Aviation Operations and Training

Photos showcase military pilots preparing for flight operations, collaborations with international forces, and discussions on enhancing aerial mobility and defense readiness.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Corey Martin, 18th Air Force commander, speaks to Airmen assigned to the 305th Air Mobility Wing on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Sept. 13, 2022. Martin visited Joint Base MDL to gain insight on how the 305th AMW is innovating the aerial port and flightline, as well as creating and implementing Mobility Air Force Force Generation and Multi-Capable Airmen concepts.

Maj, John McFarlin, Florida Air National Guard's 125th Fighter Wing, Detachment 1, F-15C pilot, finishes putting on the bottom half of his g-suit while Staff Sgt. Jackson Carroll, Florida Air National Guard's 125th Fighter Wing, Detachment 1, crew chief, stands ready with the top half of the g-suit at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida in support of North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) Operation Noble Defender (OND), June 30, 2022. As a part of OND, a routine operation, the Continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR) coordinated and conducted joint operations with the U.S. Navy while concurrently launching jets from different locations across the United States gulf coast and Puerto Rico. OND is an integrated air and missile defense operation designed to ensure the defense and security of the northern and southern approaches to North America. This particular OND allowed NORAD units to exercise maneuvers intended to defend the southern approach to the United States from simulated

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Corey Martin, 18th Air Force commander, speaks to Airmen assigned to the 305th Air Mobility Wing on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Sept. 13, 2022. Martin visited Joint Base MDL to gain insight on how the 305th AMW is innovating the aerial port and flightline, as well as creating and implementing Mobility Air Force Force Generation and Multi-Capable Airmen concepts.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Corey Martin, 18th Air Force commander, speaks to Airmen assigned to the 305th Air Mobility Wing on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Sept. 13, 2022. Martin visited Joint Base MDL to gain insight on how the 305th AMW is innovating the aerial port and flightline, as well as creating and implementing Mobility Air Force Force Generation and Multi-Capable Airmen concepts.

220706-N-EE352-2073 PEARL HARBOR (July 6, 2022) U.S. Navy Capt. John Voorheis, a native of Anacortes, Wash., commodore of Commander Task Force (CTF) 172, shakes hands with Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) leadership on the side of a RAAF P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft on the flightline at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four 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 world's 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 world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

220822-A-EQ028-1104 MANAMA, Bahrain (Aug. 22, 2022) Capt. Richard Burgess, right, outgoing commanding officer for the gold crew of expeditionary sea base USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3), shakes hands with Capt. David Skarosi, incoming commanding officer, during a change-of-command ceremony in Manama, Bahrain, Aug. 22. Lewis B. Puller is forward-deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.

Master Sgt. Magic Thomas, left, 3rd Airlift Squadron loadmaster, briefs Gen. Mike Minihan, right, Air Mobility Command commander, on Agile Combat Employment plans for aircrew at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, May 5, 2022. Airmen from the 3rd and 9th AS performed an ACE demo for the AMC leadership team.

230324-N-KL637-1006 TYRRHENIAN SEA (March 24, 2023) Rear Adm. Dennis Velez, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, George H.W Bush CSG, left, talks with U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, Supreme Allied Commander Europe and commander, U.S. European Command, center, and Capt. Dave Pollard, commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), March 24, 2023. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group 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.

C-130 Hercules aircrew Engineer STAFF Sergeant Jeff Morgan (left) and Navigator Catain Keith Allbritten, 61st Airlift Squadron, discuss the status of the lanes chafe and flares with an electronic warfare secialist rior to flying into the former Yugoslavia region. The chafe and flares are discharged when the early warning system or a loadmaster erceives a ossible threat to the lane from anti aircraft armament or surface to air missiles. The Green Hornets are deloyed to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, for a 100 day Temorary Duty (TDY) tour assisting Oeration JOINT GUARD (reviously Oeration JOINT ENDEAVOR). Flying C-130s every day to the Former Yugoslav region (rimarily Tuzla) they.... Complete Scene Caption: C-130 Hercules aircrew Engineer STAFF Sergeant Jeff Morgan (left) and Navigator Captain Keith Allbritten, 61st Airlift Squadron, discuss the status of the planes chafe and flares with an electronic warfare specialist prior to flying into the former Yugoslavia region. The chafe and flar

