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.

STS-89 Commander Terrence Wilcutt arrives at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility in one of the T-38 aircraft traditionally flown by the astronaut corps. The eight STS-89 crew members flew into KSC from Johnson Space Center as final preparations are under way toward the scheduled liftoff on Jan. 22 of the Space Shuttle Endeavour on the eighth mission to dock with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, STS-89 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m. EST

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuels) Airman Nine Douglas, from St. Louis, assigned to USS Gerald R. Fords (CVN 78) air department, talks on a sound-powered phone from an in-deck fueling station on the flight deck April 16, 2022. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications and strike group integration as part of the ships tailored basic phase prior to operational deployment.

040331-F-0017C-024. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

220405-N-TT639-1043 PACIFIC OCEAN (April 5, 2022) - Sgt. Johnathan Davis, from Crescent City, Calif., assigned to Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 13, cleans the canopy of an F-35B Lightning II aircraft on the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), April 5. MAG-13 is embarked aboard Tripoli as part of the U.S. Marine Corps Lightning carrier concept demonstration. The Lightning carrier concept demonstration shows Tripoli and other amphibious assault ships are capable of operating as dedicated fixed-wing strike platforms when needed, capable of bringing fifth generation Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft wherever they are required.

To practice Agile Combat Employment, Airmen from the 151st Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels shop were challenged to defuel a KC-135R Stratotanker into an Army Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck. This innovative process demonstrates the ability to provide fuel to other vehicles when located in austere conditions in order to complete the mission. On Sept. 8, 2022 at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. This joint force exercise will develop new operational concepts, capabilities and plans to bolster deterrence and maintain the U.S. militarys competitive advantage for the future.

010328-F-5872L-004. Complete Scene Caption: CHIEF Warrant Officer (CWO4), Dennis E. Lane, USA, CH-47 Chinook helicopter pilot, assigned to Detachment 1, Company F, 106th Division, Iowa National Guard, Davenport, IA performs a preflight inspection of the aircraft, before flying to Asuncion, Paraguay during Operation NEW HORIZONS. The mission flown to support personnel at Asuncion, Paraguay is part of Combined Task Force Guarani Springs, which will conduct engineering and medical operations in Paraguay from 10 March to 30 June 2001 enabling joint service training between US and Paraguayan military personnel. The task force will renovate, construct and improve infrastructure of four schools; four water wells; and conduct three Medical Readiness Training Exercises (MEDRETES) as agreed to by the government of Paraguay. Subject Operation/Series: NEW HORIZONS Base: Asuncion Country: Paraguay (PRY)

GLEN POWELL and JONATHAN MAJORS in DEVOTION (2022), directed by J. D. DILLARD.

040302-F-3963C-185. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

020204-F-0148C-016. Base: Tulsa International Airport State: Oklahoma (OK) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

050121-F-8970B-010. Base: Korat Abs Country: Thailand (THA)

SSGT Terry Johnson prepares an F-4E Phantom II aircraft for takeoff during Reforger-Coronet Musket. The F-4E is from the 335th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. Subject Operation/Series: REFORGERCORONET MUSKET Base: Karup Air Base Country: Denmark (DNK)

Airmen assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing perform engine maintenance at McMurdo Station, Antarctica. The 109th Airlift Wing flies the only ski-equipped LC-130s in the world and supports the National Science Foundation research efforts in Antarctica every year.

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, assigned to the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron, watch as Thunderbird 7 taxis to the runway at the Fort Wayne Air National Guard base in Fort Wayne, Indiana June 3, 2022. Detective Benjamin J. MacDonald, an officer assigned to the homicide division of the Fort Wayne Police Department, was given the opportunity to participate in a Hometown Hero Flight, a Thunderbird program that showcases American citizens doing amazing things in their communities.

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

U.S. Marines 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.

020106-N-3236B-010. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Bahrain (BHR)

Fire fighters wash down a fuel spill from an F-4 Phantom II aircraft. The airmen are assigned to the 159th Tactical Fighter Group, Louisiana Air National Guard. Base: Naval Air Station, Keflavik Country: Iceland (ISL)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Michelle Park, a 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chief, assists Lt. Col. David Graham, the 18th Aggressor Squadron (AS) commander, into a cockpit on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Jan. 17. 2015. More than 150 maintainers will keep the 18th AS in the air during the SENTRY ALOHA and COPE NORTH exercises, which are meant to prepare U.S. Airmen, Sailors and Marines along with coalition partners in the Pacific theater of operations for contingency operations if the need arises.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Samuel Laviolette, CH-53E Super Stallion mechanic, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 366, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, motions to stop all blade movement for a CH-53E Super Stallion on Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Aug. 31, 2022. HMH-366 aviation maintenance Marines conduct routine preventative maintenance on CH-53E Super Stallion 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.

