F-35 Fighter Jets In Action

Images of F-35 fighter jets taxiing, launching, and preparing for missions. Showcases modern military aircraft in various environments, emphasizing combat readiness.

Airmen assigned to the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing, from South Burlington, Vermont, prepare their F-35A Lightning II jets for a training mission at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield , Fort Drum, New York, April 3, 2023. The Airmen are participating in an Agile Combat Employment exercise which tests the wing's ability to deploy and conduct tactical missions with minimal personnel and resources.

33rd Fighter Wing F-35As taxi down the flightline at Volk Field, Wis. during Northern Lightning Aug. 22, 2016. Northern Lightning is a tactical-level, joint training exercise that emphasizes fifth and fourth generation assets engaged in a contested, degraded environment.

221009-N-XN177-1082 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Oct. 9, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) launches from the flight deck aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Oct. 9, 2022. The F-35Bs flew from Tripoli providing simulated close air support (SIMCAS) for training evolutions taking place during KAMANDAG 6. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the armed forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. 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.

220615-N-XN177-3100 PHILIPPINE SEA (June 15, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 121 lands on the flight deck of amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), June 15, 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. Air Force F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 354th Air Expeditionary Wing prepares for takeoff at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 8, 2022. The 354th AEW sent equipment and personnel to MCAS Iwakuni to train on agile combat employment tactics, techniques and procedures.

Airmen assigned to the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing, from South Burlington, Vermont, prepare their F-35A Lightning II jets for a training mission at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield , Fort Drum, New York, April 3, 2023. The Airmen are participating in an Agile Combat Employment exercise which tests the wing's ability to deploy and conduct tactical missions with minimal personnel and resources.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Edmund Hipp, the commanding officer of Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 1 monitors his fuel gauge during refueling in exercise Steel Knight 23, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 8, 2022. VMX-1 demonstrated F-35B expeditionary advanced base capabilities through landings and take-offs at an austere airfield, and receiving fuel from a forward arming and refueling point set up by Marine Wing Support Squadron 372. Exercise Steel Knight 23 provides 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing an opportunity to refine Wing-level warfighting in support of I Marine Expeditionary Force and fleet maneuver.

Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II prepare for shutdown after a training sortie at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, September 22, 2022. The F-35 squadron from Luke Air Force Base, AZ used Mountain Home AFB for the terrain and airspace in order to practice simulated combat scenarios.

220614-N-XN177-1104 PHILIPPINE SEA (June 14, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 121 launches from the flight deck of amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), June 14, 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 F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 taxis before takeoff in participation of exercise RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, May 2, 2022. As part of a continuing exercise series, RED FLAG-Alaska, and its predecessor Cope Thunder, have been regularly-scheduled exercises for more than 40 years.

An F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 4th Fighter Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, takes off for a Red Flag-Nellis 22-3 mission, July 19, 2022. Participants conduct a variety of scenarios, including defensive counter air, offensive counter air suppression of enemy air defenses and offensive counter air-air interdiction.

220713-N-VI910-2047 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 13, 2022) An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to the "Black Knights" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, takes off from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) 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.

220724-N-MM912-1115 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 24, 2022) An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to the "Black Knights" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 7, 2019) A Sailor aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) guides F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft during flight operations while underway in the Philippine Sea, June 7, 2019. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

A Michigan Air National Guard KC-135T Stratotanker from the 171st Air Refueling Squadron, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, refuels a U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II from the 58th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, on Aug. 18, 2022. The jet was participating in exercise Northern Lightning at Volk Field Air National Guard Base, Wisconsin, to enhance the Agile Combat Employment concept and to help build combat-credible Airmen.

181208-N-LK571-1011 PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 8, 2018) An F-35C Lightning II assigned to the ÒArgonautsÓ of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).

