Aviation Maintenance in Service

Images featuring personnel performing maintenance on military aircraft, highlighting the technical and operational aspects of aviation support.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 633d Logistics Readiness Squadron conducts a joint inspection during a cargo deployment function line exercise at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Feb. 13, 2024. During the CDF exercise, the JI team documents dimensions and weight to ensure the safety of the aircraft. Air Force

U.S. Army Spc. Michael Benjamin, aviation structural repairer from Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation Regiment, Assault Helicopter Battalion, attached to the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, removes panels to a UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter during a blade folding exercise held at Ali al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Nov. 27, 2022. Blade folding operations allow 3-142nd AHB the ability to easily transport Army helicopters. The 3-142nd AHB, attached to the 36th CAB, provides Army aviation operations and support to the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve mission, which is to advise, assist, and enable partnered forces in the enduring defeat of ISIS.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Steven Hannah, a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker boom operator, conducts preflight checks before takeoff during Exercise Ballast Cannon 24.3 at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 7, 2024. Ballast Cannon is a routine bilateral exercise occurring nearly quarterly with the Royal Bahraini Air Force, which focuses on strengthening the bonds between coalition forces and building a foundation for future engagements in support of the combined defense of the Arabian Peninsula.

040303-F-3838S-016. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Airmen assigned to the 4th Maintenance Group put a pin in a conformal fuel tank stand at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Oct. 3, 2022. The 4th MXG designed new CFT stands to increase the supply of stands allowing them to become more efficient.

Tech. Sgt. Lee Lopez, 309th Aircraft Maintenance Group expeditionary depot maintenance fuel systems team member, replaces the wings on an A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 357th Fighter Generation Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 11, 2022. Completing this process at DM expedited the wing swap process and added approximately 7.3 thousand hours back into the flying program, placing three jets back into the working system of completing missions, sorties and countless training requirements.

U.S Air Force Staff Sgt. Ladashia Swinton, load crew chief and Senior Airman Drew Norman, weapons load crew member of the 27th Special Operation Aircraft Maintenance Squadron load PGU-45s into the 105 millimeter ammunition storage handling system at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., Dec. 8, 2022. The exercise demonstrates the 27th Special Operations Munitions Squadron ability to practice Agile Combat Employment by arming and rearming troops in austere environments.

US Air Force Technical Sergeant Fred Carson, Independent Duty Medical Technician, 603rd Air Control Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy, connects a break line. The 603rd is deployed to Bovbjerg, Denmark, in support of an annual Tactical Fighter Weaponry exercise "TFW" and a NATO Air Meet. TFW and NATO Air Meet are multinational exercises designed to practice and improve tactical capabilities in a combine training environment. Subject Operation/Series: TACTICAL FIGHTER WEAPONRYNATO AIR MEET Base: Bovbjerg Country: Denmark (DNK)

Staff Sgt. Derek Johnson, 451st Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron joint airdrop inspector, ensures pallets of cargo are fastened properly on a C-130J Hercules at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. The 36,000 pounds of cargo on the pallets will be airdropped to a remote foward operating base.

020508-F-9032T-001. Base: RAF Feltwell State: East Anglia Country: United Kingdom (GBR)

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 633d Logistics Readiness Squadron conducts a joint inspection during a cargo deployment function line exercise at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Feb. 13, 2024. During the CDF exercise, the JI team documents dimensions and weight to ensure the safety of the aircraft. Air Force

020509-F-0362B-011. Subject Operation/Series: COMBINED ENDEAVOR 2002 Base: Lager Aulenbach State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

031018-F-3356N-006. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

030123-M-5266H-013. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT)

040116-F-9629J-015. Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

011103-F-4406B-003. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Dennis Moos, an aeromedical evacuation technician assigned to the 446th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, manages cables for a litter for in-flight aeromedical evacuation training on a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, June 5, 2022, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. The 446th AES trains with aircrew and 446th Aeromedical Staging Squadron members to transport simulated patients to exercise medical evacuation procedures.