The pilot of a 410th Bombardment Wing KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft looks through an open cockpit window prior to the aircraft's departure for Saudi Arabia to support Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Base: K. I. Sawyer Air Force Base State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Navy Blue Angel pilot disembarks an F/A-18 Super Hornet at the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 14, 2022. The air show provided an opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of a Joint Force in the Indo-Pacific Region. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to express MCBHs appreciation to the residents of Hawaii and their continued support of the installation.

A Marine from Marine Attack Squadron 311 (VMA-311), Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Arizona, prepares to inspect fuel on an AV-8B Harrier aircraft during Exercise KERNEL BLITZ 2001 aboard the USS TARAWA (LHA 1). Subject Operation/Series: KERNEL BLITZ '01 Base: USS Tarawa (LHA 1) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

031028-F-5759C-002. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

DF-ST-88-09607. Subject Operation/Series: RED STAR Base: Royal Air Force Alconbury Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

970417-F-2171A-005. 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

971112-F-0681L-024. Base: Eilson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-88-08050. Subject Operation/Series: AMALGAM BRAVE Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. David Way, a pilot with the South Carolina Air National Guards 157th Fighter Squadron, gets ready to fly an F-16 fighter jet during Relampago VII, an exercise in Barranquilla, Colombia, Aug. 30, 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.

110530-N-TU221-466PACIFIC OCEAN (May 30, 2011) A Sailor steps into the cockpit of an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. Air Force Col. Amy Meier, 355th Wing acting deputy commander, sits passenger in a P-51 Mustang awaiting take off for her incentive flight during the Heritage Flight Training Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Feb. 29, 2024. Heritage flights featured modern fighter and attack aircraft flying alongside World War II, Korea and Vietnam-era planes. Air Force

020612-F-4177H-006. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

221019-N-ER894-2004 PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 19, 2022) Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment) 3rd Class Briana Duquette, right, from Altus, Oklahoma, and Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment) 3rd Class Aaron Brown, from Iron Station, North Carolina, conduct daily checks on the canopy, cockpit and ejection seat of an F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, aboard the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), in the Philippine Sea, Oct. 19. The Royal Maces 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.

C-130 Crew at Airfield - 26-HK-155-13. By Lt. Ryan Macleod. Hurricane Katrina

980311-F-4116M-001. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

980309-F-4116M-004. 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. Marine Corps Sgt. John Cartwright, a UH-1Y Venom crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 167, waits for orders at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, Aug. 10, 2022. HMLA-167 trained with U.S. Army National Guard and U.S. Air National Guard units during joint exercise Northern Strike 22-2. HMLA-167 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

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. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Robert Wills, a crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 464, observes an air delivered ground refueling exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, April 20, 2022. HMH-464 and other squadrons assigned to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) trained to integrate with and support Marine ground units during Service Level Training Exercise (SLTE) 3-22. SLTE is a series of exercises designed to prepare Marines for operations around the globe. 2nd MAW is the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

220813-N-ET093-1047 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 13, 2022) Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment) 2nd Class Taylor Clayton, top, from Franklin, New Jersey, and Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment) 2nd Class Christopher Keller, from Alamosa, Colorado, both assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103, perform environmental control system maintenance, Aug. 13, 2022. George H.W. Bush provides the national command authority flexible, tailorable warfighting capability as the flagship of a carrier strike group that maintains maritime stability and security to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is an integrated combat weapons system that delivers superior combat capability to deter, and if necessary, defeat Americas adversaries in support of national security. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of CSG-10 and George H.W. Bush CSG. The squadrons of CVW-7 are

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" perform their demonstration at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida, March 31 - April 2, 2023. The Thunderbirds headlined the Wings Over Homestead Air Show with the mission to recruit, retain, and inspire American communities.