U.S. Air Force maintenance personnel from the 154th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron conduct pre-flight checks on an F-22 Raptor assigned to the 199th Fighter Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 6, 2022. Kadena is hosting F-22A Raptors to strengthen the readiness and interoperability needed to defend Japan and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, embarked aboard the amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), takes off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 14, 2022, to participate in a joint maritime strike rehearsal to demonstrate service components fires and effects capabilities in the maritime environment during exercise Valiant Shield 22 (VS 22). Exercises such as Valiant Shield allows the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Task Force the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct long-range, precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Task Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

220803-N-VJ326-4057 PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 3, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) taxis on the flight deck aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Aug. 3, 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.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 354th Air Expeditionary Wing take shelter from the rain beneath an F-35A Lightning II fighter jet assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 11, 2022. The 354th AEW sent 18 F-35s and a team of associated personnel to Iwakuni to train on agile combat employment tactics, techniques and procedures.

An aerial view of a United States Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet above the South China Sea, Malaysia.

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 approach the amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), while underway, June 10, 2022. Marines with VMFA-121, based out of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, are conducting flight operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor.

STAFF SGT. Dave Smith and SENIOR AIRMAN John Pusieski from the 58th Operational Support Squadron, 58th Fighter Wing, peform last-minute checks and arm practice bombs on an F-15E Eagle aircraft from the 461st Fighter Squadron. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Christian Fischer, a tactical aircraft maintenance specialist with the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing, assists an F-35A Lightning II pilot with preflight tasks February 13, 2024, during a Weapon System Evaluation Program exercise at Tyndall Air force Base, Florida. The Combat Archer exercise was a formal evaluation of the unit's ability to conduct air-to-air live fire missions. Airmen were given the opportunity to train on tasks and skills that they don't perform at their home unit such as unrestricted takeoffs and loading live ammunition onto the airframe. Air National Guard

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jonathan Foster, 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, crew chief, from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. conducts pre-flight checks on an F-22 Raptor before a training mission during Red Flag 11-3 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., March 2, 2011. Red Flag is a realistic combat training exercise involving the air forces of the United States and its allies. The exercise takes place north of Las Vegas on the Nevada Test and Training Range--the U.S. Air Force's premier military training area with more than 12,000 square miles of airspace and 2.9 million acres of land.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to 3rd Wing approaches the flight line at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 27, 2022. The F-22 is a fifth-generation fighter that is capable of performing both air-to-air and ground-to-ground missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Andrew Britten)

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 conducts a short take off from Ie Shima, Japan, Oct. 18, 2022. Marine Corps pilots with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 conduct field carrier landing practice training to maintain a high level of readiness in the Indo-Pacific.

An F-35A Lightning II, assigned to the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, takes off at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 11, 2022. The F-35A is providing next-generation stealth capabilities as aggressors with enhanced situational awareness to train and reduce vulnerability for the United States and joint forces participating in this exercise iteration.

220905-N-XN177-1257 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 5, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) launches from amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Sept. 5, 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.

Italian Air Force F-35A on the ramp ready to taxi at Amendola Air Base, Italy.

An F-35A Lightning II, assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron (TES), Nellis Air Force Base (AFB), Nevada, takes off for a Black Flag 22-2 mission at Nellis AFB, Nev., Sept. 20, 2022. This Black Flag assessed interoperability of near-future capabilities across the domains and services with a focus on tactical data link and consolidated F-35 cross service maintenance and logistics.

SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 2, 2022) An EA-18G Growler, assigned to the "Wizards" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

An F-22 Raptor from the Hawaii Air National Guards 199th Fighter Squadron returns to a training mission after refueling March 27, 2012, over the Pacific Ocean near the Hawaiian Islands. During the training, U.S. Air Force Academy cadets received a familiarization flight to get a better understanding of the Air Force's global reach capabilities.

