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.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Scrat Pridgen, left, 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron director of operations, provides a tour of the U-2 Dragon Lady to Gen. James B. Hecker, right, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, July, 18, 2022. During his first visit to the 501st Combat Support Wing as the USAFE-AFAFRICA commander, Hecker met with several Airmen and received briefings about the wings mission and capabilities.

DN-SD-03-08755. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-88-05744. Country: Guatemala (GTM)

DF-ST-87-09826. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Senior Airman Clarissa Banks, a 340th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, controls the movement of a KC-135 Stratotanker prior to takeoff on Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, April 8, 2015. Al Udeid is a strategic coalition air base in Qatar that supports over 90 combat and support aircraft and houses more than 5,000 military personnel.

020304-F-4814D-042. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

040331-F-0017C-043. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Trevor Hill, 79th Expeditionary Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, performs maintenance on a F-16CM Fighting Falcon during Operation Agile Spartan III at an undisclosed location, September 7, 2022. In order for pilots from the 79th EFS to depart and demonstrate vital Agile Combat Employment capabilities from a dispersed location, Airmen from Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait and Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, rapidly deployed, testing its logistics and operational capabilities. These actions reflect the ACE paradigm, which is to proactively and reactively execute an operational scheme of maneuver within threat timelines in order to increase survivability while simultaneously generating combat power.

DF-ST-90-00543. Base: Seymour Johnson Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Thurmond Bowens, 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, performs preflight inspections as F-16 fighter jets from the South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Fighter Wing prepare to depart Columbia Metropolitan Airport in West Columbia, South Carolina to an alternate airfield September 29, 2022. The temporary relocation is a safety precaution ahead of the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Ian. The aircraft will return to South Carolina and resume their normal flight training operations just as soon as conditions allow.

030916-F-0703J-001. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: Suffolk Country: United Kingdom (GBR) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A U.S. Air Force pilot assigned to the 79th Fighter Squadron performs pre-flight checks prior to the night scenarios of exercise Red Flag-Nellis (RF-N) 23-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, March 16, 2023. Through dedicated training opportunities like RF-N 23-2, Wild Weasels ensure combat readiness and the tactical proficiency needed to maintain a ready force capable of ensuring the collective defense of the United States, their partners and allies.

DF-ST-86-11964. Base: Bierset Air Base Country: Belgium (BEL)

A ground crew member checks a pitot tube in the tail of a 334th Tactical Fighter Squadron F-4E Phantom II aircraft during exercise Red Flag '87. Subject Operation/Series: RED FLAG '87 Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The catapult officer holds his launch signal as a Strike Fighter Squadron 131 (VFA-131) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft begins to travel down the No. 1 catapult aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) during Fleet Ex '90. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EX '90 Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 29, 2022) Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) Airman Daivon Tolbert, from Washington, D.C., directs a T-45C Goshawk training jet, assigned to the Eagles of Advanced Jet Training Squadron (VT) 7, on 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.

030320-F-9528H-010. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

US Air Force AIRMAN First Class Derreck L. Stewart's breath is clearly visible, in the frigid air on the Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, flightline. Temeratures in South Carolina have been unseasonably cold recently and for those who work outside, like A1C Stewart, a F-16CJ crewchief from the 78th Fighter Squadron, at the 20th Fighter Wing, a warm hat and gloves are essential equipment. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040823-F-3968C-022. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-88-05704. Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Lukasz Lewandoski, a fixed-wing aircraft safety mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, inspects the cockpit of an F-35B Lightning II during Realistic Urban Training exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, June 9, 2022. The purpose of RUT is to enhance the integration and collective capability of the MEU's command, air, ground, and logistics elements and prepare the 13th MEU to meet the nation's crisis response needs during its upcoming overseas deployment.

DN-SC-90-03965. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DF-ST-85-11562. Subject Operation/Series: KINDLE LIBERTY 83 Base: Howard Air Force Base Country: Panama (PAN)

Staff Sgt. Will Lowe, 122nd Aircraft Maintenance Crew Chief, 122nd Fighter Wing, Fort Wayne, Ind., marshals an A-10C Warthog” aircraft after a successful mission during Operation Guardian Blitz, Jan 31, 2018, at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. Operation Guardian Blitz provided training opportunities to practice our core skills of Close Air Support, Forward Air Control and Combat Search and Rescue in a joint environment. The Blacksnakes of the 122nd Fighter Wing and our 163rd Fighter Squadron constantly train to ensure our members are always prepared to defend the nation.

