Aviation Operations and Cockpit Dynamics

Military pilots in various helicopters, actively engaging in flight operations, showcasing teamwork and tactical responsibilities in air support missions.

A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron departs after refueling an MC-130P Combat Shadow from the 17th Special Operations Squadron during an air-to-air refueling mission over the East China Sea July 19, 2013. The 909th ARS and the 17th SOS conducts air-to-air refueling mission periodically in order to ensure training proficiency for both air crews.

A CH-53E Super Stallion aircrewman flies with the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration of the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 22, 2022. The MAGTF Demo displays the coordinated use of close-air support, artillery and infantry forces, and provides a visual representation of how the Marine Corps operates. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

Sea of Japan (May 19, 2022) - Lt. j.g. Alina Kozlowski attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25, Detachment 6 conducts flight operations in a MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter during Exercise Noble Vanguard. Noble Vanguard serves as an enabler to reinforce tactics and techniques of different mission sets that contribute to regional stability.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Mike Eger, a pilot with the Colorado Army Natioanl Guard's 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment, left, and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Troy Parmley, a pilot with the Colorado Army National Guard's D Company, 3rd Battalion, 148th Aviation Regiment, fly at a UH-72 Lakota helicopter over flooded areas as part of relief and recovery operations near Fort Collins, Colo., Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013. More than 750 Guardmembers have been working with local, state and federal authorities in response to flooding in central Colorado as a result of heavy rains in the area. Colorado Guard members have evaucated about 700 people by ground and military aerial evacuations currently total 2,394.

U.S. Amy Chief Warrant Officer 3 Frank Bellizzi, UH-60M Black Hawk Pilot and Maintenance Test Pilot for Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation Regiment, Assault Helicopter Battalion, attached to 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, pilots a UH-60M Black Hawk toward Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, to pick up a distinguished visitor, Sept. 22, 2022. Bellizzi and his crew commonly flew unaided in low light settings as conditions did not require the use of night vision goggles at the time of their flight. 3-142nd AHB, attached to 36th CAB, currently supports the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve across the Middle East.

A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron departs after refueling an MC-130P Combat Shadow from the 17th Special Operations Squadron during an air-to-air refueling mission over the East China Sea July 19, 2013. The 909th ARS and the 17th SOS conducts air-to-air refueling mission periodically in order to ensure training proficiency for both air crews.

Missouri National Guards Public Affairs Office (PAO) traveled on a UH 60 Blackhawk to train Soldiers in Mo., Sept. 21, 2022. The Public Affairs team trains units around the state about the fundamentals of social media while giving public affairs guidance to Soldiers and Airmen. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Rose Di Trolio)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kendall Dunn, 403rd Wing pilot, flies a C-130J Super Hercules during a Cope North 24 Aeromedical Evacuation exercise at Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands, Feb. 11, 2024. Large-scale, multinational exercises in the Indo-Pacific Region act as a force multiplier in the region, building a more integrated and lethal force together. Air Force

030220-F-3961R-008. Subject Operation/Series: COPE TIGER 2003 Country: Thailand (THA)

NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (August 18, 2022) Staff Sgt. Jennah Beaver, left, and Senior Airman Celeste Winters, both assigned to 725 Air Mobility Squadron, check the aircraft after its arrival to Naval Station Rota, Spain, Aug. 18, 2022.

PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 27, 2018) Lt. Kevin McMahon, left, and Lt. Spencer Smith, both assigned to the Black Eagles of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, pilot an E-2C Hawkeye 2000 aircraft.

010327-M-8539A-047. Subject Operation/Series: MILLENNIUM EDGE Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Pilots from the 535th Airlift Squadron fly in a formation with a Royal Australian Air Force and Hawaii Air National Guard C-17 Globemaster III during an aerial maneuver training mission around the Hawaiian islands as part of Exercise Global Dexterity 2022 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, May 3, 2022. The RAAF and USAF conducted joint flying missions alongside each other and swapped aircrew members to better learn of each others procedures and techniques.

U.S. Army National Guard Sgt. Tom Whitfield, a CH-47 Helicopter Repairer assigned to Bravo Company 1st Battalion from the 111th Aviation Regiment, surveys equipment on a CH-47. Whitfield was one of the flight engineers that assisted in the movement of the Region III Best Warrior Competition competitors and leadership to an event site via a CH-47.