040115-F-0703J-006. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers prepare battle training apparatus systems during Exercise Shinka 22.1 at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, June 10, 2022. Shinka exemplifies a shared commitment to realistic training that produces lethal, ready, and adaptable forces capable of decentralized operations across a wide range of missions. 3/2 is forward-deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

Senior Airman Brandon Olson from the 140th Wing, Colorado Air National Guard, fuels an F-16 aircraft located at a training base in Northern Jordan as part of Exercise Eager Lion. Eager Lion is a U.S. Central Command-directed, irregular warfare-themed exercise focusing on missions the United States and its coalition partners might perform in support of global contingency operations.

011011-F-5171M-010. Base: Minneapolis-St Paul Iap/Ars State: Minnesota (MN) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

040825-F-7901H-022. Base: Hurlburt Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Senior Airman Cedar Miller, a pavements and construction equipment journeyman with the 124th Civil Engineer Squadron, Boise, Idaho, carries a ladder to a house at the site of the Cherokee Nation innovative readiness training project in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, June 6, 2022. Tools and equipment were unloaded and placed in needed locations around the job site.

061109-A-5332O-111. Subject Operation/Series: OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Logistic Support Area Anaconda Country: Iraq (IRQ)

221114-N-PI330-1014 Gulfport, Mississippi (November 14, 2022) Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Joe Nuckolls, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 (NMCB 133), bleeds air out of a fuel system for an 11,000 pound forklift on Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, Mississippi, November 14, 2022. NMCB 133 is at homeport in Gulfport, Mississippi conducting training cycles.

021022-F-4728F-008. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

031013-F-9105A-002. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Army Sgt. Pedro Marcis, of Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, loads .50-caliber rounds for an M2 heavy machine gun mounted on his M1126 Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle at Rodriguez Range, South Korea, prior to a live-fire training during the Reception, Staging, Onward movement, and Integration / Foal Eagle 2007 exercise March 22, 2007. The purpose of the exercise is to demonstrate resolve to support the Republic of Korea (ROK) against external aggression while improving ROK/U.S. combat readiness and joint / combined interoperability.

Capt. Ryan Woods, 345th Bomb Squadron weapons systems officer, checks his mask before flight at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas Sept. 7th, 2022. Crews supported a Bomber Task Force mission to U.S. Southern Command. Within the mission, they integrated with partnered nations, such as Ecuador and Panama.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass tries flying a T-6 Texan II during a virtual reality session at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Aug. 8, 2022. Bass visited the 47th Student Squadron virtual reality flight simulator instructors to get to know their mission and priorities such as people, culture, and readiness.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ken Monroe a recruiter with the South Carolina Air National Guard, gives an F-16 block 52 tour to Civil Air Patrol cadets from South and North Carolina during their visit to McEntire Joint National Guard Base in Eastover, S.C., June 29, 2016. The cadets toured the base and flew in a C-17 Globemaster III as part of the cadets encampment camp held this summer at the McGrady Training Center in S.C.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Miguel Munoz, 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron C-130J Super Hercules aerospace turboprop system journeyman, begins a timed maintenance repair task at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Feb. 9, 2024. Munoz participated in the second annual 86th Maintenance Group Aerospace Maintenance Competition which allowed maintainers to showcase their skills and provided participants a bigger perspective of aircraft maintenance. Air Force

U.S. Air Force medical team members assigned to the 10th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight (EAEF) participate in exercise Reliant Rumble on Camp Lemonnier (CLDJ), Djibouti, May, 04, 2022. This earthquake response exercise provides an opportunity for units across the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and CLDJ to properly coordinate and demonstrate their key duties during and directly after an earthquake.

040114-F-0558K-034. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Aircraft Armament Systems specialists assigned to the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard, Duluth, Minn., remove the handling set of a M61A1. Aircraft Armament Systems specialists ensure that explosive devices can be accurately delivered from F-16 Fighting Falcons on October 7, 2022. From testing and evaluating new weapons systems to loading ordnance, these professionals make sure when a pilot pulls the trigger, the devices successfully launch away from the aircraft toward the target.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Teresa Villa, KC-135T crew chief with the 191st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Michigan Air National Guard, helps position an F108 jet engine on a transport carriage for removal from a KC-135T Stratotanker aircraft on Feb. 6, 2024 at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan. Periodic engine changes are a part of scheduled aircraft maintenance. Air National Guard