STAFF Sergeant (SSGT) Brian Patni, USAF, communicates via comm cord with the KC-135R pilot before the plane takes off on a refueling mission over the Adriatic Sea. SSGT Patni is one of a dozen maintenance personnel deployed from McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, to the 16th Expeditionary Operations Group, a small US detachment located on this French air base. SSGT Patni is a communications/navigation technician from the 22nd Aircraft Generation Squadron. The McConnell active duty personnel join the primarily Air National Guard flying and maintenance operations here. The group flies aerial refueling missions in support of NATO Operation JOINT FORGE, refueling US and NATO aircraft, .... Complete Scene Caption: Staff Sergeant (SSGT) Brian Patni, USAF, communicates via comm cord with the KC-135R pilot before the plane takes off on a refueling mission over the Adriatic Sea. SSGT Patni is one of a dozen maintenance personnel deployed from McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, to the 16th Exped

DF-ST-89-05845. Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A crew chief helps LT. Shaffer of the 53rd Fighter Squadron into the cockpit of his F-15C Eagle prior to a terrain orientation mission during Operation Deny Flight, the enforcement of the United Nations-sanctioned no-fly zone over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Subject Operation/Series: DENY FLIGHT Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

F/A-18 Hornet USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) US Navy

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment Support) 3rd Class Marty Colvin, assigned to Air Division readies the launch of an S-3 Viking assigned to Air Anti Submarine Squadron Three Three (VS-33) onto one of four steam driven catapults before launch aboard USS NIMITZ (CVN 68). Nimitz and her embarked air wing are in the Persian Gulf to support UN efforts to compel Iraqi compliance with UN resolutions in support of operation Southern Watch. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

Royal Jordanian Air Force 2LT Mohammed Hameid reviews his flight plan and maneuvers with CPT Tim McGilvra on the wing of a T-37 training aircraft. Base: Williams Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

CPT Bob Petras checks his harness as he climbs into the cockpit of his 37th Tactical Fighter Wing F-4G Phantom II Advanced Wild Weasel aircraft. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An aircraft handler warms his hands while sitting in the port engine nacelle of an S-3 Viking aircraft on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) during FLEET EX '88. The ENTERPRISE is operating near Adak, Alaska. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EX '88 Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A U.S. Air Force pilot assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron, conducts pre-flight checks on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 24, 2022. Kadenas aircrew regularly train in a joint environment with regional Allies and partners to deter adversaries and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

060514-N-6410T-004. Base: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle maintainer assists pilots, both assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, exit their aircraft after landing at the Tactical Leadership Programme 22-3 at Los Llanos Air Base, Spain, Sept. 9, 2022. TLP has become the focal point for NATOs Allied Air Forces tactical training and development of knowledge and leadership skills, necessary to face todays air tactical challenges.

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

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Conner Schneider Munn, 80th Fighter Generation Squadron pilot, adjusts his helmet during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 1, 2022. RF-A 22-3 offers U.S. and allied service personnel and aircraft the opportunity to leverage forces in support of bilateral or multilateral exercises.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" practice in El Centro, California, Feb. 22 - Mar. 1, 2024. The Thunderbirds travel to El Centro every year to practice alongside their counterparts, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Maj. Kristin Beo Wolfe, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team commander and lead pilot, gears up before her flight during Wings Over Solano at Travis Air Force Base, California, May 15, 2022. The Wings Over Solano open house and air show provided an opportunity for the local community to interact directly with the base and its Airmen and see capabilities on full display at Travis AFB.

