C-130 Aircraft Operations

Images featuring the C-130 Hercules in various settings, including pre-flight preparations and during airlift operations. The color scheme varies from grey to camo.

An HC-130J Combat King II aircraft taxis for departure from Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, Sept. 26, 2022, in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Ian. The decision was made to relocate the aircraft to areas that would prevent them from being damaged. In less than 24-hours, all of the wing's HC-130J Combat King II aircraft and HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters were prepared, pre-flight checked, then flown or loaded to be transported off of the installation. This movement was the equivalent of a rapid deployment of the wing's Personnel Recovery Task Force-Heavy, which utilizes multi-capable Airmen from across the wing to mobilize rapidly for rescue operations around the world.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Matt Mascaro, 29th Weapons Squadron, ensures a C-130J Hercules engines start properly before a mission as part of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School on Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., May 11, 2012. The Air Force Weapons School is a five-and-a-half-month training course which provides selected officers with the most advanced training in weapons and tactics employment. Throughout the course, students receive an average of 400 hours of graduate-level academics and participate in demanding combat training missions.

An HC-130J Combat King II aircraft taxis for departure from Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, Sept. 26, 2022, in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Ian. The decision was made to relocate the aircraft to areas that would prevent them from being damaged. In less than 24-hours, all of the wing's HC-130J Combat King II aircraft and HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters were prepared, pre-flight checked, then flown or loaded to be transported off of the installation. This movement was the equivalent of a rapid deployment of the wing's Personnel Recovery Task Force-Heavy, which utilizes multi-capable Airmen from across the wing to mobilize rapidly for rescue operations around the world.

Medium shot of the 39th and 40th Airlift Squadrons (ALS), Dyess AFB, TX; the 41st ALS from Pope AFB, SC and the 314th Airlift Squadron stand ready to support the airlift operations.(Exact date unknown). Subject Operation/Series: PHOENIX SHARK Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Rhodes, 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron HC-130J Combat King II loadmaster, prepares the aircraft for takeoff prior to an agile combat employment exercise with the 1st Expeditionary Rescue Group, at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 3, 2022. The ACE exercise enabled pilots, loadmasters, special warfare airmen, and special mission aviators to increase their combat search and rescue proficiency by working as a rescue triad consisting of HH-60s, HC-130s, and Pararescue forces in unison to rescue isolated personnel in a hostile environment.

Several MC-130E Combat Talon I's roll down the taxiway for their final sorties April 15, 2013, at Duke Field, Fla. The last five Talons in the Air Force belong to the 919th Special Operations Wing and are scheduled to be retired at a ceremony April 25, 2013. Their final flight will be to the "boneyard" at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Beau Lewis, a crew chief with the 146th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, Calif., walks along the wing of a C-130J Hercules during Exercise Eager Lion May 29, 2014, at an air base in northern Jordan. During Eager Lion, the C-130s added another dimension to exercise scenarios, which included providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

A U.S. Army C-130 Hercules aircraft carrying an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System lands during a Latvian-led field artillery live fire exercise, NAMEJS, to demonstrate the rapid deployment of long-range precision fires across Europe and Africa in support of Partners, Allies and the National Defense Strategy at Liepāja, Latvia, Sept. 26, 2022. Latvia is proudly working alongside 1st Infantry Division, other NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

An HC-130J Combat King II readies for take-off to transport Alaska Army National Guardsmen to Bethel, Alaska, 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)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ryan Estes, an aerial gunner with the 4th Special Operations Squadron, participates in a training sortie on an AC-130J Ghostrider, April 27, 2022 at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The 4 SOS regularly performs training sorties on the AC-130J in order to ensure readiness to perform special operations missions any time, any place.

041216-F-2034C-019. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A U.S. Air Force AC-130J Ghostrider gunship lands on the flight line following a base wide repositioning, Sept. 29, 2022 at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The repositioning was coordinated in preparation for possible impacts from Hurricane Ian.

