th Special Operations Squadron (17th SOS) AC-130J Ghostrider gunship pilot, flies over the Pōhakuloa Training Area in Hilo, Hawaii, Aug. 18, 2022. The primary missions of the AC-130J are close-air support, air interdiction, and armed reconnaissance. The close-air-support missions include troops in contact, convoy escort, and point-air defense.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Logan Brown, an aircraft maintenance crew chief assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing, Indiana Air National Guard, prepares an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft for takeoff during Guardian Blitz at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 24, 2023. Guardian Blitz is the 122nd Fighter Wings final training exercise with A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft before converting to the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Zachery Conner, 555th Fighter Generation Squadron avionics craftsman, performs a post-flight inspection on a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon during exercise Falcon Strike 2022 at Amendola Air Base, Italy, Nov. 15, 2022. Falcon Strike 22 provided an opportunity to test fourth-generation airpower like the F-16 in ally roles as well as adversary roles alongside NATO allies and fifth-generation airpower.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andre Kitz, 25th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons load crew member, participates in a weapons load crew of the quarter competition at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, March 31, 2023. As part of the competition, teams are evaluated on how quickly and efficiently they are able to inspect and load munitions onto their respective aircraft.

Airmen with the Maine Air National Guards 101st Air Refueling Wings (101 ARW) Medical Group and soldiers with the Maine Army National Guards 126th Aviation Regiment participated in a joint casualty evacuation training exercise, Bangor, ME JUN 29, 2022. During the exercise both airman and soldiers successfully secured and hoisted a simulated casualty multiple times through a side cargo door of a 101 ARW KC-135R before completing a continuous run-through starting with casualty movement from a 126th UH-60 Blackhawk to securing the casualty in a 101 ARW KC-135R aircraft.

030327-F-2185G-006. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Cpl. Kevin Yoon (top), an avionics technician, with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron - 773, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII, conducts routine maintenance on an AH-1Z Viper at São Pedro da Aldeia, Brazil, during exercise UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 7, 2022. UNITAS is the world's longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral and amphibious operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the U.S. Southern Commands area of responsibility. Yoon is a native of Sacramento, CA.

220922-N-XN177-1055 PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 22, 2022) - Lt. Curt Knoll pilots an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 Sept 22, 2022. HSC-23 is embarked aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7). Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Air Force Airman Marcus Njoroge, an air transportation specialist with the 378th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadrons Air Terminal Operations Center, helps push a multi-purpose tactical wheeled vehicle, onto a C-17 Globemaster aircraft, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, May 16, 2022. Air Transportation specialists are responsible for securely managing cargo and passengers and to ensure that everything and everyone on a military aircraft is transported safely and quickly.

Capt. Brad Matherne views the flightline inside an F-35A Lightning II before a training mission April 4, 2013, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron will design the tactics for the F-35A and determine how to integrate the F-35A with other aircraft in the Air Force inventory. Matherne is a pilot assigned to the 422nd TES.

A C-130J Super Hercules pilot assigned to the 19th Airlift Wing prepares conducts pre-flight checks during ROCKI 22-03 at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, May 14, 2022. Designed to validate the full spectrum readiness capabilities of the airlift wing, ROCKI exercises are typically divided into distinct phases, each deliberately intended to assess the wing in various warfighting functions.

Staff Sgt. Ramiro Garcia Arreguin, Jr., a crew chief assigned to the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Generation Squadron, performs a post flight inspection on a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle during Agile Combat Employment exercise Agile Tuskegee July 13, 2022, at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. Crew chiefs are responsible for day-to-day maintenance, diagnosing malfunctions, replacing components and providing detailed periodic inspections.

357th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons armament technicians, (left) Airman 1st Class Zamarys Ramirez and (middle) U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Bryanna Hendrickson mount an air-to-ground bomb onto an A-10 Thunderbolt II while (right) Senior Airman Chloe Chavers lifts the bomb at the live ordnance loading area at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Sept. 13, 2022. Hendrickson, Chavers and Ramirez were selected to load the bombs together after displaying outstanding teamwork and communication skills with each other during previous loads.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Hartmann, a coxswain assigned to the 628th Security Forces Squadron, works through a pre-embark checklist for a U.S. Air Force Sea Ark Ram patrol boat at Naval Weapons Station, Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, April 11, 2022. Members of the 628th SFS Harbor Patrol Unit consists of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy personnel who work together to secure 4.5 miles of federal restricted water way, and protect naval nuclear training units moored on the Cooper River.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Colin Rittmeyer, a Ossian, Indiana, native and assault amphibious crewman with 2d Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2d Marine Division, communicates via radio during a crew level gunnery operations qualification on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 20, 2022. The purpose of this exercise is to conduct familiarization and sustainment fires with an M2 machine gun in order to validate equipment serviceability and develop weapon proficiency prior to the units deployment for training.

