Fighter Pilot Preparations

Air Force pilots preparing for flight in advanced fighter jets, showcasing teamwork and the readiness for air combat exercises.

Pilot performs flight checks in an Italian Air Force F-2000A Typhoon.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor pilot with the 94th Fighter Squadron, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, dons a helmet prior to takeoff during Checkered Flag 23-1 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Nov. 2, 2022. 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.

Aircrew from the 494th Fighter Squadron prepare to taxi to the runway during Point Blank 22-4 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Aug. 25, 2022. Point Blank is a recurring joint training exercise designed to enhance tactical proficiency and interoperability with NATO allies and partners.

F-16 Falcon Fighter Jet

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle Pilot assigned to the 391st Fighter Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, participates in an exercise inject during Raging Gunfighter 22-2 at Wendover Airfield, Wendover, Ut., 21 May 2022. Wendover Airfield was used as a training location for B-17, B-24, and B-29 crews during World War II, and serves a mix of civilian and military uses today.

A U.S. Air Force pilot assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, prepares for takeoff during Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.12 at Tyndall AFB, Florida, Sept. 14, 2022. WSEP-E 22.12 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.

GEN. Robert W. Bazley, commander in chief, Pacific Air Forces, prepares to climb out of an A-6E Intruder aircraft upon his arrival aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70). Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Climbing into the cockpit on the ramp at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Lieutenant Colonel Dean Pennington, 157th Fighter Squadron Commander, McEntire Air National Guard Station, South Carolina, prepares for his first flight of the exercise. The 169th Fighter Wing of the South Carolina Air National Guard, McEntire Air National Guard Station, is deployed to Hill Air Force Base, Utah to participate in Combat Hammer. It's flying squadron, the 157th Fighter Squadron (FS), is one of several units operating in this 'live-fire' weapons testing mission. The 157th FS will fire Highspeed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARM) and AGM-65G Maverick missiles to test their pilots abilities, their unit tactics, and.... Complete Scene Caption: Climbing into the cockpit on the ramp at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Lieutenant Colonel Dean Pennington, 157th Fighter Squadron Commander, McEntire Air National Guard Station, South Carolina, prepares for his first flight of the exercise. The 169th Fighter Wing of the Sout

020404-F-7964B-046. Base: Fort Smith State: Arkansas (AR) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Pilot performs flight checks in an Italian Air Force F-2000A Typhoon.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Clayton Gard, commanding officer, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, Marine Aircraft Group 31, conducts preflight checks on an F/A-18 Hornet at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Sept. 19, 2022. VMFA-312 offered flights for Marines who reenlisted as a way to reward their dedication to the Marine Corps.

A pilot from the 22nd Fighter Squadron, Spangdahlem AB, Germany, boards an F-16 Fighting Falcon before flying a simulated bombing mission. This three week exercise is designed to test the effectiveness of both the American and Danish air defenses. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: TACTICAL WEAPONRY '95 Base: Flyvestation State: Karup Country: Denmark (DNK)

Military pilot in the cockpit of a jet aircraft Military pilot in the cockpit of a jet aircraft. Copyright: xZoonar.com/AlexanderxStrelax 10775177

Admiral Thomas B. Hayward, CHIEF of Naval Operations, climbs into the cockpit of the A-6 Intruder aircraft that will take him to the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CVA 41) for a visit. Base: Naval Station, Subic Bay State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Srivatsen Santhanam, a pilot from Marine Attack Squadron 214, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., prepares for take off in an AV-8B Harrier prior to a mission in support of Emerald Warrior at Tyndall AFB, Fla., on March 9, 2011. Emerald Warrior is a U.S. Special Operations Command-sponsored, multiservice exercise designed to leverage lessons learned from Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom to provide trained and ready forces to combatant commanders.

ARABIAN SEA (Oct. 25, 2012) A Sailor wipes down the canopy of an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Tophatters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14 on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is deployed to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. The U.S. Navy is reliable, flexible, and ready to respond worldwide on, above, and below the sea. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting.