Brigadier General Ronald Sams, Air Combat Command/Inspector General (ACC/IG), and Lieutenant Colonel Brian Anderson, 20th Bomb Squadron, discuss procedures for the generals B-52 flight, during the Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, Unit Compliance Inspection (UCI). The UCI ensures that all facets of the base comply with Air Force regulations, technical orders, and standards. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

020731-F-4167F-001. Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (Aug. 3, 2022) Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, meets with Capt. Will Toraason, commander, Task Force (CTF) 72, and Cmdr. Brian Blaschke, commanding officer of Patrol Squadron (VP) 5, during a visit to Kadena Air Base. The Mad Foxes’ of VP-5 are based out of Jacksonville, Florida, and are currently operating from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. The squadron conducts maritime patrol and reconnaissance, as well as theater outreach operations, as part of a rotational deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. The advanced capabilities of the P-8A Poseidon enable the Mad Foxes’ to perform anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, and search and rescue missions.

040508-F-4338B-021. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Navy Cpt. David Faehnle, left, commander of Camp Lemonnier, U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Bartlett, middle, commander of the 449th Air Expeditionary Group, and Col. Olivier Saunier, commander of Air Base 188, observe aircraft during a french Vol de Nuit air show at Air Base 188, Djibouti, April 26, 2022. The U.S. and our partner forces remain committed to the stability, security, and prosperity of Africa.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael A. Loh, right, director, Air National Guard, listens to speakers at a ceremony commemorating the Active Electronically Scanned Array radars now equipped on F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to 113th Wing, District of Columbia National Guard, on Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, June 9, 2022. Through the combined effort of defense industry partners, Congress, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the U.S. Air Force, these legacy aircraft are being recapitalized with an up-to-date set of capabilities.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Derrin Gelston, 437th Operations Support Squadron C-17 pilot, salutes Gen. Mike Minihan, commander of Air Mobility Command, at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Nov. 21, 2022. In one of the biggest DFC ceremonies in history, 51 members were awarded the highest aerial achievement in the DoD for their acts of heroism during Operations Allies Refuge.

Aftermath and Relief - 26-HK-295-140. Clearwater C-130. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus, Continental U.S. NORAD Region commander, presents his commanders coin to U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Colton Munger, an aerospace medical technician, assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, during a visit with the 180FW Medical Group, in Swanton, Ohio, Feb. 1, 2024. Munger was coined for his exemplary performance within the Medical Group, maintaining the highest levels of proficiency and readiness. Air National Guard

Congressmen Visit Mobile Aviation Training Center - 26-HK-4-24. Air crews lined up to greet dignitaries in ATC Mobile hangar. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Air Force Capt. Gage Owens, 2nd Air Refueling Squadron pilot, left, Capt. Joey Cervone, 2nd Air Refueling Squadron flight surgeon, center, and Col. Rudolph Cachuela, Air Mobility Command surgeon general, right, speak with 87th Medical Group staff onboard a KC-46A Pegasus during his visit to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Sept. 22, 2022. Cachuela toured the 87th MDG, Joint Base MDL Medical Simulation Training Center and the 87th Air Base Wing Headquarters.