A pilot flies a B-52H Stratofortress aircraft from Guam to Darwin Royal Australian Air Force Base, Australia during Exercise Glad Customer '82. The pilot is assigned to the 37th Bomb Squadron. Subject Operation/Series: GLAD CUSTOMER '82 Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Robert Erikson, KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling specialist assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, prepares to begin in-air refueling, in the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility, May 5, 2022. In-flight Refueling Specialists operate a specialized boom from the back of a KC-135, which pumps thousands of gallons of jet fuel to support U.S. and partner nation forces, enabling war-winning airpower, deterrence, and stability to the region.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Creedance Chambers, a C-17 Globemaster III pilot assigned to the 16th Airlift Squadron, flies an airlift mission near Joint Base Charleston, S.C., June 14, 2022. The C-17 is the most flexible cargo aircraft in the airlift force, capable of rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo.

Capt. Kyle Wagner, right, 167th Airlift Wing pilot, mans the controls of a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft as the boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 128th Air Refueling Wing, Wisconsin Air National Guard, is manuevered toward the C-17 during aerial refueling training, April 4.

DN-ST-89-05244. Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Kevin Shutack, a pilot assigned to the 351st Air Refueling Squadron, flies a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, during a refueling mission over the North sea, July 21, 2022. Shutack wore aircrew eye and respiratory protection equipment, also know as AERP, during this mission as part of one of the many certification trainings that are needed to stay ready at all times.

Royal New Zealand Air Force Flight Lieutenant Lachlan Newbery, left; Sergeant Darren Matheson, middle; and Flight Lieutenant Andrew Sledger, members of a C-130H(NZ) Hercules aircrew assigned to No. 40 Squadron, RNZAF Base Auckland, conduct a familiarization flight during RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1 over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, Oct. 7, 2022. The JPARC airspace provides a realistic training environment, allowing Airmen to train for full spectrum engagements, ranging from individual skills to complex, large-scale joint engagements.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Kevin Cabusora, 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron KC-10 Extender aircraft commander and Capt. Gavin Owens 908th EARS instructor pilot, connect to another KC-10 for aerial refueling over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, April 7, 2022. Cabusora, Owens and the rest of the aircrew, deployed from the 305th Air Mobility Wing, McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, are the last crew to fly a KC-10 sortie deployed. McGuire AFB will cease their KC-10 deployments as the base is transitioning to fly the KC-46 Pegasus.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 James Marchetti, a Troy, NY, native, and UH-60M Black Hawk Pilot for A Company, 3-142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion (AHB), based out of Latham, New York, puts on his gloves for start-up procedures of a UH-60M Black Hawk at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Sept. 16, 2022. Marchetti and his crew surveyed landing zones in the vicinity of Camp Buehring during their flight. 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.

U.S. Air Force 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron B-52H Stratofortress Pilot Capt. Alexander Narco” Chase pilots a B-52 over the Estonian island of Hiiumaa during a Bomber Task Force mission on Sept. 2, 2022. Bomber Task Force operations are conducted with NATO Allies and partners to demonstrate and strengthen shared commitment to global security and stability.

A U.S Air Force Special Tactics Operator assigned to the 23 Special Tactics Squadron prepares for a military free fall jump over Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, during Red Flag 22-2 June 13, 2022. RF-A 22-2 provides realistic combat training in a simulated environment.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Davis Leoncini, an MV-22 Osprey crew chief assigned to the Aviation Combat Element, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, sits on a ramp during a bilateral exercise in Bardufoss, Norway, April 17, 2022. The 22nd MEU, embarked aboard the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, is participating in a bilateral training event with the Kingdom of Norways Armed Forces to strengthen U.S. and Norway interoperability, ensuring collective capabilities and steadfast partnerships among NATO allies and partners.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Kristie Ciampa-Mangers, a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, takes off from the runway for a refueling mission at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Jan. 1, 2022. The U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker delivers U.S. Air Forces Central a global reach aerial refueling capability to support joint and partner nation aircraft throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Aviation Training Center - Mobile Aircrew - Aftermath and Rescue - 26-HK-279-173. Hurricane Katrina

020205-F-8619S-006. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: RAF Akrotiri Air Base State: Sovereign Base Area (SBA) Country: Cyprus (CYP) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