980116-N-2797-574. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

040304-F-9104W-002. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

970227-F-0994L-527. Complete Scene Caption: An AIRMAN with the Air Mobility squadron waits with a chalk prior to uploading the last bit of cargo for the day's mission at Tuzla Air Base, Bosnia-Herzegovina. Loadmasters and Air Mobility personnel work together completing a hasty trade downloading and uploading cargo with the engines running. The Green Hornets of the 61st Airlift Squadron (AS), Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, fly and maintain their aircraft while deployed to Ramstein Air Base (AB), Germany, for a 100-day Temporary Duty (TDY) tour assisting Operation JOINT GUARD (previously Operation JOINT ENDEAVOR). Flying C-130 Hercules every day to the Former Yugoslav region (primarily Tuzla) they pick up and deliver cargo and passengers in support of JOINT GUARD. Tuzla is the dispersion and collection point for supplies, vehicles and personnel. JOINT GUARD is the multi-national peacekeeping mission that provides a climate of stability in the war-torn land of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Joshua Hamrick, a 356th F-35 Expeditionary Fighter Squadron crew chief, marshals a 356th EFS F-35A Lightning II pilot, during Agile Combat Employment training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June, 20, 2022. ACE is Pacific Air Forces model to project combat power via a network of distributed operating locations throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 16, 2017)Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Sarah Strong uses a tote board to communicate with the pilot of an AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 231 prior to launch from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1). Wasp is underway acquiring certifications in preparation for their upcoming homeport shift to Sasebo, Japan where they are slated to relieve the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) in the 7th Fleet area of operations.

U.S. Air Force Col. Kristoffer Smith, 20th Fighter Wing commander, performs pre-flight checks during exercise Red Flag-Nellis 23-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, March 20, 2023. The 20th Fighter Wing Wild Weasels actively seek out advanced, realistic and innovative training opportunities to hone individual skills and integrate all-domain capabilities to deter and defeat adversaries.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 480th Fighter Squadron work together to refuel an F-16 Fighting Falcon during hot-pit refueling at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, March 13, 2023. Hot-pit refueling saves time by using a pressurized hydrant fueling system to refuel active aircraft between training missions.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, taxis prior to take-off during Tactical Leadership Programme 22-3 at Los Llanos Air Base, Spain, Sept. 26, 2022. During this two week course, NATO and allied forces flight leaders are prepared to be mission commanders, lead coalition force air strike packages and provide tactical air expertise to NATO agencies.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 355th Fighter Generation Squadron prepare to load munitions during a load competition on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Jan. 11, 2024. Load competitions are held throughout the year to prepare weapons crews for wartime. The winning team is picked based on speed, accuracy, and number of deductions.

011106-F-2034C-010. Complete Scene Caption: An Air Force crewchief from the 28th Air Expeditionary Wing, conducts a post flight inspection of the wing on a B-1B Lancer bomber during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Air Force B-2 Spirit, B-1 Lancer, and B-52 Stratofortress, bombers expended more than 80 percent of the tonnage dropped on combat missions over Afghanistan to date. The Air Force flew more than 600 sorties including strike missions against al Qaeda and Taliban targets in Afghanistan. These targets include early-warning radar systems, ground forces, Command-and-Control facilities, al Qaeda infrastructure, airfields and aircraft. Operation ENDURING FREEDOM is in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), fighting terrorism abroad. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: 28th AEW

A pararescueman assigned to the 31st Rescue Squadron sits on the ramp of a C-130J Super Hercules prior to a search and rescue scenario during Exercise Pacific Angel at Kuantan Air Base, Malaysia, Aug. 18, 2022. Exercises like Pacific Angel are designed to posture U.S. Air Force Airmen and allied military and civilian personnel to work together to quickly and effectively respond to a wide range of possible humanitarian assistance and disaster relief scenarios.

020307-F-1718K-005. State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

A medium close up view of SENIOR MASTER Sergeant Bill Wunderlin of the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, Moffett Federal Airfield, California as he begins his pre-start checklist. Base: Moffett Federal Air Field State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

JSC2011-E-024228 (1 March 2011) --- NASA astronaut Doug Hurley, STS-135 pilot, prepares for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center.

DF-ST-86-03915. Subject Operation/Series: WILLIAM TELL '84 Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Elizabeth A. Witvliet, an aircraft maintenance crew chief assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing, Indiana Air National Guard, jumps to deliver a good luck tap to an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft before take off during Guardian Blitz at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 24, 2023. During the exercise, 122nd FW Airmen performed Integrated Combat Turn maneuvers on the aircraft at Moody Air Force Base after the aircraft took off from MacDill Air Force Base. ICT maneuvers involve refueling and rearming the aircraft while the pilot waits in the cockpit with engines running before taking off again to maximize time in the air. During Guardian Blitz, the 122nd FW positioned the main force at MacDill Air Force Base while stationing a self-sufficient contingency force at Moody Air Force Base to further project combat power and sustainability in a contested environment.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael Trey” Rawls, commander of Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, prepares to fly an F-35A Lightning II at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 23, 2022. Rawls visited the 33rd FW to assess the F-35’s ability to meet operational requirements.