Rear Adm. Richard V. Timme, commander, Coast Guard District Eight, presents Petty Officer 1st Class Vincent Neiman, an aviation survival technician, with a challenge coin during an award ceremony at Coast Guard Air Station Houston, Texas, Aug. 19, 2022. During the ceremony, Timme presented Air Medals to Neiman, Cmdr. James Conner, and Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Collins for rescuing nine trapped crew members from the Pride Wisconsin, a decommissioned mobile offshore drilling unit that caught fire in Sabine Pass, Texas, on Feb. 24, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jarrod Allen, commanding officer, Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, speaks with educators from 1st Marine Corps District during an Educators Workshop at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Feb. 7, 2024. The educators learned about the capabilities of the F/A-18 Hornet and what it takes to be a Marine aviator and airframes mechanic. Marine Corps

220520-N-VH871-1508 OVDA AIR FORCE BASE, Israel (May 20, 2022) Israeli Navy Lt. Cmdr. Tom Priel presents a gift to Sailors, assigned to the "Grey Knights" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 46, deployed with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, May 20. CTF 57 aircraft conduct missions in support of maritime operations to ensure security and stability in the Middle East region.

040630-F-4970D-007. Base: Great Falls Intl Airport State: Montana (MT) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Andrew Noguez, an aviation ordnance technician with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, speaks with Marines aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), while underway, May 27, 2022. Marines with VMFA-121, based out of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, are conducting lightning carrier operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Cmdr. Nicklaus Cheddar Bob” Smith, commanding officer, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14 (HM-14), center, conducts a pre-flight brief prior to the squadron’s last flights Dec. 8, 2022.

Stephen Kersey, a pilot with Osceola Sheriffs Department (Right), explains to Spc. Hunter Wolfe (Left), Air Defense Battle Management Systems Operator with the 1-265th Air Defense Artillery (ADA), the importance of helicopter support during Hurricane Ian in Kissimmee, Fla. Sept. 28, 2022. Stephen Kersey explains the training required for piloting a helicopter before and after a hurricane for search and rescue. Stephen became a pilot for the National Guard in 2011 and has served in every major hurricane since. He says that he attributes his skills and success in life to his service in the Guard.

Vice Adm. John K. Ready, commander, Navy Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, greets CMDR. Larry H. Schmit, commanding officer of Fighter Squadron 33 (VF-33), upon his squadron's return to the station with other squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1). The wing was deployed in the Persian Gulf area aboard the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV-66) during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force. Capt. Christopher Rolon, 62nd Airlift Wing C-17 Globemaster III pilot, goes through a preflight checklist May 13, 2022, at Travis Air Force Base, California. Rolon was the aircraft commander for the C-17 carrying the U.S. Air Force Academy Wings of Blue demonstration team during Travis AFBs Wings Over Solano air show and open house.

221003-N-KY668-1040NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (Oct. 3, 2022) Rear Adm. Wesley R. McCall, commander, Navy Region Southeast, attends a Fight the Base brief onboard Naval Station Mayport. McCall visited various commands while touring Naval Station Mayport.

Coast Guard Structures - Air Stations - New Orleans - 26-HK-95-71. AIRSTA NOLA--ADM Collins meeting with CG personnel near aircraft on ramp. Hurricane Katrina

040630-F-9500H-002. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AETC

Vice Admiral Thad Allen and Captain Bruce Jones - 26-HK-13-6. VADM Thad Allen and CAPT Bruce Jones in office. Hurricane Katrina

US Air Force Captain Mike Quintini (center) and US Air Force Major Bill Pinter (left), both from RAF Lakenheath, England, explain the specifications of an F-15E Strike Eagle fighter aircraft to an air show visitor during the French Air Base 25, Istres, Air Show. CPT Quintini is an F-15E weapons systems officer and MAJ Pinter is an F-15E pilot with Lakenheath's 494th Fighter Squadron. Two Strike Eagles from Lakenheath, a C-17 Globemaster III from Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina, temporarily based at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and a B-1B Lancer bomber from the Kansas Air National Guard's 184th Bomb Wing, McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, were on display at the air show. Military .... Complete Scene Caption: US Air Force Captain Mike Quintini (center) and US Air Force Major Bill Pinter (left), both from RAF Lakenheath, England, explain the specifications of an F-15E Strike Eagle fighter aircraft to an air show visitor during the French Air Base 25, Istres, Air Show. CPT Quint