061208-N-8158F-109. Base: USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

Colombian Air Force Major Rommel Rodriguez, 111th Fighter Squadron Commander and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Madison Woo, (right) South Carolina Air National Guard's 157th Fighter Squadron getting ready for a familiarization flight in a U.S. Air Force F-16D Fighting Falcon flight during Relampago VII, an exercise in Barranquilla, Colombia, Sept. 2, 2022. The purpose of this exercise is to provide the Colombian Air Force with requested realistic interoperability training as allied countries, under NATO standards. South Carolina is Colombias State Partner in the State Partnership Program.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Chad Sebero, an instructor pilot with the 58th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, prepares to fly a U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II from the 58th FS, 33rd FW, Eglin AFB, during exercise Northern Lightning at Volk Field Air National Guard Base, Wisconsin, Aug. 18, 2022. Nomads with the 33rd FW traveled to Volk Field which offers an open airspace with optimal weather conditions for flying, allowing the 33rd FW to avoid over 60% of seasonal lightning and hurricane delays in Florida.

February 4, 2009 - Ground personnel prepares to taxi an F-16 Fighting Falcon in support of Red Flag 09-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Red Flag is a multi-national exercise providing a realistic environment to practice combat scenarios. The experience gained during the exercise is vital to the survival of air crews in combat.

CAPT. Pete Siana, 510 Fighter Squadron, Spangdahlem AB, Germany, launches for a mission just after arming the missiles and 30mm cannon jutting out the nose of his deadly A-10 Thunderbolt II. He begins another mission to patrol the No-Fly-Zone. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

050127-F-1789V-005. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Medium shot, front view, a crew chief from the 319th Air Refueling Wing, Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, adjusts a communication cable at the nose of a KC-135 Stratotanker on April 11, 2000. The maintainer and other flightline personnel and alert aircrew members are busily performing their duties under the watchful eyes of inspectors as the base undergoes an Operational Readiness Inspection. Base: Grand Forks Air Force Base State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

First lieutenant kite J.P. Soolsma, classified by 313 Squadron, with 'student-flyer' first lieutenant c.a.j.m. Frijters. Photo belongs to the photo report, which is created for the benefit of the 'operational, the Royal Netherlands Air Force in operation' by Wim Cock from 1983.

CPT Bill Stroud prepares to taxi his F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft into position for an early morning take-off during Operation Coronet Falcon, the first deployment of the F-16 aircraft overseas. Subject Operation/Series: CORONET FALCON Base: Flesland Air Station Country: Norway (NOR)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jacob Johnson, a pilot assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Wing, conducts a preflight check on an F-15E Strike Eagle ahead of BALTOPS 22 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 14, 2022. BALTOPS 22 is the premier maritime exercise focused in the Baltic Region where maritime and air forces work together to exercise medical evacuation, joint personnel recovery, and enhance cohesion and interoperability with allies and partners. We assure our Allies through strong, transparent partnerships that enhance regional security and stability.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II is refueled in a Forward Area Refueling Point (FARP) training during Black Flag 22-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, May 12, 2022. FARP capabilities allow U.S. military forces to deliver airpower lethality by providing mobile refueling points anywhere aircraft can land.

The pilot of an Air Force Reserve 944th Tactical Fighter Group F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft taxis his plane onto the runway in preparation for a training exercise. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Capt. Chris Coenen, 187th Fighter Wing, Alabama Air National Guard, RC-26B pilot, performs a preflight check of the U.S. Air Force RC-26B Metroliner aircraft prior to departing for a wildland fire mapping and detection mission in support of the U.S. Forest Service at the Eugene Airport, Eugene, Ore., August 1, 2021. Coenen is flying with the 141st Air Refueling Wing, Washington Air National Guard. The RC-26 is tasked with utilizing its highly mobile platform by making infrared images and video of the fires from above in order to map and detect wildland fires and hotspots in the western region of the United States. The RC-26 crews can detect hotspots before they become fires and help direct teams to those locations. First Air Force (Air Forces Northern), U.S. Northern Commands Air Component, is the DoDs operational lead for the aerial military wildland fire fighting response.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Meghan Slaq Booze, 366th Operations Group fighter pilot, sits in an F-15E Strike Eagle before taxing the runway, Aug. 22, 2022, at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. The F-15E uses two crew members, a pilot and a weapon systems officer.