Airmen assigned to the 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron de-ice a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 7, 2022. The de-icer uses heated water mixed with glycol to defrost ice and prevent future ice from forming on the plane.

NATO C-130 Hercules of the US Air Force during a NATO exercise A C-130 Hercules of the US Air Force during a NATO exercise: iconic military transport aircraft in action, delivering troops, equipment, and supplies to a field airstrip for joint operations. Copyright: xZoonar.com/ThomasxFuhrmannx 22601720

A C-130J Hercules from the 146th Airlift Wing, California Air National Guard taxis to a parking spot during firefighting operations at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, April 29. The C-130 is bringing new maintenance and air crews to Dyess AFB. The crews swap out periodically to ensure that they are fresh and able to perform at their peak performance.

050117-F-9429S-004. Base: Karshi-Khanabad Air Base Country: Uzbekistan (UZB)

Airmen from the 96th Airlift Squadron and 27th Aerial Port Squadron conducting heavy actual air drops on Warren drop zone at Fort McCoy WI. The units are part of the 934th Airlift Wing at Minneapolis-St Paul Joint Air Reserve Station, Minnesota operating C-130 Hercules aircraft.

Crew Chiefs from the 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintain a C-130 Hercules at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 7, 2013. Airmen are performing a number of exercise tasks as Yokota conducts a Readiness Week.

DF-ST-85-11999. Subject Operation/Series: FUERZAS UNIDAS Base: Salinas Country: Ecuador (ECU)

The165th Airlift Wing hosted Family Day on September 10, 2022, to provide unit members and family an opportunity to visit the base, learn about our mission and participate in fun activities. The events included activities for kids, lunch, and static military aircraft and equipment displays. Several veteran organizations and small businesses from the local Pooler and Savannah area sponsored the event.

A WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., taxis to its parking spot April 5, 2022. The aircrafts arrival marks the first of the squadrons 10 aircraft that will undergo a makeover of sorts as they revert to the glossy paint scheme they originally started out with in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This paint scheme will not only set the weather reconnaissance unit apart from tactical units, it will also save money and manpower as the glossy paint tends to need less maintenance during storm season.

040108-F-9753B-060. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A C-130H Hercules aircraft assigned to the 142nd Airlift Squadron, Delaware Air National Guard is on the flight line at Lielvarde Air Base, Latvia. U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team prepare to depart from the base Sept. 7, 2014, during exercise Steadfast Javelin II. Steadfast Javelin II is a NATO-led exercise designed to prepare U.S., NATO and international partner forces for unified land operations.

031027-F-3677G-012. Base: Channel Islands Ang Station State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC/ANG

Cubans transfer from a C-130 Hercules aircraft to a Cuban I1-62M aircraft, parked in the background, for the trip back to their country during Operation URGENT FURY. Subject Operation/Series: URGENT FURY Country: Barbados (BRB)

U. S. Air Force C-130 Hercules from the 133rd Airlift Wing, Air National Guard Base, Saint-Paul, Minneapolis, taxies down the runway during Agile Combat Employment (ACE) training during Agile Rage 22, Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Mich., June 13, 2022. Exercises like Agile Rage 22 are re-defining Air Force Command & Control operations, shifting focus to decentralized command and control for distributed operations. ACE is the ability to project combat power anytime, anywhere, while remaining operationally unpredictable to complicate an adversary's decision making process.

A KC-130T Hercules tanker transport aircraft of Marine Tanker-Refueler Squadron 451 (VMGR-451) stands on the flight line prior to a mission. The aircraft operates in support of Marine Aircraft Group 49 (MAG-49). Base: Travis Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules, arrives at Air Dominance Center, a Combat Readiness Training Center, in Savannah, Georgia, to drop off personnel and load cargo prior to flying to Avon Park Auxiliary Airfield, Florida, July 20, 2022. The C-130J delivered Airmen and cargo to support the AGILE FLAG 22-2 exercise hosted by Air Combat Command. AGILE FLAG 22-2 marks a significant milestone in standardizing the way ACC organizes, trains, and equips for ACE after a period of experimentation.