030321-M-3843B-001. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael Cashman, 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron HC-130J Combat King II loadmaster, prepares a rescue bundle to be airdropped during an agile combat employment exercise within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 2, 2022. The ACE exercise sharpened the aircrews skills, enabling them to drop rescue bundles critical to the survival of isolated personnel in austere, hostile environments during personnel recovery and combat search and rescue operations.

Soldiers with B company 1/189th General Support Aviation Battalion, Nevada National Guard, head to Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada, from Reno to prepare for an aerial gunnery lane on June 24, 2022.

030327-F-2185G-003. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Senior Airman Jacob Prine checks the fuel connection to a F-15 Eagle Oct. 22, 2010, prior to a flight test of new, environmentally-friendly fuel. Aircrews from the 46th Test Wing and Air Force engineers evaluated flight parameters using a blend of standard JP-8 fuel and hydro-treated, renewable jet biofuel. The Air Force is working toward changing half of the continental U.S. jet fuel requirement to alternative fuels by 2016.

Airman 1st Class Jose Olivera, an 18th Security Forces Squadron response force member, scans the flightline with binoculars Sept. 27, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. By maintaining constant watch over flightline assets, Olivera helps prevent unauthorized activity from hindering aircraft operations.

Tech. Sgt. Sean Burdette, a weapons loader with the 142nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, inspects a training missile recently loaded onto an F-15 Eagle during a weapons load competition held at Portland Air National Guard Base, Ore., June 12, 2022.

Tech. Sgt. Deven Morgan, left, and Staff Sgt. Trenton Mauser, right, both 621st Contingency Response Wing C-5 crew chiefs and Senior Airman Christpher McConnell, middle, a 621st Contingency Response Wing weather specialist, discuss F-16 launch procedures during Exercise Bamboo Eagle, Feb. 2, 2024, Naval Air Station Point Mugu, California. Most contingency response Airmen train in tasks outside their primary duties, employing the multi-capable airman concept. Air Force

Corporal Frankie Meno, from Haslet, Texas, simulates serving as gunner on a 1H-UY Huey helicopter during a static casualty exercise with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) on the forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) flight deck in the Sea of Japan. New Orleans, part of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Capt. Davis White, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron aerial reconnaissance weather officer, monitors a radar screen during a flight into Hurricane Ian Sept. 27, 2022. The 53rd WRS, or Hurricane Hunters, fly missions into hurricanes to collect data for forecasters at the National Hurricane Center.

Vice Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, Commander, Naval Air Forces, left and Lt. John Tonkovich disembark an F/A-18F Block III Super Hornet assigned to the Vampires” of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 9, May 9. The F/A-18F Block III is a key addition to the Air Wing of the Future” alongside the F-35C Lightning II, CMV-22 Osprey, and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, providing enhanced capabilities and unmatched versatility to operate and win in any environment as part of a Carrier Air Wing.

An Airman assigned to the 305th Air Mobility Wing marshals in a KC-46A Pegasus on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Jun. 17, 2022. The KC-46A Pegasus is a wide body, multirole tanker that can refuel all U.S., allied and coalition military aircraft compatible with international aerial refueling procedures.

220722-N-VH871-1052 U.S. FIFTH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (July 22nd, 2022) Naval Aircrewman (Operator) 2nd Class Joseph Peña explains his role as an acoustic operator to Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Katherine A. Grabham onboard a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft assigned to the "Grey Knights" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 46, deployed with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, during a flight to showcase the abilities of the platform, July 22. CTF 57 aircraft conduct missions in support of maritime operations to ensure security and stability in the Middle East region.

