Fighter Pilots and Aircraft Operations

Images of military pilots in various aircraft, showcasing preparation for flight, iconic jet designs, and the aviation environment. The mood is focused and professional.

View of Cockpit of a Malaysian Air Force Mig-29 Preparing to Launch From Kuantan Air Base, Malaysia

060615-F-2185F-037. Base: Bagram AB Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

020704-F-4177H-027. Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon jets from the 169th Fighter Wing, South Carolina Air National Guard, arrive at the Air Dominance Center, a Combat Readiness Training Center, located in Savannah, Georgia on April 28, 2022 where they will participate in the Air National Guards premier 4th and 5th generation counter air exercise. Sentry Savannah is a total force integrated exercise that showcases the nation's combat aircraft readiness, tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a near-peer environment and trains our next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

A 67th Fighter Squadron pilot returns from a successful flight on a F-15C Eagle during the aviation training relocation program at Japan Air Self-Defense Force Tsuiki Air Base, Fukuoka, Japan, Nov. 12, 2022. ATR is a result of the May 2006 United States-Japan roadmap for realignment implementation, a bilateral program aimed at increasing operational readiness and improving interoperability.

The first and only female F-22 Raptor pilot with the Hawaii Air National Guard prepares for flight during a joint exercise Jan. 21, 2022, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. The exercise provides high-quality training to the Total Force and Department of Defense services to increase lethality and readiness for present and future warfighters. The 'Hawaiian Raptors' operated by ANG and active-duty Airmen from the 199th and 19th Fighter Squadrons. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Logan C. Adcock, an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft pilot assigned to the 163rd Fighter Squadron, examines his aircraft before flight July 14, 2022, at the Fort Wayne Air National Guard base, Fort Wayne, Indiana. The 122nd Fighter Wing tested their readiness during a large-scale exercise.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick, an aerial combat camera craftsman assigned to the 1st Combat Camera Squadron (CTCS), stationed at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., steps into an F-16D Fighting Falcon while being recorded for a recruiting video at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Nov. 8, 2022. The 1st CTCS collected imagery to create a recruiting video to showcase their mission as primary suppliers of operational imagery supporting battlefield information superiority.

Pilot in the cockpit of an F-16C, Block 52, Figthting Falcon, 169th Fighter Wing, South Carolina Air National Guard, McEntire Air National Guard Base, South Carolina, 2 July 1999. Base: Mcentire Ang Station State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Eric Domagalski, a member of the Texas A&M University male cadet choir gives a thumbs up. The pilot of the F-15D Eagle aircraft is US Air Force Captain Connor Blackwood, an F-15 pilot from the 493rd Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom. As a recruiting initiative aimed at stateside audiences, base officials, with the approval of higher headquarters, offered an F-15 incentive flight to one student. Eric's teachers chose him out of the 72 members. He received a flight physical, egress training and a full mission briefing before the afternoon take off. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

View of Cockpit of a Malaysian Air Force Mig-29 Preparing to Launch From Kuantan Air Base, Malaysia

CAPT. A. Hardin White, the commander of Carrier Air wing 3 (CVW-3), waves from the bombardier-navigator's seat of an Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75) A-6E Intruder aircraft upon his arrival at the air station. VA-75 and the two fighter squadrons of CVW-3 are returning to Oceana following their deployment to the Persian Gulf region aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

021004-N-9593M-018. Base: USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)

DF-ST-90-04072. Subject Operation/Series: COMMANDO WEST 89-1 Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA)

A U.S. Air Force pilot assigned to the 2d Fighter Training Squadron performs startup procedures in a T-38A Talon at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sept. 12, 2022. The 2d FTS traveled from Florida to MHAFB in support of the F-35A Lightning II basic course capstone.

A U.S. Air Force crew chief assigned to the 157th Fighter Squadron, South Carolina Air National Guard, cleans the windshield of 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.

Fighter pilot in cockpit of F-16, adjusting visor of helmet

A U.S. Navy pilot with the Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, exits a F/A-18 Super Hornet during Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 12, 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.