A CASA C-212-300DF aircraft taxies towards the hangar where Belgian Special Operations Paratroopers pack their parachutes under supervision of jumpmasters assigned to the CE Para training center, on Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, April 19, 2022.

A U.S. MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 352d Special Operations Wing lands on a grass assault strip during Special Operations Air-Land Integration training near Daugavpils, Latvia, June 28, 2023. The U.S. remains steadfast in our shared commitment to peace and stability in Europe and will continue to work alongside our Allies and Partners to deter threats to national sovereignty throughout the region.

A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, lands before a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System Rapid Infiltration with 1st Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division, during Integrated Training Exercise 2-24, at the Strategic Expeditionary Landing Field, Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 10, 2024. The HIRAIN exercise demonstrated I Marine Expeditionary Forces ability to rapidly deploy the HIMARS to meet and deter any threats. ITX ensures units are ready to fight tonight as a I MEF Marine Air-Ground task force. Marine Corps

A C-130E currently deployed to the 440th (P) Wing Dhahran Air Base, Saudi Arabia prepares to take off from an air base in Jordan after offloading its cargo at the base for the upcoming Air Power Expeditionary Force operation. Subject Operation/Series: AIR POWER EXPEDITIONARY FORCE Country: Jordan (JOR)

C-130J for the French Air Force.

US Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules at Al Asad Air Base, Al Anbar Province, Iraq

041203-F-2034C-033. Base: Unknown

Head-on view of a United States Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, parked with its engine nacelles in airplane mode, at Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan

A Belgian air force C-130J Super Hercules prepares to taxi out before departing for a Red Flag mission over the Nevada Test and Training Range Feb. 4, 2011. Red Flag is a realistic combat training exercise involving the air forces of the United States and its allies. The exercise is hosted north of Las Vegas on the Nevada Test and Training Range, part of Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

Members of the 403rd Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., look at a WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron following its arrival April 5, 2022. The arrival of the aircraft marks the first of the squadrons 10 aircraft that will undergo a makeover of sorts as they revert to the glossy paint scheme they originally started out with in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This paint scheme will not only set the weather reconnaissance unit apart from tactical units, it will also save money and manpower as the glossy paint tends to need less maintenance during storm season.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 424th Air Base Squadron and Soldiers with USAG Benelux and 39th Strategic Signal Battalion perform an orientation flight in a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, on Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, Aug. 02, 2022.

A C-130 from the 123rd Louisville Kentucky Air National Guard, is marshaled from the airport ramp carrying troops and equipment from Task Force 51, Mannheim, Germany, for redeployment. Subject Operation/Series: SUPPORT HOPE Base: Goma Country: Zaire (ZAR)

Nine LC130s with the 109th Airlift Wing conducted the units first ever Elephant Walk on September 10th 2022. An elephant walk is a United States Air Force term for thetaxiing of military aircraft in close formation; often employed to project air power through the rapid deployment of multiple aircraft at once.

An MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron waits to taxi at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 6, 2022. The 1st SOS utilizes the MC-130J while executing infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces and equipment in hostile or denied territory.

Nine LC130s with the 109th Airlift Wing conducted the units first ever Elephant Walk on September 10th 2022. An elephant walk is a United States Air Force term for thetaxiing of military aircraft in close formation; often employed to project air power through the rapid deployment of multiple aircraft at once.

DF-ST-85-13516. Base: Rhein-Main Air Base Country: West Germany (FRG)

HC-130P Combat King aircraft at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, during sunrise.

CV-22 Osprey

U.S. Air Force Capt. Gregg Burrow, 37th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules pilot, performs a pre-flight inspection on a C-130J aircraft at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, March 31, 2023. The 37th AS hosted NATO allies from Germany and the Netherlands to participate in a series of training events during International Interfly Week.

An MV-22 Osprey taxiing at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California.