NASCAR Winston Cup Driver Bobbie Labonte talks to Colonel Stephen Goldfein, 1ST Fighter Wing Commander, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, after Labonte had competed in a load crew competition at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020522-F-5009P-002. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

010811-F-3963C-015. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Staff Sgt. Kyle Snedeker, center-right, a tactical data link manager from the 608th Air Operations Center, shows Brig. Gen. Scheid Hodges, center-left, Mobilization Assistant to the 8th Air Force Commander, the B-52 route during an aerial demonstration of the new IRIS communications system. IRIS is a commercial off-the-shelf, beyond line of sight tool produced by Outerlink. The system would allow for bombers to relay data, voice and imagery information in near real time speeds.

U.S. Air Force Col. Brian Finnerty, commander of the 129th Operations Group, passes the 129th Rescue Squadron guidon to Lt. Col. Tavis McDevitt, incoming commander, as McDevitt accepts command during a ceremony, Dec. 3, 2022, at Moffett Air National Guard Base near Mountain View, California. The squadron is part of the California Air National Guards 129th Rescue Wing and flies HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters for combat search and rescue, long range overwater search and rescue missions, wildfire response and more.

US Marine Corps General Carlton W. Fulford Jr., Deputy Commander-in-CHIEF European Command, (left) gets a briefing from Canadian Forces Air Command Lieutenant Colonel Jim Eisenhart, 962nd Air Control Squadron, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, onboard a US Air Force E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, flying in support of Operation NORTHERN WATCH to enforce the No-Fly-Zone over Northern Iraq. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

Capt. Nicholas J. Boonstra, 97th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron assistant director of operations, left, answers the question of a Turkish firefighter assigned to the 39th Civil Engineer Squadron during a fire rescue training course at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Sept. 29, 2022. Flight crew members from the 97th EARS trained Turkish firefighters on a variety of aircraft functions to enhance interoperability with U.S. aircrews. This training ensures 39th CES Turkish firefighters can assist in emergency situations enabling the 97th EARS to provide support to allied and coalition partner aircraft and defend NATOs southern flank. (U.S. Air Force photograph by Senior Airman David D. McLoney)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Corey Martin, left, 18th Air Force commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Chad Bickley, 18th AF command chief, observe 60th Aeromedical Squadron Airmen conduct medical training during a flight over the Pacific Northwest Sept. 8, 2022. The flight concluded a base visit at Travis Air Force Base that offered 18th AF leadership the opportunity to meet with Airmen contributing to the mobility mission.

U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel Diehl, 509th Bomb Wing commander, presents U.S. Air Force Col. Keith Butler, 509th Operations Group commander, with the Legion of Merit Medal during the 509th OG change of command ceremony on Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, June 29, 2022. Butler received the medal for his contributions to Team Whiteman and the 509th OG during his command.

Congressmen Visit Mobile Aviation Training Center - 26-HK-4-23. Air crews lined up to greet dignitaries in ATC Mobile hangar. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Ken Daughenbaugh, a boom operator for the 161st Air Refueling Wing (ARW) out of Phoenix, Ariz., conducts a safety briefing for a local media crew before a refueling mission Nov. 12, 2010. The 161st ARW is participating in CRUZEX V, or Cruzeiro Do Sul (Southern Cross). CRUZEX is a multi-national, combined exercise involving the Air Forces of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, France and Uruguay, and observers from numerous other countries with more than 82 aircraft and almost 3,000 Airmen involved.

030724-M-5578G-023. Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 1ST Marine Division

040516-F-2621S-002. Base: Swanton State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041118-F-1740G-010. Base: Hyakuri Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

220517-N-ZZ999-1101 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (May 17, 2022) Cmdr. Joseph Snyder (left), the former commanding officer of the "Grey Knights" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 46, deployed with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, poses for a photo with Cmdr. Frank Verducci, the commanding officer of VP-46, after VP-46s change of command ceremony, May 17. CTF 57 aircraft conduct missions in support of maritime operations to ensure security and stability in the Middle East region.