DF-ST-85-01346. Subject Operation/Series: AIR WARRIOR Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533 prepare to disembark on an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 22, 2022. Marines with VMFA(AW)-533 received an opportunity to fly aboard an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft to reward those who excelled at their duties and embodied the Marine Corps spirit.

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Liam Baldwin, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team safety observer, poses for a photo in Tyler, Texas, June 30, 2022. Baldwin is a safety observer on the team and is responsible for ensuring the demonstration team pilots altitude, air speed and other factors are within regulations during airshow performances.

U.S. Air Force Col. Timothy B. Murphy, 35th Fighter Wing vice commander, exits an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 18, 2022. In this flight, Murphy reached a coveted milestone by hitting 2,000 flight hours.

Senior Airman Kyle Taijeron, 926th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintainer, directs an F-16C Fighting Falcon prior to takeoff during Red Flag Nellis 22-3 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 11, 2022. Participants conduct a variety of scenarios, including defensive counter-air, offensive counter-air suppression of enemy defenses and offensive counter-air interdiction.

U.S. Airmen with the Indiana Air National Guard perform an Integrated Combat Turn (ICT) maneuver while an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft pilot waits in the cockpit at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, July 12, 2022. The ICT maneuver involves reloading and refueling the aircraft with the engines still running in preparation for another takeoff in order to maximize time in the air.

U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle pilot in the cockpit.

011011-F-4155R-008. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

000511-F-5697C-015. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD 2000 Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA)

030825-F-8970C-007. Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060807-N-6106R-069. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

970322-F-1787R-114. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: Doha Country: Qatar (QAT)

DF-ST-87-00815. Base: Homestead Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Cpl. Alonzo Tellezrubio, a fixed wing aircraft mechanic with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533, wipes down an F/A-18D Hornet canopy at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, May 30, 2022. Marines with VMFA(AW)-533 conducted a flyover at Guam Veterans Cemetery during the Annual Veterans Day Memorial Service

111210-N-OY799-307 ARABIAN GULF (Dec. 10, 2011) Aviation Structural Mechanic (Equipment) 3rd Class Christian Delgado carries a hydraulic service unit 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 Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

011208-F-1413J-015. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 2001 Base: Lajes Field Country: Azores (AZR) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

DF-ST-87-08376. Subject Operation/Series: OKSBOEL Base: Alborg Air Station Country: Denmark (DNK)

DF-ST-86-04914. Subject Operation/Series: COMMANDO WEST VIII Base: Tahkli Air Base Country: Thailand (THA)

DF-ST-87-07603. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE '86 Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II pilot assigned to the 495th Fighter Squadron from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, stands up after landing at the Tactical Leadership Programme 22-3 at Los Llanos Air Base, Spain, Sept. 15, 2022. TLP prepares NATO and allied forces flight leaders to be mission commanders, lead coalition force air strike packages and provide tactical air expertise to NATO agencies.

120420-N-ZK021-004OAK HARBOR, Wash. (April 20, 2012) Lt. Ryan T. Mattson, instructor pilot assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129, and his father Capt. Stephen D. Mattson, Senior Regional Flight Surgeon for Commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet, both assigned to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, make final checks as they prepare for a scheduled flight on a EA-18G Growler for their naval aviation flight qualifications. The flight included a low-level training route through central Washington and completing the flight at the air station with field carrier landing practice.

220403-N-VJ326-1018 PACIFIC OCEAN (April 3, 2022) - Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Jacob Lake, from Virginia Beach, Va., inspects the tail rotor of an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 on the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), April 3. Tripoli is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

A ground crewman assists a pilot out of his F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. The aircraft is assigned to the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

040612-F-0681L-024. Base: Hector Field State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-86-07653. Base: Amman Air Base Country: Jordan (JOR)

SAN DIEGO, USA - AUGUST 24:Jet 104 uss midway,2013 Jet 104 on carrier San Diego USS Midway Deck on AUGUST 24, 2013 in San Diego, USA. Copyright: xZoonar.com/ThomasxJahnx 6021112

220830-N-XN177-2048 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Aug. 30, 2022) - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Angel Aguilar, from Sun Valley, California, cleans an MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Aug. 30, 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.