A U.S. Navy F-35C assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron, VX-9, Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake, California, takes off in support of Black Flag 22-2, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. This Black Flag assessed interoperability of near-future capabilities across the domains and services with a focus on tactical data link and consolidated F-35 cross service maintenance and logistics.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 prepares for takeoff from the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), while underway, May 24, 2022. Marines with VMFA-121, based out of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, are conducting flight operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 taxis down the runway in support of exercise RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, April 25, 2022. RF-A serves as an ideal platform for international engagement, enabling the exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures while improving interoperability in order to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.

An F-35 Lightning II parks at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 5, 2022. United States Air Force F-35 aircraft from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska arrive in the Republic of Korea to conduct flight operations alongside their ROK Air Force counterparts. The F-35s advanced sensor package is designed to gather, fuse and distribute more information than any fighter in history, giving operators a decisive advantage over all adversaries.

220722-N-XN177-1154 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 22, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 121 launches from the flight deck aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), July 22, 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.

220128-N-IW125-1004 KEY WEST, Fla. (Jan. 28, 2022) An F-35B Lightning II from the "Warlords" of Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 501 lands at Naval Air Station Key Wests Boca Chica Field Jan. 28, 2022. Naval Air Station Key West is the state-of-the-art facility for combat fighter aircraft of all military services, provides world-class pierside support to U.S. and foreign naval vessels, and is the premier training center for surface and subsurface military operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nicholas V. Huynh)

PHILIPPINE SEA (April 6, 2022) An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to the "Black Knights" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

220604-N-CM110-1055 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 4, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 lands on the flight deck aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), June 4, 2022. Tripoli is conducting routine operations in U.S. 7th Fleet.

A U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II from the 52nd Fighter Squadron flies in behind a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 197th Air Refueling Squadron during a training mission above Arizona, Aug. 6, 2022. The 161st Air Refueling Wing out of the Goldwater Air National Guard Base, conducts refueling missions with their regional partners at Luke Air Force Base regularly to help ensure mission readiness.

A 33rd Fighter Wing F-35A takes off Feb. 27 to conduct sorties at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The F-35Õs helmet mounted display system is the most advanced system of its kind. All the intelligence and targeting information an F-35 pilot needs to complete the mission is displayed on the helmetÕs visor. This provides the pilot with unsurpassed situational awareness, positive target identification and precision strike in all weather conditions.

PHILIPPINE SEA (May 8, 2022) An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to the "Black Knights" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) while the ship is underway in the Philippine Sea. Long range maritime strikes capabilities such as these allow the U.S. Navy to find, fix, and target well beyond typical organic sensor capabilities across the Indo-Pacific. This capability, among others, serves as a deterrent to aggressive or malign actors and supports a free and open Indo-Pacific.

050909-F-2295B-095. State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-35 Lightning II assigned to the 56th Fighter Wing flies over Barry M. Goldwater Range, Arizona, Jan. 19, 2024. The Barry M. Goldwater range, south of Phoenix, Arizona, is host to a number of air-to-ground bombing ranges which are utilized for training by various DOD branches. The F-35 is the U.S. Air Forces latest fifth-generation fighter and provides next-generation stealth with enhanced situational awareness.

Hill Air Force Base and the local community hosted the 2022 Warriors Over The Wasatch Air & Space Show. The show featured more than a dozen worldclass acts, including an F-35A Lightning II demonstration by the 388th Fighter Wing, and a large assortment of Air Force, Army and Space displays.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron flies alongside two Polish F-16s in formation during the NATO Air Shielding media day, Oct. 12, 2022 at Łask Air Base, Poland. The Raptors uphold the Air Shielding mission alongside Polish F-16s and Italian Eurofighter Typhoons. The event showcased the importance of NATOs Air Shielding mission and the interoperability among the U.S. and NATO Allies to international media through trilateral aerial demonstrations and interviews with service members. The U.S. remains dedicated to our security commitments with our NATO Alliance and postured to defend NATO territory.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 3rd Wing lands on the flight line at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Sept. 20, 2022. This year marks the F-22s 25th anniversary of consistently providing America and its allies with fifth-generation air superiority.