KANTO PLAIN, Japan -- Aircrews from the 36th Airlift Squadron fly from Yokota Air Base to Hyakuri Air Base to deliver seven pallets of boron to the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force March 19. Japanese forces will use the boron to help stabilization efforts at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

Alaska Air National Guard Lt. Col. Michael Curry, left, and 1st Lt. Robert Wasser, both 144th Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III pilots, prepare to take off from Bethel-Davis Regional Airport after transporting volunteers and gifts during Operation Santa Claus at Bethel, Alaska, Nov. 16, 2022. Operation Santa Claus is the AKANGs yearly community relations and support program that provides gifts to children in remote communities across the state. In partnership with the Salvation Army and more than a dozen volunteers, the program delivered 1,780 pounds of gifts, backpacks, hygiene supplies, and books to 325 children in Scammon Bay.

220604-N-IR734-5080 PHILIPPINE SEA (June 4, 2022) Lt. Daniel Logan, from Coppell, Texas, pilots a helicopter assigned to the Golden Falcons of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 over a ship formation comprising the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), Carrier Strike Group 5 and Republic of Korea Navy ships, during Carrier Strike Group Exercise 2022. Carrier Strike Group Exercise is a bilateral exercise between the U.S. Navy and Republic of Korea Navy. This exercise allows our navies to refine operations and engagement to strengthen future cooperation while supporting the alliance that remains vital to the security interests of both nations and to stability in Northeast Asia.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Wesley Ladd, HC-130J Combat King II pilot assigned to the 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, pilots the aircraft during a combat search and rescue agile combat support exercise within the Combine Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve area of responsibility, Dec. 1, 2022. The exercise enabled pilots, loadmasters, and special mission aviators to sharpen their CSAR capabilities by extending the reach of HH-60G helicopters reach in austere environments.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Chase Mlnarik, the flightline officer in charge with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, co-pilots a UH-1Y Venom helicopter during a close air support exercise on Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 8, 2023. HMLA-775, along with the other squadrons on the air station, provide aviation support that enables I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton tenant commands and visiting units to maintain and enhance their mission capabilities and combat readiness.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Kevin Cabusora, 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron KC-10 Extender aircraft commander and Capt. Gavin Owens 908th EARS instructor pilot, connect to another KC-10 for aerial refueling over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, April 7, 2022. Cabusora, Owens and the rest of the aircrew, deployed from the 305th Air Mobility Wing, McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, are the last crew to fly a KC-10 sortie deployed. McGuire AFB will cease their KC-10 deployments as the base is transitioning to fly the KC-46 Pegasus.

A U.S. Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker with the New Jersey Air National Guard's 108th Wing is prepared for a training flight on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, March 31, 2022. The Stratotankers assigned to the 141st Air Refueling Squadron "Tigers" allow the Wing to support Air Mobility Command with mid-air refueling and air bridge support to overseas contingency operations and homeland defense.

Japanese Air Self Defense Force cadets are shown the cockpit of a KC-135 Stratotanker by Capt. Teho Kim, pilot with the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 27, 2022. The cadets interacted with Airmen, learning about the 18th Wings mission and capabilities. The Japanese Observer Exchange Program strengthens the Japan-U.S. alliance and interoperability.

The crew of an HH-60 Pave Hawk assigned to the 33rd Rescue Squadron fly over the Pacific Ocean, Nov. 22, 2022. The 33rd RQS maintains readiness for mobilization, deployment and employment of helicopters and rescue of U.S. and allied military members, and civilian personnel.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Eric Brown, left, and Capt. Brian Kursawe, KC130-J Hercules pilots with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, conduct tactical navigation during unit-level training detachment El Centro Horizon at Naval Air Facility El Centro, Calif., Dec. 2, 2017. The purpose of VMGR-152s El Centro Horizon ULT detachment is to increase squadron combat readiness through the diverse training ranges available at the Yuma training complex.