Wearing a protective suit as part of a chemical warfare drill, SSGT Richard Auclair of the 33rd Equipment Maintenance Squadron offers a hand to the pilot of a 58th Tactical Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle aircraft as he climbs out of the cockpit during a Coronet Phaser deployment. The Coronet Phaser program tests the readiness of U.S. based units to deploy to and operate in Europe. Base: Canadian Forces Base, Lahr Country: West Germany (FRG)

A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105, Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, inspects a cockpit before a flight during Weapons System Evaluation Program East-22.08 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 13, 2022. WSEPs are formal, two-week evaluation exercises designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

040630-F-4970D-085. Base: Great Falls Intl Airport State: Montana (MT) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Ferrario, left, commander, 169th Operations Group, shares a preflight moment with Tech Sgt. Nicholas Vattimo, a crew chief with the South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 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.

US Marines (USMC) Lance Corporal (LCPL) Julian Mento and USMC LCPL Pat Watson, assigned to the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 (HMLA-169), Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California (CA), are crewchiefs for the USMC AH1-W Cobra Helicopters on the flightline at March Air Reserve Base (ARB), CA. They are draining hydraulic fluid and removing part of the blade assembly from the helicopter before loading. The helicopters are being prepared for aerial transported to an undisclosed location. Base: March Air Reserve Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor pilot assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron conducts pre-flight inspections in preparation for take-off, Oct. 17, 2022 at Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands. The 90th EFS conducted agile combat employment (ACE) and integrated with Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs and U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing in RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom. Continued collaboration and integration on ACE alongside our RNLAF counterparts and other NATO Allies improves the resilience and survivability of coalition airpower.

Military pilot in the cockpit of a jet aircraft Military pilot in the cockpit of a jet aircraft. Copyright: xZoonar.com/AlexanderxStrelax 10775108

Pilot Makes a Peace Gesture Before Launching F-16

CAPT. Hall, a pilot from Marine Attack squadron 231 (VMA-231), prepares for a demonstration flight in an AV-8B Harrier II aircraft in preparation for a flyover during the National Victory Celebration. The day-long event will be held in honor of the coalition forces that liberated Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

LT. COL. A.S. Dudley, commanding officer, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 451 (VMFA-451), prepares to climb out of his F/A-18A Hornet aircraft after returning from Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Medium shot, right side, front view of the nose section and left wing of a C-130 Hercules cargo plane on the flight line of Dyess AFB. STAFF Sergeant Arvid Thill and SENIOR AIRMAN Matthew Kraemer, from the 317th AG and backs to camera, work together to look over and make sure that the aircraft is ready for take-off. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT THUNDER Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The pilot of a Strike Fighter Squadron 111 (VFA-111) A-6 Intruder aircraft prepares for launching during a preflight check aboard the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

US Navy Lieutenant Roger Hartman, from Light Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 42 (HLS-42), Mayport Naval Station, Mayport, Florida, conducts preflight checks on his SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter prior to taking off from the flight deck of the Oliver Hazard Perry Class Guided Missile Frigate, USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (FFG 58). The ROBERTS is patrolling in the Persian Gulf in support of the Southwest Asia build-up. Base: USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58)

040914-F-3992M-001. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor pilot assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron climbs into his jet in preparation for take-off, Oct. 17, 2022 at Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands. The 90th EFS conducted agile combat employment (ACE) and integrated with Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs and U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing in RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom. Continued collaboration and integration on ACE alongside our RNLAF counterparts and other NATO Allies improves the resilience and survivability of coalition airpower.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot with the 125th Fighter Squadron, Tulsa Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma, signals from the cockpit while taxiing at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 28, 2022. The unit visited Tyndall to participate in Checkered Flag 23-1. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th- and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 23-1 iteration of the exercise was held Oct. 31 - Nov. 10, 2022.

EAST CHINA SEA (April 9, 2022) Sailors assigned to the "Wizards" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133, conduct maintenance on an EA-18G Growler 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.

