Fighter Pilots in Action

Dynamic images of U.S. Air Force pilots preparing for flights in F-15C Eagles, showcasing military readiness and air combat training.

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle pilot with the 131st Fighter Squadron, Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, taxis 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.

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle pilot with the 131st Fighter Squadron, Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, taxis 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.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. James Eifert, The Adjutant General, Florida, straps into the backseat of a D-model F-15C Eagle for an orientation flight April 4, 2023 at the 125th Fighter Wing in Jacksonville, Florida. Family, friends and fellow wingmen gathered to witness his final flight and bid farewell to their former commander. Eifert retires in April after serving four years as the state's highest ranking military official.

020304-F-4814D-035. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

011017-F-0308N-311. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Al Udeid Air Base, Doha Country: Qatar (QAT) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

Barnes Air National Guard Base, Mass. - Pilot Lt. Col. Ken Fedora prepares for takeoff as more than 200 unit members from the 104th Fighter Wing and 12 F-15 Eagle aircraft deploy this week to support multiple NATO objectives in Europe. While deployed, the unit will conduct training alongside our NATO allies and partners to strengthen interoperability

220602-N-YD731-1704 ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 2, 2022) Captain David-Tavis Crusty Pollard, commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), flies an F/A-18E attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103 lands during flight operations aboard GHWB, June 2, 2022. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is underway completing a certification exercise to increase U.S. and allied interoperability and warfighting capability before a future deployment. The GHWBCSG is an integrated combat weapons system that delivers superior combat capability to deter, and if necessary, defeat America's adversaries in support of national security. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of CSG-10 and the George H.W. Bush CSG. The squadrons of CVW-7 are VFA-143, VFA-103, VFA-86, VFA-136, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

A Marine from Marine Aerial Refueling Transport Squadron 352, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, prepares a KC-130 to perform Forward Area Refueling Point (FARP) training during Black Flag 22-1 at Nellis AFB, May 13, 2022. FARP training prepares U.S. and Allied forces to effectively refuel aircraft in austere locations when air-to-air refueling is not possible or when fueling stations are not accessible.

A pilot assigned to the 67th Fighter Squadron prepares to take off in participation of exercise RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, May 2, 2022. As part of a continuing exercise series, RED FLAG-Alaska, and its predecessor Cope Thunder, have been regularly-scheduled exercises for more than 40 years.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Kristin Beo” Wolfe, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team commander and lead pilot, buckles into an F-35A during Wings Over Solano at Travis Air Force Base, California, May 14, 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 at Travis AFB.

Lt. Col. Kevin "Mongo" Jens, pilot assigned to the 59th Test and Evaluation Squadron, 53d Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, completes four thousand flight hours as an F-16 pilot at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 8, 2022. Jens started in A-10s and flew in Desert Storm as a Lt. and flew his first F-16 in 1997.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Isaac Defillipo, left, crew chief, chats with Capt. Agro” Ellis, F-22 Raptor pilot, both assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, assists Ellis in departing the jet after a training flight at Łask Air Base, Poland, Sept. 5, 2022. The 90th EFS forward deployed to support NATO’s Air Shielding mission. The 90th’s presence in the region strengthens U.S. and NATO’s unity each day as forces come together to train and deter in an ever-evolving threat environment.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle crew chief assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England signals to a pilot before a sortie at Andravida Air Base, Greece, April 5, 2022. The 48th Fighter Wing from Royal Air Force Lakenheath flew alongside the Hellenic air force and other NATO partners during INIOCHOS 22, a Hellenic air force led exercise designed to enhance the interoperability and skills of allied and partner forces in the accomplishment of joint operations and air defenses.

U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Margarito Casarez Jr., Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 101 (VMFAT-101) avionics chief, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, completes post-flight maintenance checks on an F/A-18 Super Hornet during Weapons System Evaluation Program East-22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 12, 2022. WSEP is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

041112-F-4300B-568. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon pilot with the 77th Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, taxis 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.