Members of the Royal New Zealand Air Forces No. 40 Squadron, conduct a sortie over St. Joseph, Missouri, while attending the Advanced Tactics Aircrew Course at the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center, September 21, 2022. The AATTC functions as a clearinghouse for gathering and disseminating airlift tactics information. Since 1983 the training center has provided advanced tactical training to airlift aircrews from the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command, Air Mobility Command, U.S. Marine Corps and 17 allied nations.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kristopher Johnson, Commander 137th Airlift Squadron, and U.S Air Force Maj. Daniel Dunbar, a pilot assigned to the 105th Airlift Wing, fly a C-17 Globemaster during a training mission at Stewart Air National Guard Base Newburgh, New York, Dec. 07, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Christian Nault, 41st Rescue Squadron special missions aviator, fires at a target during training at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, March 23, 2023. For the training, the aircraft conducted tactical air and ground maneuvers, as well as weapons training.

020314-F-6701P-009. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 25, 2023) Lt. Riley Mita, left, from Stevenson Ranch, Calif., and Lt. Jim Ruck, from Alameda Calif., pilot a CMV-22B Osprey, assigned to Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30, while preparing to receive fuel from a KC-10 Extender, assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Squadron. VRM 30, assigned to Carrier Air Wing 9, is currently based out of Naval Air Station North Island in support of routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

Lt. Cols. Duane Boyle, William Poulson and Tech. Sgt. Amanda Galles assigned to the Air National Guards 185th Air Refueling Wing perform preflight checks on a KC-135 Stratotanker in Sioux City, Iowa, March 6, 2019.

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Ryan Corvin, 21st Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III pilot, taxis a C-17 upon arrival to Saipan, Mariana Islands, Sept. 26, 2022. Exercise Golden Bee is a joint readiness exercise designed to provide training integration and rehearse strategic and operational objectives in the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Rudolph Padia, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 MV-22 Osprey crew chief, communicates to pilots flying a MV-22 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, July 13, 2022. VMM 163 deployed to Camp Lemonnier in support of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa by providing capabilities for personnel recovery and casualty evacuation of U.S. forces throughout East Africa.

Flight crew of Alaska Air National Guard's 144th Airlift Squadron conduct pre-flight checks on a C-17 Globemaster II prior to take off for Eielson Air Force Base, Sept. 21, 2022. Approximately 100 members of the Alaska Organized Militia, which is comprised of the Alaska National Guard, Alaska State Defense Force and Alaska Naval Militia, were activated following a disaster declaration issued Sept. 17 after the remnants of Typhoon Merbok caused dramatic flooding across more than 1,000 miles of Alaskan coastline. (Alaska National Guard photo by Victoria Granado)

Tech. Sgt. Austin Schwier, 39th Rescue Squadron loadmaster, scans the sky during a turkey shoot competition off the coast of Florida, June 16, 2022. During the competition aircrew members competed on skills such as aircraft weapons employment, helicopter air to air refueling, degraded navigation, degraded search, and confined hoisting.

Master Sgt. Adam Krotz, 155th Air Refueling Wing boom operator, refueling F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air base, Italy, in a KC-135R Stratotanker, Sept. 7, 2022, during Ample Strike. Air Guardsmen and Reserve Citizen Airmen provide critical support throught the USAFE-AFRICA area of operations by deploying to and interacting with a variety of nations.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Colin Krebsbach, a crew chief from Kent, Washington, assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, Marine Air-Ground Task Force 7 (MAGTF-7) "Ripper", observes flight operations during deck landing qualifications aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD2), in the Pacific Ocean, June 22, 2022. MAGTF-7 provides realistic, relevant training that increases participants' abilities to plan, communicate and conduct complex maritime operations efficiently and effectively.

PERTH, Australia (April 1, 2014) Lt. j.g. Nick Horton, left, and Lt. Clayton Hunt, naval aviators assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 16, perform preflight checks in the flight station of a P-8A Poseidon prior to a mission to assist in search and rescue operations for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370. VP-16 is deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

041014-M-3988H-015. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Al Asad State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

220414-N-GW654-1480 EL CENTRO, Calif. (Apr. 14, 2022) - Vice Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific, pilots an MH-60S Seahawk assigned to the Blackjacks of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21. HSC-21 participated in a proof of concept showing the capabilities of Manned Unmanned Teaming (MUMT) by utilizing both manned and unmanned aircraft to accomplish a mission, which included manned refueling of MH-60s assisted by two CH-53E Super Stallions assigned to the Flying Tigers of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 361 (HMH-361), and MUMT search and rescue operations utilizing an unmanned MQ-8B and two manned MH-60S.