Sgt. Dillon Tonne, a Ronkonkoma, NY, native and crew chief for Bravo Company, 3-142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion, based out of Ronkonkoma, inspects a UH-60M Black Hawk engine before start-up at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Sept. 16, 2022. Tonne assisted the aircrafts pilots in landing areas with heavy clouds of dust and debris during their training mission. Crew chiefs also perform the day-to-day maintenance required to keep aircraft safe to fly. 3-142nd AHB, attached to 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, currently supports the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve mission to advise, assist, and enable partnered forces in the enduring defeat of Da'esh, the common Arabic term for IS or ISIS, within designated areas of Iraq and Syria.

Air Force special mission aviator Master Sgt. Bryan Judy, a member of the New York Air National Guards 106th Rescue Wing makes some adjustments while getting ready to launch on an HH-60 Pave Hawk in Campo Grande, Brazil on August 23, 2022 , while participating in Exercise Tapio. The New York Air National Guard sent 100 personnel to participate in the exercise as part of the New York National Guard State Partnership Program relationship with Brazil.(

More than 600 Idaho Army National Guard Soldiers, joined by Soldiers from the Montana, Oregon, Ohio and South Carolina Army National Guards, have been training in Fort Bliss, Texas, since mobilizing from Gowen Field in early August. The task force, Task Force Rattler, will deploy to Southwest Asia later this month in support of Operation Spartan Shield, where they will rotate out with 250 Soldiers from the Idaho Army National Guard as well as Soldiers from the Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Florida Army National Guards. Each rotation is approximately 12 months. Soldiers from the 118th Infantry Regiment from South Carolina National Guard and the 285th Medical Company from the Ohio National Guard are also part of Task Force Rattler, which provide the task force the ability to execute combined arms maneuvers. The intense training at Fort Bliss consisted of long hours with day and night combined arms maneuver missions with the Idaho Army National Guard shooting 120mm mortar rounds from M113 A

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Hayden Sylva, 75th Fighter Generation Squadron load crew member, secures a BDU-50 training munition during exercise Agile Flag 22-2 at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, July 25, 2022. Agile Flag 22-2 is Air Combat Commands first lead-wing certification event designed to demonstrate the 23rd Wings capability to generate combat air power while continuing to move, maneuver, and sustain the Wing and subordinate force elements in a dynamic and contested environment.

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

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle maintainer assists pilots, both assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, exit their aircraft after landing at the Tactical Leadership Programme 22-3 at Los Llanos Air Base, Spain, Sept. 9, 2022. TLP has become the focal point for NATOs Allied Air Forces tactical training and development of knowledge and leadership skills, necessary to face todays air tactical challenges.

Senior Airman Christian Garcia, 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Blue, performs preloading checks 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.)

A petroleum supply specialist with 2nd Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment, Utah Army National Guard, refuels a UH-60 Black Hawk during Western Strike 22 at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho, June 4, 2022. Western Strike 22 is an eXportable Combat Training Capabilities exercise led by the 65th Field Artillery Brigade, that provides National Guard Soldiers immersed training similar to a Combat Training Center and aims to increase participating unit's readiness and lethality.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ysabel Lau, 74th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons crew member, secures munitions on an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft at the Palau International Airport, Republic of Palau, Nov. 1, 2022. The aircraft arrived from Moody AFB, Georgia, in support of a Dynamic Force Employment exercise designed to continuously evolve ways the U.S. organizes and employs forces to increase interoperability among joint, Allied and partner nation members.

A 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Red team performs preload checks on a GBU-28 during the squadrons weapons load competition Nov. 4 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The Red (F-15) team battled the Blue (F-16) team for weapons loadcrew supremacy during the quarterly competition. The Blue team claimed victory this quarter. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Spc. Cristobal Cruz and Staff Sgt. Wilton Gleaton, 75th Ranger Regiment, ready themselves for an air assault drop over Freedom Pond, Ft. Benning, Ga., during the 27th Annual Best Ranger Competition. During this phase teams were required to construct a poncho raft and swim following a 10Õ+ drop.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Michael Crunkelton and Master Sgt. Brian Finley, loadmasters with the 167th Operations Group, review operating procedures during specialized fueling operations training at the 167th Airlift Wing, Martinsburg, West Virginia, Feb. 4, 2023. The training prepares crew members on refueling the aircraft in austere and contested environments. Air National Guard

010404-F-4177H-001. Base: Raf Kinloss, Scotland Country: Great Britain / England (GBR)

031212-F-9629J-045. Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

Army Flight Medic, Staff Sgt. Levi Steed, receives instruction on operating in-flight vital monitors from Army Flight Medic, Sgt. 1st Class Zach Kesler, both from G Company, 2nd Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment, Utah National Guard, during a theoretical-medical evacuation mission as part of Western Strike 22, at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho, June 7 2022. Western Strike 22 is an eXportable Combat Training Capabilities exercise led by the 65th Field Artillery Brigade, Utah National Guard that provides National Guard Soldiers immersed training similar to a Combat Training Center and aims to increase participating unit's readiness and lethality.