PEARL HARBOR (July 8, 2022) Capt. Amy Bauernschmidt, commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), answers questions from international news outlets during a press conference aboard Abraham Lincoln while moored at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four 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.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Zac Butler, a loadmaster with the 167th Operations Group, answers questions from retired Chief Master Sgt. Al Clemmons, Junior ROTC instructor, and cadets with Chantilly Academy Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) during an orientation flight at the 167th Airlift Wing, Martinsburg, West Virginia, Feb. 3, 2024. The purpose of the orientation flight was to familiarize the members with military aircraft and encourage interest in aerospace activities. Air National Guard

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Zach Lewis, 14th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, salutes Gen. Mike Minihan, commander of Air Mobility Command, at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Nov. 21, 2022. In one of the biggest DFC ceremonies in history, 51 members were awarded the highest aerial achievement in the DoD for their acts of heroism during Operations Allies Refuge.

030327-F-6701P-003. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Col. Yann Lefebvre, French Air Warfare Center experimentations director, presents a gift to Maj. Gen. Case Cunningham, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center (USAFWC) commander, during a visit to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Feb. 20, 2024. The USAFWC conducts warfighter-centric live and virtual operational test and evaluation, tactics development and advanced training to optimize Air Force capabilities and prepare Airmen for joint, allied and partner combat operations. Air Force

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, where he toured facilities, viewed aircraft, and met with personnel of the Air Force's Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael A. Loh, director, Air National Guard, gives a commemoration speech about the Active Electronically Scanned Array radar now equipped on F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to 113th Wing, District of Columbia National Guard, on Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, June 9, 2022. Through the combined effort of defense industry partners, Congress, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the U.S. Air Force, these legacy aircraft are being recapitalized with an up-to-date set of capabilities.

U.S. Air National Guard Airmen of the 185th Air Refueling Wing stand in formation during a Change of Command ceremony at the 185th Air Refueling Wing at Sioux City, Iowa, August 6, 2022. U.S. Air National Guard Col. Sonya L. Morrison is replacing Col. Mark A. Muckey as wing commander.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. William Woodward, right, commanding officer of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773, Marine Air Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, in support of Special Marine Air-Ground Task Forces UNITAS LXIII, shakes the hand of, and congratulates, U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. John Bopp, left, on his final flight in a U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom following aerial support operations throughout exercise UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 17th, 2022. UNITAS, which is Latin for unity, was conceived in 1959 and has taken place annually since first conducted in 1960. This year marks the 63rd iteration of the worlds longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise. Additionally, this year Brazil will celebrate its bicentennial, a historical milestone commemorating 200 years of the countrys independence.

041111-F-9528H-003. Base: Biggs Army Air Field State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Capt. (Dr.) Travis Grindstaff, Thunderbird 9, flight surgeon for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds, speaks prior to a reenlistment ceremony June 17, 2022, during the Northern Thunder Air and Space Expo Friends and Family Day on Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. The ceremony allowed for five service members from the 319th Reconnaissance Wing to reenlist in front of to the Thunderbirds F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.

Italian Navy Rear Adm. Marco Casapieri, chief of naval air forces, presents an award to U.S. Marine Corps Col. Dustin Byrum, commanding officer, Headquarters Marine Air Group 31, during an award ceremony for the Italian Delegation at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Nov. 29, 2022. Casapieri gave Byrum a commendation letter and a plaque for supporting the Italian Navy F-35B pilots and maintainers and assisted in the development of their organic F-35B training program that will be located at Amendola Air Base, Italy.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Minihan, Air Mobility Command commander, coins the 2021 AMC Doolittle Award winners during his visit to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, July 7, 2022. The crew of RCH683 was recognized for their participation in Operation ALLIES REFUGE, which enabled thousands of Afghanis evacuation from Kabul, Afghanistan, in August 2021.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Shay Farrell, an MV-22 Osprey pilot with Aviation Combat Element, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), speaks with Lithuanian media during a tour aboard Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) in Klaipeda, Lithuania, August 22, 2022. 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.