Members of the 104th Fighter Wing attended the two-week Maple Thunder exercise from Jan. 28, 2024 to Feb. 2, 2024 in Savannah, Georgia. This exercise combined over 350 Airmen from six different states to train and evaluate their abilities to execute agile combat employment (ACE) from dispersed locations against a peer adversary.

An air-to-air rear view of a 36th Tactical Fighter Wing F-15C Eagle aircraft as seen from the back seat of an F-15D aircraft. Country: Spain (ESP)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Kristen Beo Wolfe, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team commander with the 388th Fighter Wing, flies an F-35A Lightning II during practice for the Warriors Over the Wasatch Air and Space Show June 24, 2022, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah.

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 3rd Wing, Joint Base Elmendarf-Richardson, taxi for take-off at Łask Air Base, Poland, Aug. 7, 2022. The F-22 Raptors were forward-deployed to the 32nd Tactical Air Base to support the NATO Air Shielding mission. The NATO Air Shielding mission is a multinational effort and a long-term deterrence and defense posture.

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 staged aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), while underway, May 24, 2022. Marines with VMFA-121, based out of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, are conducting flight operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

An F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 419th Fighter Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah flies over the Georgia coast as part of exercise Sentry Savannah on May 5, 2022. Sentry Savannah is a joint force integrated exercise of fourth and fifth generation fighter jets, designed to showcase the Air Forces air combat readiness in preparation for tomorrows fight.

U.S. Air Force maintainers from the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron prepare the F-22 Raptors for take-off at Łask Air Base, Poland, Aug. 7, 2022. The F-22 Raptors from the 90th Fighter Squadron, 3rd Wing, Joint Base Elmendarf-Richardson forward-deployed to the 32nd Tactical Air Base to support NATO Air Shielding. The NATO Air Shielding mission is a multinational effort and a long-term deterrence and defense posture.

030926-F-3217C-001. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AETC

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 501 prepare F-35B Lightning II fighter jets for flight at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Louisiana, Oct. 25, 2022. VMFAT-501 deployed to NAS JRB New Orleans to increase entry-level pilots' proficiency in offensive-air support, electronic warfare, and routine flight operations for their future fleet assignments. VMFAT-501 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II pilot and maintainer, both assigned to the 495th Fighter Squadron from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, talk over the radio after the plane lands at the Tactical Leadership Programme 22-3 at Los Llanos Air Base, Spain, Sept. 15, 2022. This marks the first time USAFE based F-35s have attended TLP, showcasing the capabilities of the fifth-generation fighter to NATO allies.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 1 prepares to take off from a helicopter outlying landing field during exercise Steel Knight 23, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 8, 2022. VMX-1 demonstrated F-35B expeditionary advanced base capabilities through landings and take-offs at an austere airfield, and receiving fuel from a forward arming and refueling point set up by Marine Wing Support Squadron 372. Exercise Steel Knight 23 provides 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing an opportunity to refine Wing-level warfighting in support of I Marine Expeditionary Force and fleet maneuver.

An F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 419th Fighter Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah takes off from the Air Dominance Center during Sentry Savannah on May 11, 2022. Sentry Savannah is the Air National Guards largest air-to-air, joint aerial combat exercise for fourth- and fifth- generation fighters, which tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a simulated environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

220525-N-XN177-1155 PACIFIC OCEAN (May 25, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 taxis across the flight deck of amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), May 25, 2022. Tripoli is conducting routine operations in U.S. 7th Fleet.