010516-F-8006R-006. Subject Operation/Series: TANDEM THRUST 2001 Base: Raaf Townsville State: Queensland Country: Australia (AUS) Scene Major Command Shown: SOC

Ms. Christina Woodson, a civilian photographer flying with the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, Moffett Field stands near the open ramp of an MC-130 "Combat Shadow aircraft and video tapes a cargo drop at 3,500 feet above the Pacific Ocean. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael Gesford, 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron HC-130J Combat King II loadmaster, guides a loading vehicle and cargo to the aircraft during a combat airlift operation within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, November 22, 2022. The HC-130J is a rapidly deployable, multi-capable airframe, that performs combat search and rescue, aerial refueling, and combat airlift missions within the CENTCOM AOR.

Sgt. Mike Landauer, a crew chief assigned to Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, New York Army National Guard from Rochester, checks the ground below the CH-47 Chinook flown by Chief Warrant Officers two CJ Scott and Fred Wilder, after taking off from the National Guard training site at Youngstown, N.Y., Jan. 12, 2019. The 126th is providing infiltration and exfiltration support to Soldiers assigned to Charlie Troop, 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry Regiment, NYARNG from Buffalo.

Captain Thomas Bodine, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic (AIRLANT), left, and Senior Chief Naval Aircrewman (helicopter) Rabea Shaiboon, right, fly during a gun exercise with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5 at Naval Air Station Fallon, April 26, 2022. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and the George H.W. Bush CSG. The squadrons of CVW-7 are Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143; VFA-103; VFA-86; VFA-136; Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140; Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121; HSC-5; and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

Missouri National Guards Public Affairs Office (PAO) traveled on a UH 60 Blackhawk to train Soldiers in Mo., Sept. 21, 2022. The Public Affairs team trains units around the state about the fundamentals of social media while giving public affairs guidance to Soldiers and Airmen. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Rose Di Trolio)

U.S. Army pilots from the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade conduct tactical combat maneuvers with UH-60 Black Hawks at Kasarna Manjaca, Dobrnja, Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 17, 2022. Guard members assigned to the State Medical Detachment and 1-169th Aviation Regiment, Maryland Army National Guard, trained alongside active duty Soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina soldiers in tactics, aviation, medical, and non-commissioned officer development. The Maryland National Guard will celebrate 20 years of partnership with the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina through the National Guard Bureaus State Partnership Program next year. (Maryland Army National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Jasmine Mathews).

041109-F-9528H-019. Base: C-17 Globemaster III Country: United States Of America (USA)

A US Army soldier assigned to the 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion, Tennessee Army National Guard, communicates with his UH-60 Blackhawk flight crew during Pre-accident Plan Rehearsal for Northern Strike 22 above Camp Grayling, Mich., Aug. 6, 2022. Northern Strike is designed to challenge 7,400 service members with multiple forms of training that advance interoperability across multicomponent, multinational and interagency partners.

U.S. Army National Guard Sgt. Tom Whitfield, a CH-47 Helicopter Repairer assigned to Bravo Company 1st Battalion from the 111th Aviation Regiment, sits on the aircraft ramp surveying the landscape. Whitfield was one of the flight engineers that assisted in the movement of the Region III Best Warrior Competition competitors and leadership to an event site via a CH-47.

SIGONELLA, Italy (Dec. 4, 2020) Lt. Noah Smith, left, and Lt. Aman Bhatia, assigned to the "Grey Knights" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 46, pilot a P-8A Poseidon anti-submarine warfare patrol aircraft during a training flight. VP-46 is currently forward deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations and is assigned to Commander, Task Force 67, responsible for tactical control of deployed maritime patrol and reconnaissance squadrons throughout Europe and Africa.

A U.S.Air Force CV-22 Osprey load master/gunner from the 8th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla., scans a landing zone before Army Soldiers from Alpha Company, 4th Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group, Fort Carson, Colo., exits his aircraft by rope during Emerald Warrior 2011, Cannon AFB, N.M., March 1. Emerald Warrior is a U.S. Special Operations Command sponsored, multiservice exercise designed to leverage lessons learned from Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom to provide trained and ready forces to combatant commanders.