031112-F-7875T-001. Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Office of the Secretary (Carlos Gutierrez) - Secretary Gutierrez Visit to Iraq

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Battalion Chief David Seymour instructs space shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 crew members as they participate in M113 armored personnel carrier training at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From left are Mission Specialist Sandy Magnus, Pilot Doug Hurley, Commander Chris Ferguson (partially obscured) and Mission Specialist Rex Walheim. An M113 is kept at the foot of the launch pad in case an emergency exit from the launch pad is needed and every shuttle crew is trained on driving the vehicle before launch. The STS-135 crew is at Kennedy to participate in a launch countdown dress rehearsal called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) and related training. Atlantis and its crew are targeted to lift off July 8, taking with them the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing

040527-F-5135H-001. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Lt. Col. Joost Luijsterburg, Royal Netherlands Air Force detachment commander, Morris Air National Guard Base, and Lt. Col. Andrew Wittke, the 148th Fighter Squadron commander, Morris Air National Guard Base, walk to their aircraft at Naval Air Station Key West, Florida. This is the last temporary duty that the RNLAF will make with the 162nd Wing before they return to the Netherlands.

Stephen Kersey, a pilot with the Osceola Sheriffs Department (Left), Spc. Hunter Wolfe, an Air Dense Battle Management Systems Operator with the 1-265th Air Defense Artillery (Middle), and Sergeant Brian Demeulenarere of the Osceola County Sheriffs Department pose for a photo in front of the helicopter being used in response to Hurricane Ian. The helicopter and its pilot Stephen Kersey are waiting in a shelter with the Florida National Guard in Kissimmee, Fla. Sept. 28, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Duke A. Pirak, Deputy Director of the Air National Guard, met with members of the 104th Fighter Wing communications flight June 12, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. Maj. Gen. Pirak assists with formulating, developing and coordinating policies, plans and programs affecting more than 108,300 Air National Guard members and civilians.

On the aircraft parking ramp Technical Sergeant Donald Helton, USAF, (left), of the 116th Security Forces Squadron, Robins Air Force Base, checks the identification of a Second Lieutenant from the 3rd Flying Training Squadron, Moody Air Force, before allowing him entrance into a sensitive area during NOBLE EAGLE. NOBLE EAGLE is a partial mobilization of the reserves for homeland defense and civil support missions in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 at the New York World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Moody Air Force Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

060503-N-5174T-016. Complete Scene Caption: US Navy (USN) Commander of Carrier Strike Group 7 (CSG7), Rear Admiral (RADM) (upper half) Michael Miller, greets actor Gary Sinise as he arrives aboard the USN Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76).2006 Rear Adm. Michael MillerCommanderCarrier Strike Group Sevengreets actor Gary Sinise as he arrives on board USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Sinise posed for photographs and signed autographs for the crew and embarked Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14). Sinise is touring U.S. military installations in the Gulf region as part of the United Services Organization (USO). Reagan is currently deployed as part of a routine rotation of U.S. maritime forces in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedomas well as conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the region. MSO set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts in regiona

NAVAL AIR STATION LEMOORE, California (Sept. 12, 2022) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday tours the new F-35C Lightning II progress at Naval Air Station Lemoore. Gilday traveled to Nevada and California, Sept. 8-13, to meet and speak with Sailors and Navy leaders.

030411-F-8290C-003. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Duke A. Pirak, Deputy Director of the Air National Guard, speaks with Lt. Col. Ashley Wreck Rolfe, 104th Fighter Wing pilot, during a change of command ceremony June 12, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. Maj. Gen. Pirak assists with formulating, developing and coordinating policies, plans and programs affecting more than 108,300 Air National Guard members and civilians.