041116-F-2295B-168. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Benjamin Vanwingerden, pilot, Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401 (VMFT-401), Marine Aircraft Group 41 (MAG-41), 4th Marine Aircraft Wing (4th MAW), inspects his F-5N Tiger II before takeoff at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Sep. 23, 2022. VMFT-401 is a Marine Corps Reserve fighter adversary squadron that represents enemies in simulated air battles against Marine aircrafts.

U.S. Navy 1st Lt. Claire Clark, Strike Fighter Squadron 25 F-18E Super Hornet pilot, boards her aircraft prior to a training sortie as part of the Red Flag 22-2 exercise at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 16, 2022. The VFA-25 squadron, known as the Fist of the Fleet, has nearly an 80 year lineage with the U.S. Navy and has been utilizing the carrier-capable F-18E Strike Eagle since 1999. Red Flag-Alaska is the only exercise of its kind that provides allied nations and joint-partner forces the opportunity to see mock combat and high operational working tempo in a simulated deployed environment.

An F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft crew assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing out of Royal Air Force Base Lakenheath, United Kingdom lands in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility July 15, 2022. Two U.S. Air Force F-15Es conducted the flight from Souda Bay, Greece to the USCENTCOM AOR in an effort to exercise cross-combatant command Agile Combat Employment operations. Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) members led the hot-pit refueling, an ACE technique which cuts refueling time by hours, allowing AFCENT and incoming partner aircrews to generate multiple consecutive sorties from the same aircraft as well as increase airpower staging options in theater.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron (EFS) watch as F-22 Raptors take off at Łask Air Base, Poland, Aug. 16, 2022. The 90th EFS forward deployed to Łask Air Base, Poland to bolster NATOs collective defense posture through Air Shielding.

Col. Matthew Jensen, the 149th Fighter Wing Commander, and Instructor pilot, Air National Guard, conducts preflight checks prior to launch during Coronet Cactus, Apr. 4, 2023, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. The annual training event deploys members of the 149th Fighter Wing, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, to another environment in order to familiarize them with accomplishing mission objectives in an unfamiliar location.

A pilot with the 18th Aggressor Squadron, based out of Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, prepares for taxi in his F-16 Fighting Falcon at Royal Australian Air Force Base Williamtown, during Exercise Diamond Shield 2017 in New South Wales, Australia, March 21, 2017.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle pilot assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, climbs into the cockpit of his aircraft during the Tactical Leadership Programme 22-3 at Los Llanos Air Base, Spain, Sept. 12, 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.

STAFF SGT. Susan Delong of the 57th Aircraft Generation Squadron, Nellis AFB, prepares to work on an A-10 "Thunderbolt" assigned to the U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle pilot with the 131st Fighter Squadron, Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, performs preflight checks prior to a Weapons System Evaluation Program East-22.08 sortie 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.

111214-N-BT887-391 ARABIAN GULF (Dec. 14, 2011) Sailors wipe down the canopy of an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Black Aces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41 aboard 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.

U.S. Air Force Col. David Shevchik, Jr., former wing commander of the 158th Fighter Wing, taxis down the runway after completing his fini flight, at the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Nov. 6, 2022. Upon landing, getting hosed down with water by friends, family, or crew is among tradition for a pilot or flight crew member who has completed the final flight in their military career.

U.S. Air Force U.S. Air Force Capt. Tyler Rico Parker, an instructor pilot assigned to the 90th Flying Training Squadron, operates a U.S. Air Force T-38C Talon aircraft above Wichita Falls, Texas, July 21, 2022. The 90th FTS, a unit of the 80th Flying Training Wing, aids in instructing students in the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program. The ENJJPT program, conducted by the 80th FTW, is the world's only multi-nationally manned and managed flying training program chartered to produce combat pilots for NATO.