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

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jason Moore, 25th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, inspects the exterior of an A-10 Thunderbolt II during preflight procedures prior to flight operations in support of exercise RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 16, 2022. The newly redesignated 25th FGS supports and maintains A-10s assigned to the 25th Fighter Squadron, the primary close air support squadron for this iteration of RF-A.

221009-N-XN177-1020 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Oct. 9, 2022) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ethan Stokes, from Gridley, California, conducts maintenance on an MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Oct. 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.

060310-N-0685C-011. Base: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Scene Major Command Shown: USS Theodore Roosevelt

040329-F-6703G-003. Base: Del Rio State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030728-F-6449C-009. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S Air Force Senior Airman Adrian Foster, 44th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, instructs an Airman about standard maintenance on an F-15C/D Eagle system at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Oct. 12, 2022. Coming to RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1 has broadened my capabilities as a crew chief by pushing me to adapt to constant change. With all the possible difficulties our job can cause, it has allowed me to have a different perspective on possible solutions and has kept me on my toes to come up with them more swiftly and efficiently.”

980606-F-4116M-026. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kevin Monzon, a 77th Expeditionary Fighter Generation Squadron weapons load crew member conducts post flight recovery procedures, following an F-16 Fighting Falcon sortie from Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Weapons load crews ensure safe munitions loading and maintain launch and release devices on aircraft enabling aircraft to carry out combat patrol missions.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ernest Brunelle, left, an Oakham, Mass., native and a fixed wing aircraft safety equipment mechanic, and Maj. Anthony Heiser, a Ballerica, Mass., native and an F/A-18 Hornet aircraft pilot, both with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533, taxi to the runway during an incentive flight at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 30, 2022. Incentive flights are periodically awarded to Marines and Sailors for meritorious actions and service.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Ricardo Tijerina, airframes staff noncommissioned officer, Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 1, assists in the unloading of the MQ-9A Reaper with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 1, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, Arizona, Sept. 28, 2022. The disassembly, transport, and reassembly of the platform between MCAS Yuma and MCAS Miramar, California via a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules aircraft served as a proof of concept for the Reaper's rapid, expeditionary deployment capacity.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ryan Culbertson, 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.

Cockpit View of Pilot of an F-16

CPT Steve Sloop, a pilot making preflight inspection of his F-4 Phantom II aircraft, looks over a maintenance log. The pilot is from the 3rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing, involved in Exercise Opportune Journey 4. Subject Operation/Series: OPPORTUNE JOURNEY 4 Base: Naval Air Station, Barbers Point State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

F/A-18C HornetUSS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)US Navy

120103-N-OY799-230 ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 3, 2012) An EA-6B Prowler from the Wizards of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133 lands on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Billy Tate, an aircraft ordnance technician with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115, guides a short airfield tactical support weapons loader operator carrying an AGM-84D Harpoon missile during a hot loading validation event at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 25, 2023. Marines with VMFA-115 conducted the first ever hot load of an AGM-84D Harpoon missile during a validation event. The validation further enables loading of different types of ordnance while the aircraft is running, giving greater capability and increased sortie generation of tactical aircraft in the Indo-Pacific.

DN-SC-87-05537. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

DF-ST-87-11972. Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-86-11911. Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tyler VanWieren, an aircraft maintenance crew chief assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing, Indiana Air National Guard signals to an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft pilot as he returns from flight during Guardian Blitz at MacDill Air Force Base, Jan. 25, 2023. During the exercise, 122nd FW Airmen performed Integrated Combat Turn maneuvers on the aircraft at Moody Air Force Base after the aircraft took off from MacDill Air Force Base. ICT maneuvers involve refueling and rearming the aircraft while the pilot waits in the cockpit with engines running before taking off again in order to maximize time in the air. During Guardian Blitz, the 122nd FW positioned the main force at MacDill Air Force Base while stationing a self-sufficient contingency force at Moody Air Force Base to further project combat power and sustainability in a contested environment.