A U.S. Airman assigned to the 90th Aircraft Maintenance Unit participates 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.

A U.S. Air Force crew chief with the 192nd Fighter Wing, Virginia Air National Guard, communicates with a F-22 Raptor pilot prior to launch May 3, 2022, at the Air Dominance Center, Combat Readiness Training. Center, in Savannah, Georgia. Sentry Savannah 2022 is the Air National Guards premier counter air exercise, encompassing 10 units of fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft, which tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a simulated near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

Air and Marine Operations air crews respond to affected areas along Florida's coast after Hurricane Ian made landfall. Crews are ready with hoist-capable aircraft to assist anyone in need of emergency extraction. Photo by Ozzy Trevino

U.S. Air Force Capt. Tristen Wright, 92nd Air Refueling Squadron co-pilot, talks with the pilot of a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing from Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. during Red Flag 14-1 over the Nevada Test and Training Range Feb. 6, 2014. Red Flag, hosted at Nellis AFB, Nev., is a valuable training opportunity for aircrews to experience realistic combat scenarios in a controlled environment.

Col. Kenneth McGhee, commander of the 91st Missile Wing, tours a Boeing MH-139 Greywolf helicopter at Minot Air Force base, North Dakota, Oct. 29, 2022. The Greywolf will replace the current fleet of Vietnam-era UH-1N Huey helicopters and provide essential mission capability to the Air Force.

Tech. Sgt. Kyle Lyon, 355th Civil Engineering Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technician, puts on a bomb suit during exercise Bushwhacker 22-04 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Aug. 17, 2022. This exercise tested the EOD teams ability to respond to real world threats.

Staff Sgt. Renato Alfaro, left, 373rd Training Squadron, Detachment 3 C-17 aircraft general instructor, familiarizes Staff Sgt. Richard Watts, right, 436th Aerial Port Squadron load planner, with buttons on an overhead C-17 Globemaster III flight deck panel at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, March 29, 2022. Alfaro provided Watts and other students participating in a multi-capable Airmen training class with basic C-17 aircraft familiarization.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Andrew Baer, 9th Air Refueling Squadron commander and KC-10 Extender pilot, communicates to fellow aircrew members prior to starting engines on the aircraft Jan. 11, 2024, at Travis Air Force Base, California. The crew flew the aircraft to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG), known as The Boneyard, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. The aircraft, with tail number 79-1946, was designated as the 9th ARSs flagship because of its history with the squadron.

A 1st Fighter Wing Airman executes maintenance on an F-22 Raptor during Red Flag 22-3 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 12, 2022. Crew chiefs and maintainers alike operated on ten F-22 Raptors in order for pilots to safely execute air superiority throughout the exercise.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Zachery Nordheim, 325th Fighter Wing public affairs apprentice, captures imagery on the flight line during Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 16, 2022. WSEP-E 22.12 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. Marine Corps Cpl. Justin, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265, refuels an MV-22B Osprey alongside a member of the Japan Ground Self Defense force prior to takeoff during exercise Keen Sword 23 at Kumamoto airport, Kumamoto, Japan, Nov. 14, 2022. Keen Sword exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and the Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF). This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and JSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance.

Senior Airman Juston Hyden (left) and Tech. Sgt. Craig Pitz (right), 555th Fighter Generation Squadron aerospace propulsion technicians from the 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, reference a technical order manual of an F-16C Fighting Falcon during pre-flight checks at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom, Aug. 25, 2022. The 31st Fighter Wing is currently in the UK to participate in Cobra Warrior 2022. The partnership created through training events, like CW22, better support the U.S. Air Forces ability to employ strategic force in theater whenever called upon.