A right side view of a Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 22 (VR-22) KC-130F Hercules tanker aircraft parked on the flight line. Base: Naval Air Station, Rota Country: Spain (ESP)

A Republic of Korea Air Force C-130H Hercules assigned to the 15th Special Missions Wing flies over a drop zone during practice airdrop operations near Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 1, 2022, as part of Operation Christmas Drop 2022. Events like Operation Christmas Drop are meant to hone critical skills necessary to ensure successful aircraft generation, recovery, and precision delivery.

DF-ST-89-00457. Base: Minneapolis State: Minnesota (MN) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A United States Marine Corps C-130 Hercules aircraft from Marine Aerial Refueler/ Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, does a fly-by during Operation NOBLE RESPONSE '98. (Duplicate image, see also DMSD0106049 or search 980304M4605W002). Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE RESPONSE '98 Country: Kenya (KEN)

DF-ST-85-12412. Base: Little Rock Air Force Base State: Arkansas (AR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Nine LC130s with the 109th Airlift Wing conducted the units first ever Elephant Walk on September 10th 2022. An elephant walk is a United States Air Force term for thetaxiing of military aircraft in close formation; often employed to project air power through the rapid deployment of multiple aircraft at once.

050714-F-7564C-065. Base: Fort Mccoy State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

A C-17A Globemaster III aircraft, from the 437th and 315th Airlift Wing, Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina, proceeding to the runway of Task Force Eagle, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, during Operation JOINT ENDEAVOR. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Tuzla Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

A C-130 Hercules aircraft is being refueled from a fuel truck at Pope Air Force Base, NC. Members of the 82nd Airborne Division, from nearby Fort Bragg, will deploy in support of Combined Joint Task Force 180 in Haiti. Subject Operation/Series: UPHOLD DEMOCRACY Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040512-F-9629J-011. Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Mobility Command

110105-N-4973M-132ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 5, 2011) An E-2C Hawkeye assigned to the Sun Kings of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 116 flies over the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division and Airmen with 353 Special Operations Wing conduct a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System Rapid Infiltration during Marine Aviation Support Activity 22.1 in Luzon, Philippines, June 8, 2022. MASA 22 is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at increasing interoperability and improving aviation-related capabilities in support of U.S.-Philippine mutual defense.

A U.S. Air Force HC-130J Combat King II, assigned to the 79th Rescue Squadron, lands at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 8, 2022. Members with the 355th Wing returned home on two C-130s after an overseas deployment.

040609-N-8497H-053. Base: USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)

A U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, is parked on an austere runway after students with the USAF Landing Zone Safety Operations Course successfully directed its landing at Northwest Field, Guam, June 23, 2022. Across two weeks students learned to measure possible obstructions that may cause problems for landing planes, setup airfield marking panels and establish radio communication with inbound aircraft to advise pilots on landing and takeoff conditions. Upon completion of the course, Airmen were granted certification as Landing Zone Safety Officers. The course was first offered at Scott Air Force Base; before making its way to the pacific theater.

An MC-130J Commando II with the 353rd Special Operations Wing flies off the coast of the New Zealands South Island during a dissimilar formation flight as part of exercise Teak Net 22, May 13, 2022. During TN22, U.S. and Royal New Zealand Air Forces planned and flew bilateral formation flights to better understand how to interoperate together.

A CV-22 Osprey Operations Squadron, flies during a training exercise Oct. 27, 2022. The primary mission of the 8th SOS is to provide rapid global response supporting long-range infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of Special Operations Forces in hostile or denied territories.

A C17 Globemaster III Aircraft from 86AW/37th Airlift Squadron bearing Paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, departs from Aviano Air Base, in Pordenone, Italy Sept. 7, 2022 for an airborne operation onto Hohenfels Drop Zone, Germany as part of Exercise Saber Junction 22. Saber Junction 22 is a multinational rotational exercise designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Armys 173rd Airborne Brigade to execute unified land operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with more than 4,500 participants from the U.S. and Allied and partner nations at the U.S. Armys Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas from August 29 to September 20, 2022.