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 421st Fighter Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, taxi the flight line at Tyndall AFB, Florida, Oct. 28, 2022. The unit is visiting Tyndall to participate in Checkered Flag 23-1. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th- and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 23-1 iteration of the exercise was held Oct. 31 - Nov. 10, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin Jamieson, 3rd Wing commander prepares to taxi for take-off, Oct. 12, 2022 at Łask Air Base, Poland. The 90th EFS, from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska is currently forward-deployed to the European Theater to support the NATO Air Shielding mission and enhance the defense posture on the eastern NATO flank. The 3rd Wing commander and command chief from Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson recently visited the 90th EFS to support deployed Airmen and integrate with the squadron.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter prepares to make a vertical landing aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., March 21, 2013. This marks the first vertical landing of a Marine Corps F-35B outside of a testing environment. (Cpl. Ken Kalemkarian/released)

The United States Womens National Volleyball Team visited the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Łask Air Base, Poland to tour the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor and learn about the 90th EFS mission in Poland. The 90th EFS forward deployed in support of NATOs Air Shielding mission to enhance the defense posture on the eastern flank. The USAVWNT competed in the World Championship tournament in a nearby city to the base. Airmen from the 90th EFS and the USAVWNT had the opportunity to support each other during their time away from home.

Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 134th Fighter Squadron, 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, photographed from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, currently operating out of Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, conducted low approach flyovers over the Baltic Sea region on, June 16, 2022. The two fighter jets are flying across the Baltic Sea region starting at Pirita Tee, Estonia, then Riga, Latvia, and finally Vilnius, Lithuania to demonstrate U.S. commitment and assurance to NATO Baltic Allies and partners.

220411-N-IV962-2171PACIFIC OCEAN (April 11, 2022) - Chief Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) Yuriy Dyshkant directs an F-35B Lightning II, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 12aboard amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), April 11. Pilots perform deck landing qualifications to practice shipboard takeoffs and landings. Makin Island is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Megan Siver, 43d Fighter Generation Squadron assistant dedicated crew chief, prepares to launch out an F-22 Raptor at Savannah Hilton Head International Airport, Georgia, May 2, 2022. The 325th Fighter Wing sent more than 200 personnel and 22 aircraft to participate in Sentry Savannah, a near-peer training exercise hosted by the Air National Guards Air Dominance Center.

Preparing an F-15E Strike Eagle at Bagram Air Base

220623-N-XN177-2033 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 23, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 121 prepares to land on the flight deck of amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), June 23, 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.

220524-N-XN177-1029 PACIFIC OCEAN (May 24, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 lands aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), May 24, 2022. Tripoli is conducting routine operations in U.S. 7th Fleet.

220905-N-XN177-1408 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 5, 2022) - An F-35B Lighting II aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) lands aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Sept. 5, 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 199th Fighter Squadron F-22A Raptor approaches a 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker over the East China Sea June 8, 2022. The 199th FS conducted agile combat employment operation in the Pacific to strengthen the readiness and interoperability needed to defend Japan and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II, F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-22 Raptor prepare to taxi at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 12, 2022. The aircraft flew a training sortie to support the 43d Fighter Squadrons basic training course capstone which tests the skills F-22 student pilots have learned in a simulated combat environment.

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 land on the amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), while underway, June 10, 2022. Marines with VMFA-121, based out of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, are conducting flight operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jacob Dastas, 325th Fighter Wing public affairs journeyman, photographs a F-22 Raptor assigned tothe 1st Fighter Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, during Weapons System Evaluation Program East-22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 16, 2022. WSEP is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

220922-N-MU675-1157 PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 22, 2022) An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to the Rough Raiders” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

040303-F-9104W-004. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-35B Lightning II takes off during the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration of the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 23, 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.

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter jets assigned to the 199th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron undergo post-flight procedures as a C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft takes off from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 15, 2022. The 199th EFS traveled to Iwakuni for an agile combat employment training event, during which the unit is assigned to the 354th Air Expeditionary Wing and integrated with the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron to refine fifth generation integration tactics, techniques and procedures.