070320-M-2166H-006. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Al Asad Air Base State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: VMAQ-1

A United States Marine F/A-18 Hornet pilot assigned to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323 out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, prepares to fly at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Sept. 20, 2022. During the training sorties, the VMFA-323 Squadron fought as an element alongside the 510th Fighter Squadron, meaning two F-16s or two F-18s worked together to defeat a simulated threat as quickly as possible.

Staff Sgt. Stephen Leonardi conducts post-flight maintenance on an F-16 Fighting Falcon June 30, 2011, at Royal Air Force Waddington, England. Leonardi is a Thunderbirds crew chief.

Captain John Widmer, a pilot with the 54th fighter group, prepares for a training sortie over the White Sands Missile Range's 10,000 square mile range at Holloman Air force Base, N.M., Aug. 5. The 54th FG is a detachment of Luke AFB, Ariz., and is stationed on Holloman to facilitate high-speed training, live fire weapons training, and night flying operations.

A F-15 Eagle fighter from the 1ST Fighter Wing, Langley AFB, VA, arrives at the air base for the start of the competition.(Exact date unknown). Subject Operation/Series: WILLIAM TELL '94 Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030405-F-5712B-003. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

Senior Airman Jody Allen, a crew chief assigned to the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Generation Squadron, places an inlet cover on a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle during Agile Combat Employment exercise Agile Tuskegee July 12, 2022, at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. Crew chiefs are responsible for day-to-day maintenance, diagnosing malfunctions, replacing components and providing detailed periodic inspections.

Maintenance crewmen work on a Fighter Squadron 213 (VF-213) F-14A Tomcat aircraft on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Caribbean Sea

A U.S. Marine Corps pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, Marine Air Group 31, prepares to depart for the Unit Deployment Program (UDP) at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Oct. 2, 2022. The UDP provides forward presence and assists commanders around the globe.

United States Marine Corps maintenance personnel standing atop the Fuselage of an F/A-18D Hornet at Kuantan Air Base, Malaysia.

An Attack Squadron 35 (VA-35) Intruder aircraft stands on the flight line after arriving at the station. Members of Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17) and CVW-3 are returning to Oceana after being deployed to the Persian Gulf area during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Brandon Carmonatadeo, a crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, helps refuel a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during a Korean Marine Exercise Program (KMEP) 22-2 at the 1st Republic of Korea Marine Corps Division Base in Pohang, Republic of Korea, July 20, 2022. KMEP is a bilateral training exercise that increases interoperability and strengthens the combined capabilities of Republic of Korea Marines and U.S. Marines.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft pilot inspects an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile loaded on the wing of his aircraft during exercise COPE ELITE '81. The pilot is assigned to the 428th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 474th Tactical Fighter Wing. Subject Operation/Series: COPE ELITE '81 Base: Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030403-F-2034C-027. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, receives refuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker from MacDill AFB over Oklahoma, June 29, 2022. The B-2 is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions.

A US Marine Corps Aviator Prepares to Launch his AV-8B Harrier from Al Asad Air Base in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq

PHILIPPINE SEA (April 22, 2022) Cmdr. Thomas Kolwicz, outgoing commanding officer of the Tophatters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, exits an F/A-18E Super Hornet following an in-flight change of command ceremony over 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.

Lieutenant General Charles A. Horner, Commanding Gerneral, 9th Air Force, conducts a preflight cockpit check in an F-15E Eagle aircraft. Horner's flight, his first in an F-15E, will close out a ceremony marking the conversion of the 336th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 4th Tactical Fighter Wing (4th TFW), to F-15E aircraft. The 4th TFW is to be the Air Force's first operational F-15E wing. Base: Seymour Johnson Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Anthony Pompei, a pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242, taxis the flight line at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, Aug. 15, 2022. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 12 are conducting unit level training in Australia to maintain readiness, test expeditionary capabilities, and increase interoperability with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Timothy Rogers, a flight line mechanic with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266, conducts preflight maintenance during French-Caribbean exercise Caraibes 22 at Muniz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico, June 12, 2022. Caraibes 22 is a French-led, large-scale, joint-training exercise in the Caribbean involving naval, air, and land assets from the French, U.S., and regional forces focused on responding to simulated-natural disasters. VMM-266 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jack Miller, 56th Training Squadron instructor pilot, hands Senior Airman Daniel Davila, 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, a bag during post flight recovery of an F-35 Lightning II after its arrival 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.