US Air Force AIRMAN First Class Shawn Dennis from 2nd Airlift Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, marshals a C-130 Hercules aircraft onto the Intermediate Staging Base ramp in Alexandria, Louisiana. Canadian Air Force aircraft and personnel from 2nd Air Movement Squadron, Trenton, Ontario, and US Air Force aircraft from the 2nd Airlift Squadron at Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, and aerial port personnel from the 821st Air Mobility Squadron, McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, combined forces to provide airlift support for the US Army's 2nd Battalion, 10th Mountain Division, from Fort Drum, New York, during JRTC 01-06, a joint readiness training exercise at Fort Polk, .... Complete Scene Caption: US Air Force Airman First Class Shawn Dennis from 2nd Airlift Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, marshals a C-130 Hercules aircraft onto the Intermediate Staging Base ramp in Alexandria, Louisiana. Canadian Air Force aircraft and personnel from 2nd Air Movement Sq

220808-N-VJ326-1043 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 8, 2022) - An MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) takes off from amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Aug. 8, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Airmen from California Air National Guard's 146th Airlift Wing, North Carolina Air National Guard's 145th Airlift Wing and Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd Airlift Wing gather at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas to prepare for wildfire fighting operations April 18. The Airmen maintain and operate the Modular Airborne Firefighting System (MAFFS) housed aboard a C-130 Hercules capable of dispensing 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant in under 5 seconds. The wildfires have spread across various parts of Texas and have burned more than 1,000 square miles of land.

Two Airforce C-130's Taxi down the runway on Aviano Airbase, Italy toward awaiting paratroopers for the start of Sabre Junction 2022. Saber Junction 22 is a multinational rotational exercise designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Armys 173rd Airborne Brigade to execute unified land operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with more than 4,500 participants from the U.S. and Allied and partner nations at the U.S. Armys Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas from August 29 to September 20, 2022. (U.S. Army Photo SSG Brandon Rickert)

DF-ST-85-11569. Subject Operation/Series: KINDLE LIBERTY 83 Base: Howard Air Force Base Country: Panama (PAN)

220813-N-MZ836-1671 BALTIC SEA (Sept. 13, 2022) A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey attached to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) approaches the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) for landing Sept. 13, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 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.

A C-130H aircraft from the 165th Airlift Wing, Georgia Air National Guard, prepares for take-off prior to an elephant walk that will showcase the force and the new modifications to the aircraft on September 11, 2022 in Savannah, Georgia. Over the last 18 months, the entire 165th AW fleet of C-130H aircraft was modernized with NP-2000 eight blade propellers and T-56 3.5 engines. The eight-bladed propellers will deliver more power and efficiency while reducing maintenance.

An MC-130 from the 550th Special Operations Squadron manuevers during a training mission out of Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.

A C-130J takes off for a Weapons School Integration (WSINT) training mission at Nellis AFB, Nevada, May 19, 2022. The Weapons School provides academic and advisory support to numerous units, enhancing air combat training for Airmen from the Air Force, Department of Defense and U.S. allied services each year.

A U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing prepares to take off for a third static line pass over Ie Shima, Japan, March 29, 2023. The monthly training allows aircrews to practice flight tactics and timed-package drops, while pararescuemen and special tactics Airmen train their parachute skills.

A C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 911th Airlift Wing sits on the flight line at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, Aug. 11, 2022. The C-17 is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area.

031229-F-5435R-024. Base: Coalition Provisional Authority State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Air Crew Refuel an Idling V-22 Osprey

An HC-130J Combat King, assigned to the 355th Wing, sits on the flight line at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, Oct. 27, 2022. The HC-130J is a result of the HC/MC-130 recapitalization program and replaces Air Combat Command's aging HC-130P/N fleet as the dedicated fixed-wing personnel recovery platform in the Air Force inventory.