970423-F-6217S-012. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS Base: Kirtland Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AETC

Under the direction of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), U.S. Air Force Maj. Scott McGowen, 104th Fighter Wing F-15 pilot, prepares to take-off from Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, during air-defense Operation NOBLE DEFENDER, Oct. 27, 2022. Operation NOBLE DEFENDER is a long-planned NORAD exercise that validates the commands capability to defend Canada and the United States from every avenue of approach. The Continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR) led this iteration of OND and coordinated and conducted combined operations, while concurrently launching aircraft from different locations across the northeast coast of the United States. F-15 and KC-135 aircraft from CONR and CF-18 aircraft from the Canadian NORAD Region participated in the operation. NORAD is a bi-national Canadian and U.S. command that employs a network of aerial, ground-based, and space-based sensors, air-to-air refueling tankers, and fighter aircraft controlled by a sophisticated comman

An F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot from the 55th Fighter Squadron, Fighters,” Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., displays his squadron’s customary Guns Up” gesture prior to a training mission Jan. 29, 2014, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Red Flag exercises give Airmen an opportunity to experience realistic combat training scenarios to prepare for future conflicts or war.

030904-F-9370B-017. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Richmond International Airport State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

An airman guides a taxiing E-3A Sentry aircraft during exercise Giant Warrior '89. Subject Operation/Series: GIANT WARRIOR '89 Base: Andersen Air Base Country: Guam (GUM)

031021-F-3356N-006. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jose Martinez, avionics technician, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 (HMH-461), 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, signals to another Marine troubleshooting information for the blade fold system on a CH-53K King Stallion on Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina June 22, 2022. HMH-461 aviation maintenance Marines go through vigorous training and testing to ensure that aircraft aboard MCAS New River are ready to fly and support all missions safely.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Cesar Arguello, 43d Fighter Generation Squadron assistant dedicated crew chief, performs inspections on 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 Savannah Sentry, a near-pear training exercise hosted by the Air National Guards Air Dominance Center.

040323-F-3963C-107. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

DF-ST-89-03586. Country: Unknown

041019-F-5550W-015. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040306-F-2902B-006. Base: Balad Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A seabee carrying a shovel walks alongside the rear section of a P-3B Orion aircraft of Naval Air Reserve Patrol Squadron 68 (VP-68). VP-68 is in Rota for active duty training. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Base: Naval Station, Rota Country: Spain (ESP)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Austin Sondergard, 605th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, performs pre-flight checks on a KC-10 extender at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. on Oct. 10, 2022. Sondergard received brain surgery to remove an arteriovenous malformation, and later suffered losses to both memory, speech, and motor skills due to a stroke. Recovered, Sondergard returned to his duties as a Crew Chief and hobby as an avid powerlifter.

040720-F-2902B-002. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-88-03894. Subject Operation/Series: CORONET WARRIOR Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

SSGT Donald Anderson, boom operator for emergency refueling operations, stands by prior to a flight in an EC-135 Stratolifter aircraft code-named Looking Glass. The aircraft acts as the backup command and control post for the Strategic Air Command's (SAC) underground command center. Its crew would assume all functions in the event that SAC's underground center was destroyed by enemy attack. Three Looking Glass sorties are flown daily by the 2nd Airborne Command and Control Squadron (ACCS) and the 4th ACCS. Country: Unknown

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" Aircraft Egress Systems Specialist Staff Sgt. Andrew Coelho demonstrates the level of attention and care taken to maintain the Thunderbirds F-16's during Montana's Military Open House "Flight over the Falls" at Montana Air National Guard Base, Great Falls, Montana, July 23, 2022. The Thunderbirds are the U.S. Air Force's premier air demonstration squadron.

Senior Airman Cody Polzin, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team crew chief, performs post-flight inspections in San Marcos, Texas, May 26, 2022. The A-10 Demonstration Team is made up of 11 personnel, including a pilot, nine maintenance personnel and a public affairs specialist. The mission of the A-10 Demonstration Team is to recruit, retain and inspire.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Calvin Conner, 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron pilot, prepare to exit an F-15EX Eagle during post flight recovery after arriving for The Great Texas Airshow Apr. 21, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The U.S. Air Force is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a The Great Texas Airshow as a key event. The airshow features the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds performing for people to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Forces premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Maj. Haden Fullam, middle, the A-10 Demonstration Team pilot, salutes his U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II crew chiefs, Staff Sgt.(s) Robert Benson, left, and Cody Polzin during the 2022 Smoky Mountain Air Show Sept. 10, 2022 at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tennessee. The two-day annual event provided the local community with a rare chance to see modern and historic aircraft up close and to meet military members.