010328-N-3228G-004. Base: Uss Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Scene Major Command Shown: USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63)

040823-F-3968C-036. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040305-F-6175D-112. Base: Fresno Air National Guard Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jose Martinez, avionics technician, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 (HMH-461), 2nd Marine Air Wing, troubleshoots 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.

Members of 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment retrograde nine UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, Jan. 29, 2024, Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo. The Soldiers were deployed to Kosovo in support of Operation Joint Guardian, a NATO peacekeeping mission under the Kosovo Force (KFOR). KFORs mission is to provide a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement in Kosovo, in accordance with United Nations Resolution (UNSC) 1244.

Malaysia, Kuantan Air Base, United States Marine Corps aviators in cockpits of F/A-18D Hornets

U.S. Air Force Capt. Benjamin Fathom” Pagano, 555th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, waits in his cockpit on a post-flight inspection during exercise Falcon Strike 2022 at Amendola Air Base, Italy, Nov. 14, 2022. Falcon Strike 22 demonstrated the ability of NATO nations to conduct multinational offensive and defensive air operations that integrated fourth and fifth-generation airpower.

MASTER Sergeant Barry Ward, 169th Fighter Wing, South Carolina Air National Guard (SCANG), completes paper work on the flight line to prepare his F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft for the morning launch. The 169th Fighter Wing of the South Carolina Air National Guard (SCANG) is deployed to Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, in support of an F-15 Eagle Weapons Training School. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030815-M-7837W-087. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Ali Al Salem Air Base Country: Kuwait (KWT)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jett Wright, 367th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, performs pre-flight checks at Aviano Air Base, Italy, July 15, 2022. Wright had the opportunity to fly the same aircraft that his father flew in the 1990s.

040818-F-4350W-016. Complete Scene Caption: 040818-F-4350W-016 (Aug. 18, 2004)US Air Force (USAF) SENIOR AIRMAN Tim Tyler, Crewchief, 510th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMXS), performs an aircraft recovery on a USAF F-16C Fighting Falcon fighter, after it landed on Royal Air Force (RAF) Lakenheath, United Kingdom (GBR), to take part in the Excalibur bombing and gunnery competition. The Falcon is carrying a Litening II a targeting pod. The Excalibur exercise is a bombing and gunnery competition that provides an opportunity for the United States and partner countries to learn to fly and fight together. It also promotes esprit de corps between US Air Force in Europe (USAFE) and RAF aircrews as they focus on basic surface attack missions. U.S. Air Force PHOTO by AIRMAN Christopher Walkenhorst (RELEASED) Base: RAF Lakenheath State: Suffolk Country: United Kingdom (GBR)

020211-F-4177H-007. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

220724-N-XN177-1040 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 24, 2022) - Capt. Joel Lang, commanding officer of amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) watches an F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 121 prepare to launch from the flight deck, July 24, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

A U.S. Air Force crew chief assigned to the 157th Fighter Squadron, South Carolina Air National Guard, prepares to launch 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.

020303-F-7910D-013. Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Colin Graham, F/A-18 pilot, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, Marine Aircraft Group 31, awaits the units departure next to an F/A-18 Hornet at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Oct. 2, 2022. Pilots with VMFA-312 departed for the Unit Deployment Program in order to provide forward presence and assist commanders around the globe.

The 104th Fighter Wing hosted local 4-H members for a base tour on July 8, 2022 at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. The group received a pilot briefing, handled flight equipment, and received a maintainer briefing. Master Sgt. Daniel Tourtellotte brought over the stairs and gave the kids a chance to sit in the jet and ask questions. The 104FW public affairs team has an annual base tour program April - October open to community youth groups and local employers to strengthen partnerships. (U.S Air National Guard Photos by Master Sgt. Lindsey S. Watson)

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