230405-N-ML137-1060 KEKAHA, Hawaii (April 5, 2023) Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, right, speaks with Capt. Brett Stevenson, commanding officer of Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Barking Sands, on PMRF’s airfield before departing from a site tour of the installation. PMRF is the world’s largest instrumented multi-environment range capable of supporting surface, subsurface, air and space operations simultaneously.

Admiral Collins Visit - 26-HK-3-72. Admiral Collins with a group of USCG aviators in a kitchen area. Hurricane Katrina

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (July 22, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps pilots with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 463, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, prepare to conduct a sinking exercise (SINKEX) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, July 22. RIMPAC military forces fired upon and sunk the decommissioned ex-USS Denver (LPD 9), during a SINKEX to gain proficiency in tactics, targeting and live firing against a surface target at sea. SINKEX vessels are put through a certified cleaning process, including removing all environmentally harmful material including trash, floatable material, mercury, fluorocarbon and petroleum. 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 world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique tra

220712-N-CH260-1369 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 12, 2022) Rear Adm. J.T. Anderson, commander, Carrier Strike Group 3, speaks with leaders from the Republic of India in the hangar bay aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 12. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four 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 to safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Douglas Conwell, an MV-22 Osprey pilot with Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 165, explains the MV-22B Osprey's capabilities to educators at a static display during the U.S. Marine Corps Educators' Workshop at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, California on March 30, 2022. The Educators' Workshop is a five-day program designed to better inform teachers, coaches, counselors and influencers about the benefits and opportunities available during service in the Marine Corps. This allows attendees to return home and provide firsthand experience and knowledge to individuals interested in military service.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Nov. 8, 2022) Capt. Odin J. Klug, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, meets with Squadron Leader Shaun Vickers, 51 Squadron Royal Air Force detachment commander on Nov. 8, 2022. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

020411-F-1616C-004. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM 2002 Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Moblility Command

US Air Force Major General Williams, Commander, 21st Air Force, exchanges coins with USAF Lieutenant Colonel John R. Smith, Commander, 3rd Airlift Squadron, during his tour of the 3rd Airlift Squadron, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. Base: Dover Air Force Base State: Delaware (DE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Crewman AD2 (NAC) Anthony Corcoran (second from left) and AE2 (NAC) Richard Parezrosa (second from right) from Patrol Squardron 4 (VP-4) explain emergency procedures to Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) Detachment 33 aircrewmen Takeshi Okamato (left) and Fumio Sato (right) during a crosstraining mission of Japan and U.S. Bilateral Force as part of the exercise Rimpac 98. Subject Operation/Series: RIMPAC '98 Base: Naval Air Station, Barbers Point State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Grace Landers, 22nd Marine Expeditionary flight surgeon, answers media questions during a bilateral key leader engagement in Stockholm, Sweden, June 4, 2022. The engagement marked the beginning of BALTOPS 22, the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region. The exercise, led by U.S. Naval forces Europe-Africa, and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen the combined response capability critical to preserving the freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea.

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --Tech. Sgt. Douglas Harper, 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron flying crewchief, takes a moment for mentorship, teaching his Airmen about the differences between a receiver-transmitter and a generator control unit here March 14. The C-130 aircraft play a crucial role in disaster relief due to their ability to land on dirt runways and other less-than-ideal landing conditions.

220926-N-ZG822-1350 IONIAN SEA (Sept. 26, 2022) Spanish Navy Rear Adm. Gonzalo Villar Rodriguez, Admiral of the Spanish Expeditionary Carrier Strike Group speaks with a U.S. Navy landing signal officer during flight operations aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) during a visit to the ship, Sept. 26, 2022. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group 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.

U.S. Air Force Col. Chris Richardson, left, 347th Rescue Group commander, passes the guidon to Lt. Col. Thaddeus Ronnau, 41st Rescue Squadron incoming commander, at Moody Air Force Base, May 16, 2022. Ronnau recently served as the 41st RQS director of operations. The passing of the guidon represents the official change of leadership within a unit.