Sgt. Xavier Martinez, a UH60 Crew Chief from 1-228th Aviation Regiment, monitors his UH60 Blackhawk during their return flight after the Guatemalan Naval Special Forces conducted FRIES training with the Navy SEALs during CENTAM Guardian 23 in San Jose, Guatemala on March 21, 2023. CG23 is an annual Army-led combined, joint, interagency, multi-national partnership-building exercise designed to build capacity, capabilities and interoperability with Central American partner nations.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Austin Shivers, a boom operator for the 117th Air Refueling Wing, refuels F-16 Falcons from the Air National Guard's 187th Fighter Wing, Montgomery, Alabama, on July 22, 2022. The flight crew wore helmets during the refueling to simulate a need for oxygen situation. (U.S Air National Guard Photos by Senior Airman Nicholas Faddis.)

220602-N-VH871-1127 U.S. 5th FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (June 6th, 2022) Lt. Josh Schuh, assigned to the "Grey Knights" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 46, deployed with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, pilots a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft behind a KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 174th Aerial Refueling Squadron, during an Air-to-Air refueling mission, June 6. CTF 57 aircraft conduct missions in support of maritime operations to ensure security and stability in the Middle East region.

A loadmaster with the 192nd Airlift Squadron flies over Lake Tahoe in a C-130 Hercules, during the 152nd Airlift Wing's "Spouse Lift" operation on Oct. 4, 2012.

A group of U.S Army Rangers, assigned to the 5th Ranger Training Battalion, in an UH-60 aircraft prepares to conduct a water jump into Lake Lanier at War Hill Park, Dawnsonville, Ga., May 5, 2022. The annual training event, hosted by the 5th Ranger Training Battalion, gives Rangers an opportunity to become proficient in water landings, while giving the local community a chance to see the Rangers train in the Lake Lanier area.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joshua Skorski, a CH-47 Chinook flight engineer assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Squadron, 214th General Support Aviation Battalion, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, boards the aircraft before departing on a cultural-exchange flight held at Tampere, Finland, Aug. 4, 2022. For the next few weeks, U.S. Soldiers and Finnish troops will be conducting multiple training exercises to strengthen relations and help build interoperability between the two nations.

March 28, 2007 - An Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew begins a search and rescue exercise in Morganton, North Carolina.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Adam Horne, commanding officer of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 461, flies a CH-53K during its first operational flight near Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, April 13, 2022. The flight signified the beginning of HMH-461's modernization from the CH-53E Super Stallion to the CH-53K King Stallion. HMH-461 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

An HC-130 Hercules aircraft refuels an HH-53 Super Jolly helicopter from the 67th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron during pararescue training. The Hercules is visible through the windshield of the Super Jolly being refueled. Country: United Kingdom (UK)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Edward King, 7th Expeditionary Air Command and Control Squadron, Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System co-pilot, stationed at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., deployed to Southwest Asia, completes his checklist before engine start, Dec. 18, 2009. JSTARS is a command and control platform that conducts ground surveillance to support attack operations and contributes to the disruption of enemy forces.

010404-F-3128G-002. Base: Ellsworth Air Force Base State: South Dakota (SD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

070213-F-6095H-333. Base: Phoenix State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020813-F-4177H-001. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

110728-N-XQ375-218GULF OF ADEN (July 28, 2011) BoatswainÕs Mate 1st Class Dave Mullins, right, stands by as Lt. j.g. Ken Kerr communicates with the pilots of an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from inside the helicopter control tower aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57). Mitscher is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and support missions as part of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

Airmen from Yokota Air Bases 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron perform a post-flight inspection in the cockpit of a 36th Airlift Squadron C-130J Hercules assigned to the 374th Airlift Wing at Abdulrachman Saleh Air Force Base, Malang, Indonesia for Cope West 2022, June 23, 2022. Cope West 2022 is designed to exercise airlift cooperation and interoperability between the U.S. and Indonesian air forces and promote region stability through relationship building and unity of purpose.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dakota Dennis, a special missions aviator assigned to the 46th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, looks out the gunner window during a combat search and rescue exercise at an undisclosed location, July 5, 2022. Air Force Central Commands ERQSs are organized, trained, equipped and postured to conduct full spectrum personnel recovery to include both conventional and unconventional combat rescue operations within the Central Command theater of operations. Special warfare operators assigned throughout the combined joint operational area conduct operations in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve.