011016-F-0378B-001. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Lance Corporal Kevin Boyce raises the M198 155mm Towed Howitzer while preparing to fire while deployed with Third Division/12th Marine Regiment (3/12), Charlie Battery's artillery unit. Charlie Battery is deployed in support of the unit's artillery relocation excercise, and cold weather training, at Camp Hijudai, Oita, Japan. Base: Camp Hijudai State: Oita Country: Japan (JPN)

040429-F-1844A-048. Base: England Air Park State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

US Air Force SENIOR AIRMAN James Price ensures that a bomb on his A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft is locked in place during the 51st operations group weapons load crew of the quarter contest at Osan Air Base, South Korea. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

The Interior Alaska Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps visits 168th Wing as part of summer camp and learns about the 168th Wing, pilot, boom operator, aircraft maintenance, security forces, and civil engineering missions. The Interior JROTC cadets are students at West Valley High School Marine Corps JROTC, Lathrop High School Army JROTC, Eielson Air Force Base High School Air Force JROTC, and North Pole High School Air Force JROTC.

Airmen with the dirty jobs initiative help install a piece of hardware at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 13, 2022. Airmen were able to take a look behind the scenes of what a typical day is like at the 355th Communications Squadron, as part of the Dirty Jobs initiative.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Anna Crawford, 354th Maintenance Squadron Aerospace Ground Equipment journeyman, removes a control box in a generator at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 15, 2022. The A/M32-60B turbine air start cart (Dash Sixty) has the capability of simulating the load that would be placed onto an aircraft.

Airman 1st Class Anthony Logue, 14th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, performs preflight duties inside a C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., June 27, 2022.The aircrew performed low-level, assault landings, and touch and go maneuvers at Jacksonville International and Patrick Space Force Base, FL, to sharpen the crews mission readiness in Agile Combat Employment scenarios.

Army Reserve Spc. Tanner Neagle, a firefighter with 463rd Firefighter Engineer Detachment, operates the nozzle of a tactical firefighting truck as part of driver/operator training at Fort McCoy, Wis., May 24, 2022. The training will help prepare these Army Reserve Soldiers to operate in any situation they may find themselves when attacking a fire or other emergency situation.

Dwain Martinson (left), 573rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, briefs Gen. Mark D. Kelly, Air Combat Command commander, on the F-16 production line Aug. 9, 2022, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. During his visit to Hill AFB, the general met with members of the Ogden Air Logistics Complex and 388th Fighter Wing. He received briefings on aircraft maintenance, sustainment and operations.

021005-A-7315T-009. Base: Fort Polk State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: FORSCOM

040322-F-0017C-003. Subject Operation/Series: BEVERLY BULLDOG 04-01 Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Nicholas Hackworth, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew member, loads munitions onto an F-15E Strike Eagle during a weapons load competition at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 11, 2024. The competition graded Airmen from the 4th Fighter Generation Squadron, 356th FGS, 18th AMXS and the 159th FGS on a variety of competencies including safety, appearance, speed, knowledge and accuracy.

020612-F-8425S-009. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cole Baker secures rocket munitions pods during a HIMARS Direct Reload In Plane/Download Resupply of Pod at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 20, 2024. Conducting HIDRIP/HIDROP training establishes clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations between ground combat and aviation elements, ensuring successful embarkation and reload process during rapid insertions. Baker, a native of Maryland is a field artillery cannoneer with 3d Battalion, 12th Marines assigned to 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division.

A Japan Self-Defense Force member practices restraining cargo on an aircraft pallet during a Bilateral Defense of Okinawa Working Group at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 2, 2022. The ability to meet face-to-face allowed U.S. and Japanese military personnel to exchange information and plans in a seamless way, increasing interoperability.