040128-N-5319A-002. Base: USS George Washington (CVN 73)

A1C Richard L. Bigham, center, of the 42nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit prepares a 42nd Electronic Combat Squadron EF-111A Raven aircraft for flight during the U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) exercise Display Determination '89. Subject Operation/Series: DISPLAY DETERMINATION '89 Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Easy”, 43d Fighter Squadron F-22 Raptor pilot, performs preflight checks on an F-22 at Savannah Hilton Head International Airport, Georgia, May 3, 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 Guard’s Air Dominance Center.

DF-ST-88-05708. Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Close-up of an F-15 Pilot in the cockpit

Lt. Col. Robert Hetland taxis his A-10 Thunderbolt II to the runway for an orientation flight for the Hawgsmoke 2010 competition Oct. 13, 2010, in Boise, Idaho. Hawgsmoke is a worldwide A-10 bombing, missile and tactical gunnery competition held every two years. Colonel Hetland is an A-10 pilot with the Air Force Reserve Commands 47th Fighter Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, La.

An F-15 Eagle aircraft refuels from a KC-135 Stratotanker (not shown) over Saudi Arabia in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. The F-15 is part of the coalition forces of the 363rd Air Expeditionary Wing who enforce the no-fly and no-drive zone in Southern Iraq to protect and defend against Iraqi aggression. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown

The plane captain of an A-6E Intruder aircraft crawls out of an intake manifold during a preflight inspection on board the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) while the ship is underway taking part in Fleet Exercise 2-94. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EXERCISE 2-94 Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ian McKinney, 92nd Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog handler, and his dog Sipos prepare for takeoff during UH-1N Huey training Oct. 25, 2022 at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The MWD helicopter training was meant to familiarize the dogs with the noises and distractions they will face when flying in a helicopter.

CAPT. Matt Murray, an F-15 Strike Eagle pilot from the 334th Fighter Squadron, Seymour Johnson AFB, NC, taxies his aircraft at the Roswell Industrial Air Center. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS 95 Base: Roswell State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air crew member leans against the air intake of an S-3A Viking aircraft as he takes a break aboard the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) during PACEX '89. Subject Operation/Series: PACEX '89 Base: USS Constellation (CV 64)

Pilot climbing into the cockpit of a Romanian Air Force F-16AM Fighting Falcon.

DN-ST-89-01344. Base: Naval Air Station, Jacksonville State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A crewman performs maintenance on an AV-8A Harrier aircraft aboard the amphibious assault ship USS NASSAU (LHA-4). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Air Anti-submarine Squadron 37 (VS-37) maintenance personnel stand on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) during PACEX '89. Subject Operation/Series: PACEX '89 Base: USS Constellation (CV 64) Country: Aleutian Islands

Technical Sergeant Bill Dimsdale, crewchief for the 169th Operations Support Flight (OSF), inspects engine dry bays for any signs of fuel leaks at Key West Naval Air Station, Florida, in preparation for a flight to Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina. The 169th OSF is assigned to the 169th Fighter Wing at McEntire Air National Guard Station in South Carolina. During this five-day mission, this crew will make two trips to Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras. They will deliver much needed water purification units, food, and medical supplies to assist local civilians affected from the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch. Base: Naval Air Station, Key West State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A crew chief in Detachment 1, 18th Operations Group, headquartered at Kadena Air Base, Japan, directs an F-15 Eagle aircraft out of a hangar during the final exercise prior to the unit's deactivation. The unit is headquartered at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

The radar intercept officer aboard a Fighter Squadron 2 (VF-2) F-14A Tomcat aircraft jokingly pretends to read a magazine during a flight off of the aircraft carrier USS RANGER (CV 61). Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force Capt. Tazer Palmer, 100th Fighter Squadron F-16 pilot, climbs into the aircraft cockpit at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 12, 2022. The 187th Fighter Wing stationed at Dannelly Field, Alabama, sent aircraft, crew and support personnel to Eglin in support of the 43d FS dissimilar aircraft combat training.