040909-F-5040D-088. Base: Andersen Air Force Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force pilot assigned to the 79th Fighter Squadron (FS) Tigers” conducts post-flight operations and flashes his squadron’s Tiger Tiger” hand signal in an F-16C Fighting Falcon after landing at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct 27, 2022. The 79th FS returned from their deployment providing combat airpower within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

SSG Rene Torres, a flight engineer with Detachment 1, Company G, 140th Aviation, Nevada Army National Guard, with fire extinguisher in hand, checks engine startup on his CH-47 helicopter prior to its trip to Gold Dust Peak and the A-10 crash site. Base: Eagle State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

US Marine Corps (USMC) Sergeant (SGT) Kimberly Tomasino (foreground), and SGT Brian Bushey, both assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron "All Weather" 232 (VMFA "AW"-232) changes out a fuel quantity transmitter on a USMC F/A-18 Hornet aircraft at Korat AB, Thailand, during Exercise COPE TIGER '02. Cope Tiger is an annual, multinational exercise in the Asia-Pacific region which promotes closer relations and enables air force units in the region to sharpen air combat skills and practice interoperability with US Forces. Base: Korat Air Base Country: Thailand (THA)

An aviation boatswain's mate (fuels) hauls a fuel hose to an F-14 Tomcat aircraft from Fighter Squadron 154 (VF-154) during flight operations aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70). Country: Unknown

040123-F-5388P-002. Base: Holloman Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

A plane captain cleans the canopy of a F/A-18 Hornet aircraft from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron Three One Two (VMFA-312), prior to flight operations on 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)

Coast Guard Personnel - Miscellaneous - 26-HK-90-236. Coast Guardsman on tail of HH-65, 050929 a. Hurricane Katrina

Military Jets Fixed Wing Boeing Aviat Airplanes Blue Angels USN US Navy F/A-18 Hornet cleaning

A staff sergeant refuels an F-101 Voodoo aircraft from a fuel truck. Other F-101s are in the background. Base: Niagara Falls Air Base State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A T-38C Talon heritage tail, assigned to the 25th Flying Training Squadron lingers on the flightline at Vance Air Force Base, Okla., Nov. 29. The heritage tail's color scheme pays homage to its Air Force history. (U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Ashley Crist)

STAFF SGT. David R. Baldinger, a maintenance person from the 380th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) 42nd Air Refueling Squadron (AREFS), Loring AFB, Maine, gives a thumbs up on the flightline during a maintenance check on a KC-135R Stratotanker during Operation Restore Hope II. The primary mission of the 380th ARW (Deployed) is to provide air refueling support over the Atlantic to in-bound (going into Mogadishu, Somalia) and homeward bound C-5 aircraft, which are ferrying supplies, troops and equipment. A total of 332 personnel and 12 KC-135R Stratotankers (from Plattsburgh AFB, NY, Griffiss AFB, NY, and Loring AFB, Maine) are deployed to Moron.(Exact date unknown). Subject Operation/Series: RESTORE HOPE II Base: Moron Air Base State: Sevilla Country: Spain (ESP)

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Miranda Jones, 157th Fighter Squadron F-16 fighter jet pilot and Airman 1st Class Connor Bouressa, 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, both assigned to the 169th Fighter Wing at McEntire Joint National Guard Base South Carolina, exchange Swamp Fox hand signs before taxiing for takeoff at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport in West Columbia, South Carolina, September 15, 2022. The 169th Fighter Wing is temporarily flying out of Columbia Metropolitan Airport while the McEntire Joint National Guard Base runway undergoes construction.

DF-ST-86-05022. Subject Operation/Series: TRIAD '84 Base: Ohakea Air Base Country: New Zealand (NZL)

TECH. SGT. Rose Reynolds, an Air Force Combat Camera photojournalist, and a pilot stand in front of an EF-111A Raven aircraft after her flight in the plane during Operation Desert Shield.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia(SAU)

Tyler Renshaw, a first grade student at Stewardson-Strasburg School, waves an American flag from the cockpit of an MC-130 Hercules aircraft. Tyler and his classmates are touring the aircraft with members of the 8th Special Operations Squadron who flew the plane to Charleston. Members of the 8th SOS corresponded with the children while stationed in the Persian Gulf area during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Now that they have returned from deployment, the men have traveled to Illinois to meet and spend a day with their pen pals. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORMDESERT SHIELD Base: Charleston State: Illinois(IL) Country: United States Of America(USA)

Several Aircrew members from the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio, celebrated their final flights June 16th, 2022, at the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio. The "Fini" flight tradition is one where aircrew members are hosed down with water by their peers, family, and friends upon their completion of their final flight.

021127-F-1443F-001. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Navy F-14 Tomcat

041112-F-6911G-015. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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