A weapons load crew team from the 44th Aircraft Maintenance Unit work together to lift an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile onto an LAU-128 Missile launcher Jan. 5, 2015, during a quarterly weapons load competition on Kadena Air Base, Japan. The competition tests teams abilities to arm F-15 Eagles in a fast and safe manner. The competition was held between the 44th and 67th Aircraft Maintenance Units of the 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

Staff Sgt. Sam Phillippi, 911th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, loads an age limited kit into the 46-man life raft rigid container on board a C-17 Globemaster III at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, Feb. 26, 2024. The ALK requires replacement biennially, whereas the 46-man life raft should be replaced every four years. Air Force

Weapons load crew members from the 25th Fighter Generation Squadron, prepare to load munitions onto an A-10C Thunderbolt II during a weapons load crew of the quarter competition at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, March 31, 2023. During the competition, load crew members are evaluated on safety, speed, reliability, technical errors and use of the checklist.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Hunter Andrzejewski, 325th Munitions Squadron precision guided missile technician, unscrews the tail fin of an AIM-9X Sidewinder missile at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 5, 2022. The 325th MUNS prepared the munitions for the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Groups Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.08. WSEPs are formal, two-week evaluation exercises designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, prepares to label his rifle at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Dec. 12, 2022. Recruits were issued rifles and briefed on their responsibilities regarding rifle security, safety and handling.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jackson Elliott, 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron ground transportation support operator, drives a 10K forklift to the flightline at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sept. 16, 2022. Elliott learned to operate heavy equipment and vehicles to accomplish his daily mission including tractors, buses and a variety of government owned vehicles.

220331-N-CM110-1025 PACIFIC OCEAN (Mar. 31, 2022) - Marines assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 13 (MAG13), based out of Yuma, Ariz., look for books to check out from the library aboard amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Mar. 31. Tripoli is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

Members of the Florida Army and Air National Guard inspect emergency equipment during Hurricane Ian state activation, Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, Fla, Sept. 27, 2022. Florida National Guard's Chemical, Biological, Radiological/Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) - Enhanced Response Force Package (FL-CERFP) was activated as part of a statewide hurricane response. National Guard components from neighboring states, including Georgia, have joined forces to ensure the safety of Florida residents. ( U.S. Army photo by Sgt. N.W. Huertas)

DA-ST-88-04662. Subject Operation/Series: THRUST Base: Westfield State: Massachusetts (MA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Douglas Martin, a 934th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron avionics communication/navigation mission systems specialist from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Air Reserve Station, Minnesota, applies protective tape to 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. RFA provides training for deployed maintenance and support personnel in sustainment of large-force deployed air operations.

US Navy (USN) Hospital Corpsman Second Class (HM2) Johnathan Bradford (foreground) and USN HM2 Thomas Miller, both assigned to the 2nd Force Services Support Group (FSSG), finish the construction of a patient airlock, on a Chemical Biological Protective Shelter (CBPS), during a training exercise conducted at Camp Coyote, Kuwait, during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. The CBPS is a highly mobile chemically protected shelter system designed for emergency medical use in forward battle areas. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Camp Coyote Country: Kuwait (KWT)

Tech. Sgt. Clair James, left, 920th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron electrical and environmental systems technician, and Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Ellison, 920th AMXS crew chief, use a spindle bender tool to gain access to a spindle for removal from an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter's main rotor head inside a maintenance hangar at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, Jan. 3, 2024. These spindles will replace corroded ones on another Pave Hawk. The spindles are being removed from this Pave Hawk because it's scheduled for retirement to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group in Arizona later this month, marking the beginning of the wing's conversion to the new HH-60W Pave Hawk.

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

Senior Airman Sedrick Nelson, 154th MXS aircraft fuel systems journeyman, removes the purge duct to allow Staff Sgt. Taylor Kuehne, 15th Maintenance Squadron aircraft fuel systems craftsman, to exit the C-17 Globemaster IIIs wing during in-tank maintenance at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, May 2, 2022. A purge duct is connected to an access panel in order to provide air to the entrant Airman during the procedure within the wing.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Isaac Perez, a bulk refuel specialist assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 172, describes the tactical aviation ground refueling system to Maj. Gen. Eric Austin, left, commanding general of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, during his visit to MWSS-172 at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 2, 2022. MWSS-172 hosted Austin to showcase their expeditionary advanced base operation capabilities.

040325-F-1740G-005. Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030313-F-5098W-003. Base: RAF Fairford State: Gloucestershire Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF

U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22 brief Maj. Gen. Roger B. Turner, the commanding general of 1st Marine Division, on limitations and capabilities of equipment during a tour at Robertson Barracks, Darwin, NT, Australia, April 21, 2022. The 1st MARDIV commanding general and sergeant major visited Marines and Sailors in Darwin to gain insight into MRF-D 22s current operations, capabilities, and living conditions.