Microphones record the sounds of the F-15EX Eagle IIs engines during a ground test Oct. 26 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The aircraft underwent various ground and flight acoustic testing to create a baseline noise level for use by the Department of Defense. This was the first time this type of in-depth digital acoustic sound testing was done on any F-15 model.

PHILIPPINE SEA (May 12, 2022) Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) Airman George Castillo, from Bryan, Texas, transports an F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Tophatters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, on 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.

Technical Sergeant Eric McKinley, USAF, Crewchief for the 421st Fighter Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, uses the F-16Cs 600-gallon pod as a desk to check the paperwork before his aircraft leaves for a training mission. The F-16's were diverted to the Utah Air National Guard base due to an accident at Hill AFB; an F-16C crashed after the nose-gear tire blew during a high-speed takeoff. Base: Salt Lake City State: Utah (UT) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

A close-up view of the right side of the tail section of a Soviet Tupolev Tu-95 Bear aircraft showing two crewmen inside. This photo was taken from a U.S. Air Force F-4 Phantom II aircraft observing the Bear over international waters. Country: North Atlantic Ocean

An Undergraduate Pilot Training 2.5 student and his Instructor Pilot step to their T-6A Texan II Jan. 5 at Vance Air Force Base.

U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Margarito Casarez Jr., Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 101 (VMFAT-101) avionics chief, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California (back left), and Cpl. Sierra Aviles, VMFAT-101 avionics technician (front right), complete post-flight maintenance checks on an F/A-18 Super Hornet during Weapons System Evaluation Program East-22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 12, 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.

DN-ST-85-02911. Base: USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II fighter pilot assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron performs post-flight procedures following an agile combat employment training sortie at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 15, 2022. The 356th EFS and the 199th EFS traveled to Iwakuni as components of the 354th Air Expeditionary Wing to refine fifth-generation integration tactics, techniques and procedures.

Capt. Scott Rumsey, 40th Helicopter Squadron pilot, performs preflight checks of a UH-1N Huey helicopter May 24, 2022, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Preflight checks are performed before every mission and are necessary to ensure aircraft are functioning properly and ready for flight.

Christina Bergmann (center), 802nd Security Forces Squadron honorary commander, receives a tour in a T-38 from U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Benjamin Williams (left), 560th Flying Training Squadron commander, during an honorary commanders program tour, Aug. 17, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The honorary commanders program enhances the knowledge of community leaders regarding the missions, policies, programs and people of the U.S. military, while fostering a supportive relationship between the military and the community.

US Navy Aviation Structural Mechanic (Hydraulics) Third Class Brad Foy inspects the tail hook of an F/A-18 Hornet aircraft from Strike Fighter Squadron Thirty-Seven (VFA-37) prior to launch from the flight deck of USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75). Truman is on station in the Persian Gulf in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

DN-SC-89-07970. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A view of the pilot and co-pilot in the cockpit of a 4th Tactical Fighter Wing F-15E Eagle aircraft as the plane refuels over Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" train in Edwards Air Force Base, California, Jan. 22 - Feb. 5, 2024. This marked the third annual Thunderbirds winter training trip, which allows the team to rehearse the show prior to kickstarting the season in March. Air Force

070114-N-7317W-130. Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Robert Meeks, left, and Cpl. Isaiah Dunagan both airframe mechanics with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron (VMMT) 204, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct maintenance on the Frame of a MV-22B Osprey on Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Sept. 14, 2022. VMMT-204 aviation maintenance Marines conduct routine preventative maintenance on MV-22B Ospreys to ensure a constant state of readiness. MCAS New River provides aviation support, force protection, infrastructure, and community services to promote the readiness, sustainment and quality of life for II Marine Expeditionary Force and other military forces, tenant commands, personnel and their families.