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

A headset rests on the wing of an F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 77th Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, during Checkered Flag 22-2 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 12, 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.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jeff Osborne, F-16 pilot, 79th Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., walks around to inspect an F-16 Fighting Falcon during Green Flag West 11-6 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., April 20, 2011. Green Flag West replicates irregular warfare conditions currently found in Southwest Asia. Aircrews, work closely with Air Force joint terminal attack controllers. Pilots train for a mission such as close air support, and aerial reconnaissance.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon performs during the Red River Thunder airshow at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Oct. 1, 2022. The Viper Demonstration Team includes an F-16 known as Viper” flown by Capt. Aimee ‘Rebel’ Fiedler, supported by nine other Airmen on the team.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Joseph Martin, 355th Training Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, prepares to take off in an A-10 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, May 25, 2022. A-10 pilots are protected by titanium armor that also protects parts of the flight control system.

A Republic of Singapore Air Force pilot inspects the exterior of an F-15SG Strike Eagle assigned to the 428th Fighter Squadron before flight operations in support of exercise RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 10, 2022. During this iteration of the RF-A exercise, U.S. Air Force and RSAF service members work in conjunction, enabling the exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures.

041211-F-1467B-002. Base: Misawa Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

DF-ST-87-08374. Subject Operation/Series: OKSBOEL '86 Base: Alborg Air Station Country: Denmark (DNK)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Aimee Rebel” Fiedler, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team pilot and commander, lets her counterpart know she is ready for the demo during the Shaw Air & Space Expo at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 3, 2022. The Shaw Air & Space Expo is dedicated to the Airmen who have served the past 75 years and honors their legacy of innovation and their work to make America the leader in airpower and space power.

The A-6E Intruder aircraft of CAPT. A.H. White, commander, Carrier Air Wing 3 (CVW-3), arrives on base along with other aircraft from CVW-3 and CVW-17. Military personnel from both wings are returning home after 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)

F-16 Fighting Falcon

In 1991, the Leeuwarden airbase took the "demo" from Twente, two F-16As, the J-226 and the J-231 from 322 and 323 Squadron, were provided with an attractive color scheme. In the tail both devices felt it Leegarden airbase emblem, the "Fryske Drak", with a motto "for friend and enemy ready". On 22 May 1991 the devices were shown to the press. The demo flyer was captain Reindert Zwaart (in the photo).

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- An F-22 crew chief speaks with the pilot, Sept. 21, 2011, to ensure all of the pre-flight checks are done properly before takeoff. Four Raptors were launched as Holloman's premiere aircraft returns to the sky. An expedient return-to-fly means F-22 crews will return to combat mission readiness.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Noah Mackiewicz, an aircraft mechanic, with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533 conducts preflight checks on an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft, Sept. 28, 2022, at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, VMFA-242 and VMFA(AW)-533 conducted a live-fire missile exercise to increase weapon proficiency and enhance squadrons combat readiness in the air-to-air environment.

061116-N-2959L-245. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Photographers Mate 3rd Class Andrew Kaeding and Photographers Mate 1ST Class William Lipski move a Tactical Air Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS) pod after being downloaded from an F-14 Tomcat aircraft attached to the "Jolly Rogers" of Fighter Squadron One Zero Three (VF 103) on the flight deck of USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73). Washington is operating in the Arabian Gulf in support of operation Southern Watch. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS George Washington (CVN 73)

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet aircraft mechanic with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533, launches an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 28, 2022. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, VMFA-242 and VMFA(AW)-533 conducted a live-fire missile exercise to increase weapon proficiency and enhance squadrons combat readiness in the air-to-air environment.

Captain-kite W.J. Sneek steps into a General Dynamics F-16A.

An air-to-air close-up view of the pilot of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft looking up at a tanker aircraft during refueling as seen from the tanker's boom operator position. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041203-F-0201C-056. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA-83), Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, prepares to exit the aircraft 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.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Brian Chokshi, 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron crew chief, marshalls an F-22 Raptor to taxi for take-off, Sept. 7, 2022 at Łask Air Base, Poland. The 90th EFS forward deployed to support NATOs Air Shielding mission.

030405-F-5712B-012. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

Capt. Brad Matherne conducts preflight checks inside an F-35A Lightning II before a training mission April 4, 2013, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The F-35A will be integrated into advanced training programs such as the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, Red and Green Flag exercises. Matherne is a pilot assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron.