Lieutenant General Arnold W. Braswell, escorted by other officers, tours an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft area during exercise COPE ELITE '81. Subject Operation/Series: COPE ELITE '81 Base: Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220701-N-QI593-1151 ADRIATIC SEA (July 1, 2022) Rear Adm. Paul Spedero, commander, Carrier Strike Group 8, left, speaks with Damage Controlman 1st Class Garrett Paulson, from Humble, Texas, aboard USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) in the Adriatic Sea, July 1, 2022. Paulson was the only Damage Controlman to advance to 1st Class during the Spring 2022 advancement cycle. Bainbridge 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.

U.S. Air Force Col. Barrett Golden, commandant of the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center, presents a unit patch to U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Levon Compton, adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard, during a visit at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, in St. Joseph, Missouri, September 21, 2022. 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.

Capt. Jenn Nash coordinates long-range mission planning for the Joint Air Operations Center at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., on May 17, 2011. The JAOC is supporting a major earthquake-response exercise by prioritizing and allocating air assets for missions into affected areas across the state.

030918-F-6844O-006. Base: Al Udeid Air Base, Doha Country: Qatar (QAT) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Corey Martin, left, 18th Air Force commander, and Lt. Col Ellen Canup, commander of the 4th Air Squadron, share remarks during his visit to the 4th AS, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Sept. 7, 2022. Senior leadership from the 18 th AF toured the 62d AW to ensure mission alignment and cohesion.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Pilot Doug Hurley (center) and Commander Chris Ferguson are accompanied by suit technician Jeremy Spruell. Hurley and Ferguson are on their way to Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility to practice touch-and-go landing in the two Shuttle Training Aircrafts. The STS-135 crew is at Kennedy to participate in a launch countdown dress rehearsal called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) and related training in preparation for the upcoming STS-135 mission.Atlantis and its crew are targeted to lift off July 8, taking with them the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs f

MAJ. GEN. Joseph E. De Francisco, Commander, 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized), is interview by a local news reporter during a press conference at Hunter Army Airfield. Subject Operation/Series: SEA EMERGENCY DEPLOYMENT READINESS EXERCISE Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040320-N-6060O-379. Base: Naval Air Station, Lemoore State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

221020-N-EV253-1025 SAN DIEGO (Oct. 20, 2022) - (From right) Vice Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, Commander, U.S. Naval Air Forces, presents the 2021 Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Aviation Safety Award to Cmdr. Tom McCurdy, executive officer of the Black Knights of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 4, alongside Master Chief Emond New, HSC-4s command master chief, and Cmdr. Benjamin Hendricks, the Black Knights commanding officer, during an award ceremony held aboard Naval Air Station North Island, Oct. 20, 2022. Also known as the Safety S award, the distinction is awarded annually to those Navy and Marine Corps commands that have demonstrated exceptional and sustained safety excellence.

Rear Adm. Greg Huffman, right, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12, gears up for a flight with Cmdr. Drew Huston, commanding officer of the Bear Aces of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 124, in a ready room aboard the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Oct. 14, 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.

Members of the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron provide members of the Morón Air Base Spanish aircrew a tour of the B-52H Stratofortress. On the tour air crew showcased the capabilities of each aircraft and how its presence on the global theater is a symbol of deterrence at Morón Air Base, Spain, Mar. 17, 2023. Bomber missions demonstrate the credibility of our forces to address a global security environment that is more diverse and uncertain than at any other time in recent history.

Lt. Gen. John D. Lamontagne, United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa deputy commander, left, speaks with Austrian Air Force Col. Roman Hofer at the Airpower 22 air show in Zeltweg, Austria, Sept. 2, 2022. Partnership-building activities like these are priceless as the U.S. Air Force reinforces long-established bonds and cultivates new friendships.

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