A Marine attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 112, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, conducts flight operations at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, Sept. 15, 2022. VMFA-112 is participating in a joint long-range strike exercise with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 234, VMFA-225, Marine Fighter Training Squadron (VMFT) 401 and U.S. Air Force 513th Operations Support Squadron. This large force exercise demonstrates MAG-41's ability to project long-range strike capability and integrate with the Marine Corps' active component 5th generation aircraft in contested environments.

DN-ST-89-08963. Base: USS Lexington (AVT 16)

Stephanie Reyes (right), 502nd Air Base Wing honorary commander, receives a tour in a T-38 from U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Benjamin Williams (left), 560th Flying Training Squadron commander, during an honorary commanders program tour, Aug. 17, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The honorary commanders program enhances the knowledge of community leaders regarding the missions, policies, programs and people of the U.S. military, while fostering a supportive relationship between the military and the community.

A flight deck crewman climbs down the ladder of an F/A-18A Hornet aircraft aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Unknown

970417-F-2171A-002. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS Base: Cannon Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

DN-SC-87-06586. Base: USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

General DynamicsF-16 Falcon Jet Fighter

Airman 1st Class Logan Turner, 555th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, prepares a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon for launch during exercise Falcon Strike 2022 at Amendola Air Base, Italy, Nov. 15, 2022. Falcon Strike 22 provided an opportunity to test fourth-generation airpower like the F-16 in ally roles as well as adversary roles alongside NATO allies and fifth-generation airpower.

US Air Force Captain Daniel Greenwood, 25th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot, observes a student pilot perform a preflight inspection on a T-38 Talon. Base: Vance Air Force Base State: Oklahoma (OK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

STAFF SGT. Doug Kaufman, crew chief, marshals an A-10 into its parking spot. Base: Moody Air Force Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Reserve first lieutenant kite G.A. Wessels Boer from 322 Squadron during Quick-Reaction Alert (QRA) at Leeuwarden airbase.NA a telephone call he rushes to his ready Starfighter in the shelter.

A helicopter crewman from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) stands beside an AH-64A Apache helicopter as it is prepared for takeoff during Operation Desert Shield. The helicopter is armed with an M-230A1 30mm automatic cannon beneath its cockpit and is carrying AGM-114 Hellfire missiles on its wing pylon. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Miranda T-Rex Jones, pilot, 157th Fighter Squadron, South Carolina Air National Guard, performs pre-flight inspections on an F-16 Fighting Falcon during exercise Sentry Savannah 22-1 at the Air Dominance Center in Savannah, Georgia, May 11, 2022. Sentry Savannah is the Air National Guards premier counter air exercise, encompassing 10 units of fourth- and fifth- generation fighter aircraft, which tests the capabilities of warfighters in a simulated near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Lindsay MAD Johnson, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team commander and pilot, performs pre-flight inspections at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, March 24, 2023. During the performance, Johnson showcased different aerial maneuvers, including simulated gun runs, highlighting the capabilities of the A-10.

DF-ST-89-07186. Country: Unknown

The crew of an F-16D Fighting Falcon aircraft from the 51st Tactical Fighter Wing prepares for a flight during exercise Cope Tora '90, a Pacific Air Force (PACAF) bombing and gunnery exercise. Subject Operation/Series: COPE TORA '90 Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

Actress Brooke Shields rehearses a scene where she performs preflight checks on a C-17 Globemaster III during an on-location filming session Feb. 28, 2013, at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. The television show Army Wives” tells the story of four women and one man who are brought together by their common bond -- they all have military spouses.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jonathan Schaafsma, executive officer, Marine Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 1, conducts final checks on an F-5N Tiger II before a flight from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, April 21, 2022. This was Schaafsmas final flight after serving 20 years in the Marine Corps.