Maj. Haden Fullam, middle, the A-10 Demonstration Team pilot, salutes his U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II crew chiefs, Staff Sgt.(s) Robert Benson, left, and Cody Polzin during the 2022 Smoky Mountain Air Show Sept. 10, 2022 at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tennessee. The two-day annual event provided the local community with a rare chance to see modern and historic aircraft up close and to meet military members.

To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the United States Air Force, a historic P-51 Mustang from 1941 flew in formation with F-16s from the 149th Fighter Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Sept. 10, 2022. This WWII era plane was flown by James Bohanon, a civilian pilot, who has more than 210 hours of flying time with the plane. (Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Katie Schultz)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Lucas Haas, Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team crew chief, stands by for instruction during a demonstration practice at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 8, 2022.The F-16 Fighting Falcon performs a multitude of aerial maneuvers during air shows to showcase the ability and skill of the aircraft and its pilot.

NASA, Canadian Space Agency, Roscosmos, and Russian Search and Recovery Forces arrive in Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan in advance of the landing of Expedition 59 crew members Anne McClain of NASA, David Saint-Jacques of the Canadian Space Agency, and Oleg Kononenko of Roscosmos, Monday, June 24, 2019. McClain, Saint-Jacques, and Kononenko are returning after 204 days in space where they served as members of the Expedition 58 and 59 crews onboard the International Space Station.

Captain Steve Duresky, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, inspects one of the two infrared missiles on an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, prior to flight during exercise BOLD EAGLE '82. Subject Operation/Series: BOLD EAGLE '82 Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

AIRMAN Anne Moor, 24th Security Police Squadron, Howard AFB, Panama, stands guard while a C-130 is unloaded. Subject Operation/Series: GREEN CLOVER '96 Base: Howard Air Force Base Country: Panama (PAN)

A C-130 Hercules aircraft starts its engines. A C-130 is making a flight to Honduras in support of the joint United States/Honduran exercise AHUASTARA (BIG PINE). Subject Operation/Series: AHUAS TARA (BIG PINE) Base: Howard Air Force Base Country: Panama (PAN)

An attendee waves to the crowd from a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon during the Misawa Air Fest at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 11, 2022. The air show gave community members an opportunity to see various aircraft, meet military personnel and observe ground and aerial demonstrations, encompassing the power of the joint and bilateral forces. This years aerial demonstrations included the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35A Lightning II, Mitsubishi F-2, a CH-47J and UH-60 helicopter alongside a U.S. Air Force F-16 and U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler.

Last checks before the kite leaves with its Northrop NF-5A.313 Squadron.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Louis Manino and Cheif Warrant Officer 2 Dwayne Hawkins, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, prepare to be submerged and conduct underwater escape procedures as part of dunker training (helicopter over-water survival training) from October 18-19, Bremerhaven, Germany. The training was conducted at the RelyOn Nutec training center and is designed to teach anyone traveling on or over water, how to react before, during, and after a helicopter becomes submerged in water. 12CAB is a team of disciplined warfighting professionals trusted to execute precision aviation operations. Ensuring Soldiers successfully complete dunker training is one of the many ways the Griffin Brigade constantly improves their readiness to support missions across the European Command area of operations.

DF-ST-87-12662. Subject Operation/Series: BLUE HORIZON '86 Base: Taura Air Base Country: Ecuador (ECU)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Matthew James, F-35A Lightning II Instructor Pilot for the 60th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, completes a flight at Burlington Air National Guard Base, Vermont, July 25, 2022. The 33rd FW is utilizing the Vermont air space to continue effective flying operations during hazardous summer weather in Florida.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Michael Elliott, a loadmaster with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, observes an airfield after arriving at Subic Bay, Philippines, Oct. 15, 2022. VMGR-152 supported Marines and Sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, transporting personnel and equipment across the Indo-Pacific region.

Maj. Russell Burkhard, an instructor pilot assigned to the 149th Fighter Wing, Air National Guard, prepares for takeoff Nov. 20 at Natal Air Force Base in Brazil during CRUZEX 2018.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 11, 2013) Aviation Structural Mechanic (Equipment) Airman Angelina Millan, assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 120, final checks an E-2C Hawkeye during flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). George H.W. Bush is conducting training and carrier qualifications in the Atlantic Ocean.