HH-60G Pave Hawk flight engineers Chief Master Sgt. Rich Nowaski (left) and Tech Sgt. Chris Gabor (right) from the 129th Rescue Wing at Moffett Federal Airfield, California Air National Guard, secures new photovoltaic batteries on an HH-60G Pave Hawk. The 129th Rescue Wing were assisting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service transport the new batteries to the FWS research facility at Farallon Island to power a lighthouse and workshop, Feb 17, 2009.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Noah Most, 325th Munitions Squadron unit safety representative, left, and Tech. Sgt. Brittany Dawkins, 325th Fighter Wing safety technician, discuss a shop safety inspection at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, April 27, 2022. Most works with the wings safety office throughout the year to ensure safety training, documentation, programs, policies and evaluations are current for equipment utilized by the squadron.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tyler Knight,fuels distribution journeyman assigned to the 101st Air Refueling Wing, prepares to fuel an F-16 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 23, 2022. Red Flag Alaska 22-2 is a training opportunity The RF-A exercise focuses on improving the combat readiness of U.S. and international forces, and providing training for units preparing for air and space expeditionary force tasking.

US Air Force AIRMAN First Class Joshua Lucier from the 3rd Component Repair Squadron, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, on temporary duty to the 48th Component Repair Squadron, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom, removes a scavenge tube from a Pratt and Whitney F100-PW-220 engine. (Duplicate image, see also DF-SD-01-08489 or 010122-F-4177H-003). Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

Royal Air Force Cpl. Adam Thompson, avionics maintainer from the 51st Squadron at RAF Waddington, United Kingdom, begins routine maintenance on a U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 4, 2022. Thompson is a part of a crew of RAF aviators deployed here in support of Kadenas mission to strengthen alliances and interoperability between partner nations.

050927-A-7186W-006. Base: Tall Afar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

010912-F-1845T-003. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Master Sgt. Matthew Schroth, 911th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron flight line hydraulics noncommissioned officer in charge provides instructions to Senior Airman Jeffrey Dalaney, 911th AMXS hydraulic systems technician, on the proper placement of safety wire using the safety cable gun on the landing gear of a C-17 Globemaster III at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, Jan. 18, 2024. Safety wire ensures the stability of components and prevents the risk of incidental disengagement during flight.

A group of 741st Maintenance Squadron Airmen perform a function check and operation of a hydraulic pusher set Sept. 28, 2022, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. The 741st Maintenance Squadron supports all maintenance activities affecting the bases Minuteman III launch facilities and missile alert facilities.

Port dawgs with the 72nd Aerial Port Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma compete in their annual rodeo April 2, 2022, to determine who has the best aerial porting skills in the squadron.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jonathan Close, aircraft flight equipment specialist for the 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, tests equipment at Burlington Air National Guard Base, Vermont, July 25, 2022. AFE personnel are vital in delivering safe and mission-ready support equipment for our F-35A Lightning II pilots.

030122-M-9578B-052. Base: Marine Corps Air Station,Iwakuni Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: MWSS-171

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M.--Senior Airmen Helen Eberle, 27th Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron, along-side Staff Sgt. Paul Parish, 27th Special Operations Maintenance Squadron, inspect pallets for deployment requirements Jan. 15. The base is a part of the disaster response group that is providing disaster relief following the earthquake in Haiti.

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 23rd Wing secures cargo inside a C-17 Globemaster III at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Sept. 24, 2022. The C-17 was loaded with cargo and troops for a deployment. Moody Airmen set out on the first-ever operational deployment of the HH-60W to provide rescue services in support of contingency operations.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Christian Quiambao, 154th Operational Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, prepares equipment for pilots prior to flight at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Northern Territory, Australia, Sept. 6, 2022. AFE Airmen ensure all flight and safety equipment is in perfect working order for pilots, which is essential while operating in a deployed environment.