A U.S. Air Force maintainer with the 169th Fighter Wing, performs a preflight inspection on an F-16 Fighting Falcon during exercise Sentry Savannah May 6, 2022, on the flightline at the Air Dominance Center in Savannah Georgia. Exercises like Sentry Savannah held at the Air Dominance Center not only train and test the counter air capabilities of the next generation of fighter pilots, but they also provide critical experience and training to 10 different units of maintenance Airmen in the rapid employment and recovery of aircraft.

A pilot taxies his Grumman F6F Hellcat fighter plane, Madras Airshow, Oregon.

SGT. Larry Bailey, a crew chief with the 58th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, wipes down the canopy of a 58th Tactical Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle aircraft during a Coronet Phaser deployment. The Coronet Phaser program tests the readiness of U.S.-based units to deploy to and operate in Europe. Subject Operation/Series: CORONET PHASER Base: Canadian Forces Base, Lahr Country: West Germany (FRG)

A ground crew member guides the pilot of an F-14A Tomcat aircraft as the plane arrives at the station along with other aircraft of Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1). The various squadrons, stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV-66), are returning to Oceana following deployment in the Persian Gulf area during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Cmdr. Robert Kurrle, left, the commanding officer of the "Golden Warriors" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87, greets Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Sharp, a British exchange officer assigned to VFA-87, after their final carrier landings on the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) flight deck, Nov. 12, 2022. Exercise Silent Wolverine is a U.S.-led, combined training exercise that tests Ford-class aircraft carrier capabilities through integrated high-end naval warfare scenarios alongside participating allies in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean. The Gerald R. Ford Strike Group is conducting their first deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations.

SGT. R.L. Ward, left, and SGT. G.M. Bullock of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165 (HMM-165) remove a rotor blade from a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter at the Jubail Naval Airport during Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Jubail Country: Saudi Arabia(SAU)

AIRMAN 1ST Class Marta Kimbal, crew chief, 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron, helps CAPT. Bill Roege strap himself into the cockpit of an F-15 Eagle aircraft canopy during exercise Cope North 86-4. U.S. Air Force squadrons are engaging in dissimilar air combat training with Japan Air Self-Defense Force squadrons during the exercise. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH 86-4 Base: Nyutabaru Air Base State: Kyashu Country: Japan (JPN)

020305-F-4814D-004. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

90th Flying Training Squadron Instructor Pilot Capt. Jake "Trap" Werner climbs into the cockpit of a T-38 Talon on July 14, 2022, at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. The 90 FTS is part of the 80th Flying Training Wing which hosts the world's only internationally manned and managed pilot training program, with the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program delivering more than 7,500 trained combat pilots to NATO allies in its 37 years of existence.

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot assigned to the 354th Fighter Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base arrives at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, for Bushwhacker 22-07, Nov. 3, 2022. The 355th Wing trains Multi-Capable Airmen to compete, deter and win the high-end fight, accounting for the ambiguity and uncertainty expected in future conflicts.

221127-N-BR419-1065 PHILIPPPINE SEA (Nov. 27, 2022) Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Briana Potts, from Buckingham, Virginia, performs a safety check on an F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to the Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115, on the flight deck of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), in the Philippine Sea, Nov. 27. The Eagles conduct carrier-based air strikes and strike force escort missions, as well as ship, battle group, and intelligence collection operations. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports Alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

A crew chief from the 91st Tactical Fighter Squadron performs a walk-around inspection on an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft to insure all systems are operational. The squadron is deployed to Zaragoza Air Base for weapons tactics training. Country: Spain (ESP)

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 389th Fighter Generation Squadron prepare to launch a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle for a routine training mission at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, August 22, 2022. The FGS is comprised of maintainers and administrative personnel responsible for the health and generation of airpower and is aligned to the fighter squadron with the same numeric designation.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Pacific Air Forces commander, shakes the hand of Senior Airman Jordan Morale, 154th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Northern Territory, Australia, Sept. 5, 2022. Exercises and training opportunities foster stronger relationships with allies and deepen the ties with international partners.

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