Colonel Jeremy Ford, 152nd Airlift Wing commander, taxis a C-130 Hercules aircraft after landing at the Nevada Air National Guard Base in Reno, Nevada during his final flight fini-flight with the wing, July 26, 2022. Ford has been the commander of the 152nds High Rollers since 2021 and will be leaving in early August to take a new position at the National Guard Bureau at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va.

011123-N-9849W-002. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Uss Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Scene Major Command Shown: CV-63

A U.S. Air Force HC-130J Combat King II gets washed by the 79th Rescue Generation Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Feb. 14, 2023. Washing the aircraft prolongs the life, improves its performance and ensures it is combat ready.

030626-A-XXXXX-7379. Base: Mosul Country: Iraq (IRQ)

The roar of 72 - 4,050 hp engines shake the ground and give anyone in the vicinity the reason the troops call it an elephant walk. Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

021221-F-3488S-023. Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A C-130 Hercules aircraft from Little Rock Air Force Base takes off from Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, May 12, 2022. C-130s from the Republic of Korea Air Force, Little Rock Air Force Base, and Dyess AFB were attending the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Centers Advanced Tactics Aircrew Course.

DM-SC-89-05519. Base: Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

031003-F-5653M-005. Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFMC

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft with 3rd Airlift Squadron, 436th Airlift Wing, carrying a Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper helicopter with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, prepares to land during joint exercise Patriot Hook at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, June 29, 2022. Air Force 60th Air Mobility Wing delivered Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom helicopters and AH-1Z Viper helicopters to conduct strike missions, testing HMLA-267 rapid deployment capabilities.

A C-130J Super Hercules, belonging to the 36th Airlift Squadron, in mid-takeoff from Yokota Air Base, Japan, as part of a week-long Agile Combat Employment training exercise geared to enhancing multi-capable Airmens skillsets, May 11, 2022. Yokota Airmen practiced rapid airlift capabilities fielded four C-130Js that were escorted by eight F-16Cs belonging to the 14th Fighter Squadron, Misawa Air Base, Japan, in a joint airdrop training mission. During the ACE training event, Misawa and Yokota Airmen worked together to sustain a competitive edge over adversaries, and execute their mission - to protect U.S. interests in the Pacific, defend Japan, and deter adversaries through presence, readiness, and ability to project agile combat air power.

A U.S. Army C-130 Hercules aircraft prepares for take-off after carrying an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System during a Latvian-led field artillery live-fire exercise, NAMEJS, at Liepāja, Latvia, Sept. 26, 2022. Latvia is proudly working alongside 1st Infantry Division, other NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

AMN Marcus Charles directs a C-2 Greyhound from across the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73). George Washington is deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of operation Southern Watch. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS George Washington (CVN 73) Country: At Sea

A U.S. Air Force C-5 Galaxy, right, and an AC-130J Ghostrider are parked on the tarmac prior to the start of The Great Texas Airshow Apr. 21, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The U.S. Air Force is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a The Great Texas Airshow as a key event. The airshow features the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds performing for people to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Forces premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

220809-N-VJ326-1035 PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 9, 2022) - An MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) flies over amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Aug. 9, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey aircraft lands during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 27, 2022. The purpose of a MCCRE is to formally evaluate the units combat readiness in preparation for deployment.

PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 1, 2022) U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Brian Kringle, from Sacramento, California, assigned to Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 5, left, and U.S. Navy Lt. Cory Rogge, from Wilmington, North Carolina, assigned to FST 5 transport a simulated patient out of a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 363, on the flight deck of U.S. Navy Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) in support of a joint-service medical training exercise and amphibious raid during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, Aug. 1. 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 training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes a

Long shot of C-130's on the TARMAC from 39th, 40th Airlift Squadron (ALS), Dyess AFB, TX; the 41st ALS from Pope AFB, SC and the 314th Airlift Squadron stand ready to support the airlift operations.(Exact date unknown). Subject Operation/Series: PHOENIX SHARK Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030422-M-2520C-005. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Blaire Airfield, Al Kut State: Wasit Country: Iraq (IRQ)

of 2