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor pilot, Capt. Swiss” Ritschard, left, and Airmen 1st Class Thatcher Deese, crew chief, both assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, conduct post flight inspections after the jet landed during Rtischard’s ‘Crew Chief for a Day’ immersion at Łask Air Base, Poland, Sept. 5, 2022. ‘Crew Chief for a Day” allows pilots to embed with maintenance personnel through daily tasks such as inspections, recovery, and refueling. The immersion helps to bolster morale and team building within the squadron. The 90th’s presence in the region strengthens U.S. and NATO’s unity each day as forces come together to train and deter in an ever-evolving threat environment.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Corbin Roubik, 849th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron assistant dedicated crew chief, directs an F-16 Viper flown by U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. James Hayward, 311th Fighter Squadron director of operations, and U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Phillip Stewart, 19th Air Force commander, at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, Sep. 29, 2022. The familiarization flight was put in place to showcase the capabilities of the 311th FS.

An F-22 Raptor assigned to the 433rd Weapons Squadron takes off from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, June 30, 2022. The F-22, a critical component of the Global Strike Task Force, is designed to project air dominance, rapidly and at great distances and defeat threats attempting to deny access to our nation's Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps.

Fighter plane taking off from an aircraft carrier, F/A-18 Hornet, USS George Washington (CVN 73), US Navy

A Royal Air Force F-35B Lightning II assigned to RAF Marham, prepares for flight at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 23, 2022. The aircraft participated in Point Blank 22-3, an exercise designed to help maintain readiness of allied forces, in order to deter adversaries, and ensure the collective defense of the European region.

March 5, 2006 - A World War II-era P-47 Thunderbolt, an F-22A and a TF-51 Mustang fly in formation over Tucson, Arizona, during the Air Combat Command Heritage Conference at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.

A U.S. F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 354th Air Expeditionary Wing takes off from Palau International Airport in support of Valiant Shield 22, June 12, 2022. VS22 is the ninth iteration of the series that began in 2006. It is a field training exercise that aims to prepare the Joint Force to rapidly respond to crises and contingencies across the spectrum of operations from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to armed conflict.

1st Lt. Kelsey Flannery, an F-35A Lightning II pilot assigned to the 134th Fighter Squadron of the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing, prepares to take off for a training mission from the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, April 2, 2023. The training mission is first Agile Combat Employment training exercise for the Vermont Air National Guard.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to Joint-Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, takes off during Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.08 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 17, 2022. WSEP is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

An F-22 Raptor from the 49th Fighter Wing maneuvers while on a training mission out of Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico.

A U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II assigned to the 421st Fighter Squadron, Hill Air Force Base (AFB), Utah, prepares to take off for a Red Flag-Nellis 24-1 mission at Nellis AFB, Jan. 23, 2024. This Red Flag provides complex realistic scenarios concentrated on warfighting in the Indo-Pacific theater.

An 8th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operator monitors hot pit refueling of an F-35ALightning II at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 11, 2022. U.S. Air Force F-35 aircraft fromEielson Air Force Base, Alaska arrived in the Republic of Korea to conduct training flights with ROKAFto enhance interoperability between the two Air Forces on and around the Korean Peninsula.

Lt. Col Deloney, 302nd Fighter Squadron F-22 Raptor pilot, prepares for taxi during his final flight Dec. 3, 2022 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

Maj. Brett Gedman, 301st Fighter Squadron, lifts off in an F-22A Raptor while wearing the Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet March 24 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The 46th Test Squadron engineers have begun developmental testing on NGFWH with F-22 pilots while the aircraft are stationed at Eglin. These tests mark the second round of developmental testing since the Air Force announced the new LIFT-manufactured helmet last year.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 arrives at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, May 17, 2022. Following successful completion of Exercise RED FLAG 22-1, VMFA-242 achieved full operational capability, allowing them to execute a full set of missions as an F-35B Lightning II squadron.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Ryston Archuleta, 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron crew chief, performs final inspections on an F-22 Raptor before take-off from Ørland Main Air Station, Norway, Sept. 14, 2022. The 90 EFS forward deployed to Norway to conduct an agile combat employment (ACE) exercise with the Royal Norwegian Air Force and NATO Allies and partners. The joint training and integration provided in this ACE exercise improves the resilience and survivability of coalition airpower.

of 2