Senior Airman Jean Labeque, 96th Bomb Squadron crew chief, performs a pre-flight inspection on a B-52H Stratofortress at Barksdale Air Force Base Louisiana, Jan. 25, 2022. Pre-flight inspections involve visual assessment of the equipment and testing of the on-board systems. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Pugh)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jonathan M. Stuart a UH-1Y Venom crew chief with Marine Light Attack Squadron 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, observes the airspace off the coast of Camp Pendleton, California, March 30, 2022. Intrepid Tiger II enhances the airborne electronic warfare capability for fixed and rotary wing aircraft while maintaining a distributed and adaptable network to defend against current and future threats.

TSgt Thomas Lamptey II, an Air Transportation airman from the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, works with a C-130J Hercules load crew airman to load equipment at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, September 28, 2022. The Thunderbirds bring more than 40,000 lbs of cargo and almost 60 passengers to and from each show.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. David Way, 157th Fighter Squadron pilot assigned to the 169th Fighter Wing from McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina, completes a post-flight log at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport in West Columbia, South Carolina, August 24, 2022. The 169th Fighter Wing is temporarily using the Columbia Metropolitan Airport while runway repairs occur at McEntire Joint National Guard Base.

Being in the U.S. Navy is anything but boring. Instead of sharpening pencils, sailors are sharpening their war-fighting skills.

030721-F-6701P-010. Base: Lungi Country: Sierra Leone (SLE) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Senior Airmen Miles Scott and August Gusman, 555th Fighter Generation Squadron ammo crew chiefs, from the 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, loosen the straps on missiles before it is loaded onto aircraft at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom, Sep. 9, 2022. The U.S. Air Force is engaged, postured, and ready with credible force to assure, deter and defend in an increasingly complex security environment.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Chloe Johnson, a combat videographer with Marine Aircraft Group 12, documents an F/A-18C Hornet aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Jan. 25, 2023. VMFA-312 traveled from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam to conduct joint-level training as a part of the Aviation Training Relocation Program and enhance the squadrons readiness and combat capabilities.

Staff Sgt. Ryan Davis, 445th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron avionics specialist, troubleshoots communication systems aboard a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, July 9, 2022, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The C-17 communications system is crucial as it allows the fast and accurate transmission of information between pilots, flight crews, and ground personnel. The 445th AMXS is part of Wright-Patterson Air Force Bases 445th Airlift Wing, home to nine C-17 Globemaster III aircraft and nearly 2,000 Reserve Citizen Airmen.(U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Ethan Spickler)

Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class Joshua Joe, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, performs a pre-flight check aboard an MH-60S Knighthawk at Naval Air station Fallon. 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, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

DF-ST-86-07824. Base: Gabel Mamza Country: Egypt (EGY)

Staff Sgt. Steve Johnston, 911th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, reads a technical order before refueling a C-17 Globemaster III at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, Aug. 8, 2022. Technical orders are vital for maintenance Airmen as they provide step by step instructions for a variety of maintenance tasks.

PHILIPPINE SEA (May 9, 2022) Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class Nigel Roberts, left, from Alexandria, Va., and Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Stephan Pavon, from San Antonio, both assigned to the Chargers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14, remove panels off an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter in the hangar bay aboard 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.

NASA test pilots Jim Clue” Less and Wayne Ringo” Ringelberg step to the F/A-18 research aircraft at Ellington Field and conduct pre-flight safety checks on the aircraft prior to a supersonic research flight for the QSF18 series.

Loadmasters from 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan, Airman 1st Class Brandon Lee and Senior Airman Joseph Doria, review mission documents after completing airdrops over the Yap Islands of Woleai Falalop, Woleai Tagailap, Woleai Saliap, Woleai Wottegai, Woleai Falalis and Eauripik with a combined population of more than 1,140 people during Operation Christmas Drop, Dec. 14. Airmen from the 36th Wing, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam and the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan, come together each year as a part of a training exercise to drop thousands of pounds of donated supplies over the Micronesian Islands. This year more than 20,000 pounds of supplies, worth more than $93,000 will be dropped over 55 Micronesian Islands throughout the week.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nicholas Rosa, 92nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron flying crew chief, conducts pre-flight maintenance during Operation Noble Defender at Moses Lake, Washington, Sept. 14, 2022. Recurring operations like Noble Defender contribute to NORAD's ongoing efforts to address current and evolving threats to North American defense and security.

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

Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead, the SEA for the chief of the National Guard Bureau, sits in the cockpit of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter as part of a tour of National Guard facilities at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Aug. 30, 2022. In addition to the tour, Whitehead also participated as a guest speaker in a panel discussing womens equality.

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