Ground crew members consult on tools to use and repair a United States Air Force F-15C Eagle fighter aircraft before it launches from Moron Air Base, Spain in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Moron Air Base State: Sevilla Country: Spain (ESP) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

US Air Force STAFF Sergeant John Harpek, Computer Display Maintenance Technician, 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, fills in the preflight maintenance check list before a flight at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia. SSGT Harpek is a part of the coalition forces of the 363rd Air Expeditionary Wing that enforces the no-fly and no-drive zone in Southern Iraq to protect and defend against Iraqi aggression. This mission is in direct support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: Prince Sultan Air Base Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

MASTER Sergeant (MSGT) Dave Faires monitors fuel added to a C-17 Globemaster cargo aircraft at Moron Air Base, Spain, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Moron Air Base State: Sevilla Country: Spain (ESP) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

010405-F-8748C-004. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

Czech Air Force Capt. Vladan Svoboda, an avionics inspector with 22nd Helicopter Air Force Base of Czech Air Force, Czech Republic, performs maintenance on a U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom helicopter at the Center for Naval Aviation Technician Training Detachment on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 24, 2022. CNATT instructors trained alongside servicemen with Czech Air Force on aviation mechanics to expand their knowledge on various technical skills.

220505-N-UP745-2024 IONIAN SEA (May 5, 2022) Navy Counselor 1st Class Seth Martin, from Sylacauga, Ala., stands watch as security reaction force during an anti-terrorism training team drill aboard Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109), in the Ionian Sea, May 5, 2022. Jason Dunham is a part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S., allied and partner interest in Europe and Africa.

240205-N-PV534-1018 SAN DIEGO (Feb. 5, 2024) Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Ryan Hardrath, from Sacramento, Calif., performs maintenance on an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14, on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is currently moored pierside at Naval Air Station North Island. Navy

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Alex Almarales, 17th Special Operations Squadron AC-130J Ghostrider aerial gunner, supervises a 105 mm artillery round load with Justin Howalt, 27th Special Operations Mission Support Group honorary commander and Clovis city manager, during a live fire exercise as part of an honorary commander flight on Aug. 24, 2022, over Melrose Air Force Range, New Mexico. Howalt and other honorary commanders learned how the 17 SOS conducts training locally and world-wide to stay proficient in support of U.S. international security interests.

1LT Richard B. Ortega from the 611th Tactical Control Flight and wearing chemical warfare gear, operates a high frequency radio during Exercise UREX '82. Subject Operation/Series: UREX '82 Base: Bad Krueznach Country: West Germany (FRG)

050109-F-6335P-271. Base: Utapao Air Base Country: Thailand (THA)

Spc. Kris Hoffa and Spc. Ryan Smelker assigned to 1171st Medical Company Area Support, Michigan Army National Guard, conduct preventative checks and services on Humvee 2-CT Ambulance during Mass Casualty training as part of exercise Northern Strike 22-2 at Camp Grayling, Mich., Aug. 15, 2022. Northern Strike is designed to challenge approximately 7,400 service members with multiple forms of training that advance interoperability across multicomponent, multinational and interagency partners.

Aviation Machinists Mate 2nd Class Oscar Giraldo, from Orlando, Florida, assigned to the "Tridents" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, performs routine maintenance on the tail of an MH-60S Knighthawk, Oct. 22, 2022. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) is deployed in the Atlantic Ocean, conducting training and operations alongside NATO Allies and partners to enhance integration for future operations and demonstrate the U.S. Navys commitment to a peaceful, stable and conflict-free Atlantic region.

221028-N-JU916-1018 NORFOLK, Va. (Oct. 28, 2022) Sailors move gym equipment in the hanger bay of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), October 28, 2022. Truman is the flagship of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group and is currently in port onboard Naval Station Norfolk.

041105-F-8769K-042. Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Lucas Gross, an Airborne Mission Network technician assigned to the 1st Special Operations Communications Squadron, attaches an Inertial Reference Unit (IRU) to the bottom side of an antenna that is then later attached to an In-Vehicle-Equipment or IVE-Kit, Aug. 4, 2022 at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The IRU and IVE-Kit equipment allow training to be conducted in a classroom setting without the need to step out to work on an aircraft.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Sebastian Romawac, 18th Wing Staff Agency public affairs specialist from Moreno Vally, California was selected as the 18th Wings Airman of the Week at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The Airman of the Week program is an opportunity for outstanding Airmen to be recognized by KAB leadership as well as showcase these young leaders to their peers.

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