010330-F-2021R-002. Base: Raf Kinloss, Scotland Country: Great Britain / England (GBR)

010330-F-2021R-008. Base: Raf Kinloss State: Forress Moray Country: Scotland (SCT)

NAVAL BASE AMAPALA, Honduras - Partner Forces jump from a Chinook into the Gulf of Fonseca, Honduras for the Fuerzas Comando competition June 20, 2022, in Naval Base Amapala, Honduras. Fuerzas Comando (FC) is a Foreign Military Interaction exercise designed to enhance multinational and regional cooperation, mutual trust and confidence and improve the training, readiness, interoperability, and capability of regional Special Operations Forces (SOF).

Bölkow BO-105C helicopter. Exercise together with the Royal Netherlands Army.

U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center's Maj. Wes Ogden conducts his initial evaluation flight of the BETA ALIA 250C, an eVTOL aircraft developed by BETA Technologies.

Japan Air Self-Defense Force Tech Sgt. Daichi Kubota, 403rd Tactical Airlift Squadron loadmaster, sits on the ramp of a C-17 Globemaster III during a bilateral training exercise with the 535th Airlift Squadron around the Hawaiian Islands, Sept. 27, 2022. The exercise was held to strengthen partnerships with allies and increase interoperability for future operations with the C-2 and C-17 airframes.

A joint team of Airmen and Marines take photographs near the Sendai Airport, Japan, March 13, 2011, while surveying the aftermath of the 8.9-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck the region. The service members are search and rescue professionals assisting with Japan's earthquake and tsunami recovery effort.

U.S. Air Force 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron Pilot Capt. Emolce Felon” Toth watches on as the first of two B-52H Stratofortresses makes its way to the runway for takeoff for a Bomber Task Force mission at RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, Aug. 22, 2022. Given the inherent speed, flexibility, and range of strategic bombers, Bomber Task Force missions highlight U.S. capabilities and commitment to work closely with our allies and partners to deter any potential adversary from aggressive actions.

US Air Force Colonel Samuel F. Oglesby, Commander of the 702nd Airlift Squadron, pilots at McGuire C-141 Starlifter and prepares to receive fuel from a McGuire KC-10 Extender during the Squadron's "final-flight" at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey on March 31, 2000. State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Special Operations military members consisting of U.S. Special Operations Command Europe, U.S. Special Operations Command Africa, and 1-10 Special Forces Group jump from the ramp of an Ohio Air National Guard C-130 aircraft during a military free fall above Le Mont Saint Michel, France, June 9, 2022. This airborne operation comes at the collaboration of French and U.S. allied forces to reinforce strong bonds and clear communication between NATO allies.

240121-N-FK754-1004 PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 21, 2024) Lt. Allison Moffitt prepares to embark 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). The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations conducting advanced tactical training that increases warfighting capability and tactical proficiency across all domains.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Lucas Ablen, a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot assigned to 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, checks navigation indicators during a joint island seizure training on Russaro Island, Finland, Aug. 10, 2022. The training was part of a bilateral exercise between the Finnish military and U.S. forces with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and the U.S. Army. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

Romanian paratroopers perform a high-altitude, low-opening jump out of a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules during exercise Carpathian Spring, May 18, 2014, above Campia Turzii, Romania. C-130J pilots, loadmasters and Army jumpmasters worked together with Romanian paratroopers to ensure their safety during static-line and HALO jumps from the aircraft above Romanian drop zones.

Tech. Sgt. Torrian Stutts, 39th Rescue Squadron loadmaster, refuels an HH-60G helicopter during a turkey shoot competition off the coast of Florida, June 16, 2022. During the competition aircrew members competed on skills such as aircraft weapons employment, helicopter air to air refueling, degraded navigation, degraded search, and confined hoisting.

A U.S. Marine assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, provides aerial support during exercise EFES 2022 in Turkey, June 4, 2022. EFES22 is an international combined joint live-fire exercise focused on increasing force readiness, promoting stability and prosperity in the region, and interoperability between the U.S., Turkey, and allied nations.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Nathan Hess, an aviator with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment, pilots a CH-47F Chinook while conducting an air assault mission during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 over Fort Wainwright, Alaska, March 28, 2023. JPMRC-AK 23-02 helps Soldiers and leaders develop and refine the tactics, techniques, and procedures necessary to successfully operate in remote and extreme Arctic winter conditions and overcome environmental and military challenges.

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