A Fighter Squadron 74 (VF-74) pilot and his family stand beside an F-14A Tomcat aircraft following their reunion at the air station. Members of Carrier Air Wing 3 and Carrier Air Wing 17 are returning home from serving in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An A-10 Thunderbolt II sits on display at the Joint Base Andrews 2022 Air & Space Expo at JBA, Md., Sept. 18, 2022. Airshows provide an opportunity for people to see U.S. military air capabilities in action and meet the service members who fly and maintain the equipment.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Dakota Griffis, 384th Air Refueling Squadron in-flight refuelingspecialist, marshals a cargo loader in preparation of unloading cargo from a KC-135 Stratotankeraircraft at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Nov. 19, 2022. The completion of this cargomission enabled Team Fairchild to improve the skills and knowledge of its crews, and ensurethey can continue sustain rapid global mobility as the Air Forces premier air refueling wing.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Tae Kim, an instructor pilot from the 54th Air Refueling Squadron (ARS) at Altus Air Force Base (AFB), Oklahoma, performs a preflight check of a KC-135 Stratotanker at March Air Reserve Base, California, July 12, 2022. Airmen from the 54th ARS performed air refueling training with F-16 Fighter Falcons from the 310th Fighter Squadron at Luke AFB, Arizona.

060412-N-0499M-030. Base: USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

110511-N-OK922-382INDIAN OCEAN (May 11, 2011) Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 3rd Class Travis Fowler, assigned to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40, cleans a C-2A Greyhound on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

A U.S. F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot assigned to Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, poses for a photo after arriving for Checkered Flag 22-2 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 6, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise held at Tyndall which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th- and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 22-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-20, 2022.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" perform a series of high show demonstrations during the Great Texas Airshow April 22 - 24, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. Along with this year marking the Air Forces 75th anniversary, Joint Base San Antonio was celebrating the 80th birthday of Air Education and Training Command.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform at the Orlando Air and Space Show in Orlando, Florida, Oct. 28, 2022. Since 1953, the Thunderbirds team has served as Americas premier air demonstration squadron, entrusted with the vital mission to recruit, retain and inspire past, present and future Airmen.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Caleb Butler, Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team aerospace propulsion craftsman, poses for a photo at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 8, 2022. The propulsion flights mission is to provide timely, safe and reliable jet engine maintenance, reducing unnecessary flight line engine removals or engine maintenance during the pursuit of the wings mission.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jordan Grant, vice commander of the 33rd Fighter Wing, completes first flight in an F-35A Lightning II at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 4, 2022. Grant is a student in the 33rd FWs F-35 TX-course, a course for experienced pilots transitioning to the F-35 from different fighter platforms.

110211-N-6208N-066SAN DIEGO (Feb. 11, 2011) A flight deck handler from the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) spots a World War II-era N3N trainer Navy biplane at Naval Air Station North Island. The base is hosting a Centennial of Naval Aviation Open House and Parade of Flight. The Navy is observing the Centennial of Naval Aviation with a series of events nationwide, celebrating 100 years of heritage, progress and achievement in naval aviation.

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

220603-N-N3764-1003Caribbean Sea - (June 3, 2022) Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Dominic Velona, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28, Detachment 8, washes an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter on the flight deck of the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Billings (LCS 15), June 3, 2022. Billings is deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations to support Joint Interagency Task Force South’s mission, which includes counter-illicit drug trafficking missions in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.

040317-F-6470S-006. Base: Whiteman Air Force Base State: Missouri (MO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Glad, aircraft turn supervisor assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing, directs the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) team during an Integrated Combat Turn (ICT) maneuver at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, July 12, 2022. The ACE team reloads and refuels the A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft during the ICT maneuver with the engines still running in preparation for another takeoff while the pilot waits in the cockpit.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Sep. 17, 2022) A pilot for the Commemorative Air Force waves to the crowd during the 2022 Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana Air Show. The NAS Oceana Air Show's theme was "Back to the Beach", as it has been two years since the last performance.

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Andrew Lucas, a loadmaster assigned to the 729th Airlift Squadron, March Air Reserve Base, Calif., boards a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft during a mission in support of earthquake relief efforts in Haiti at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., Jan. 16, 2010. Charleston AFB is a component of Air Mobility Command. Since Jan. 13, AMC has delivered more than 1,600 tons of supplies to the region as part of Operation Unified Response. AMC aircraft and personnel continue to support the international effort to increase the velocity with which aid is flowing to those in need.

U.S. Navy Blue Angels visit Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, December 6, 2022 in preparation for Tinker AFB's airshow July 1-2, 2023.

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