220504-N-LZ839-1038ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 4, 2022) - Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), simulate rescuing personnel during a flight deck fire-fighting drill, May 4, 2022. Bataan is underway in the 2nd fleet area of operations. Bataan is homeported at Naval Station Norfolk.

030902-F-3963C-004. Base: Buckley Air Force Base State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFMC

CAPT. William J. "Fox" Fallon, commander, Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW-8), waves from the bombardier/navigator's seat of an Attack Squadron 65 (VA-65) A-6E Intruder aircraft as it taxis to a halt on the flight line. The attack and fighter squadrons of CVW-8 have returned to Oceana following their deployment to the Persian Gulf region aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) 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)

An F-16C Falcon pilot from the 169th Fighter Group, McEntire Air National Guard Base, South Carolina writes in the flight log during GUNSMOKE 95. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: GUNSMOKE 95 Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Abigail Carter, 357th Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II student pilot, performs pre-flight inspections on the flight line at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Nov. 22, 2022. A-10 pilots are required to fulfill and maintain specific training and upkeep flying hours every year to ensure they are prepared to accomplish the mission downrange at a moments notice.

Airman 1st Class Logan Turner, 555th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, marshals a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 555th Fighter Squadron out of its hangar during exercise Falcon Strike 2022 at Amendola Air Base, Italy, Nov. 15, 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.

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle pilot with the 131st Fighter Squadron, Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, 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.

Lt. Robert Currie, attached to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140 conducts pre-flight on an E/A-18G Growler on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) in the Atlantic Ocean Feb. 28, 2024. George Washington is conducting Tailored Ships Training Availability and Final Evaluation Problem (TSTA/FEP). TSTA prepares the ship and crew for full integration into a carrier strike group through a wide range of mission critical operations. Navy

050714-F-7564C-100. Base: Fort Mccoy State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

041118-F-1740G-001. Base: Hyakuri Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

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

Maintainers from the 151st Air Refueling Wing train Sailors assigned the Naval Air Station about essential procedures about the KC-135R Stratotanker during an unprecedented joint exercise on Oct. 30, 2022 at Fallon, Navada. This joint force exercise incorporates more than seven military entities across three branches creating innovative operational concepts to allow quick response to an ever changing wartime horizon

F-15C Eagles assigned to the 104th Fighter Wing return home from exercise Air Defender 2023 June 28, 2023, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. Exercise Air Defender integrates both U.S. and allied air-power to defend shared values, while leveraging and strengthening vital partnerships to deter aggression around the world.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Logan Runnells, a fixed-wing aircraft mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, inspects the nose 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.

010725-F-6655M-010. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

DF-ST-86-12009. Subject Operation/Series: GUNSMOKE '85 Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-22 pilot from the 95th Fighter Squadron based out of Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., gets situated in his aircraft prior to taking off from Amari Air Base, Estonia, Sept. 4, 2015, during a brief forward deployment. The F-22s have previously deployed to both the Pacific and Southwest Asia for Airmen to train in a realistic environment while testing partner nations' ability to host advanced aircraft like the F-22.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Brain Jaramillo, left, and Lance Cpl. Cabin Robinson, both fixed-wing aircraft mechanics with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232, perform preflight inspections during Cope North 24 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 20, 2024. Allies and partners train together during the multilateral exercise, Cope North 24, to improve shared tactics and multilateral defense capabilities. Jaramillo is a native of Illinois, Robinson is a native of California. Marine Corps

020205-F-1631A-027. Base: Zaragosa Air Base Country: Spain (ESP) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Crew chief for the 40th Flight Test Squadron marshalls an F-15 Eagle aircraft onto the taxiway for the very last time. This F-15B test aircraft departed Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, on its final mission closing twenty years of service with Eglin's test community. Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

INDIAN OCEAN (Jan. 4, 2022) Aviation Boatswains Mate 3rd Class Alejandra Basilio, from Palmdale, Calif., signals to an AV-8B Harrier attached to Marine Attack Squadron 214, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), Jan. 4. Essex, flagship of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), along with the 11th MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with alliances and partners and serve as a ready response force to ensure maritime security and a free and open Indo-Pacific Region.

U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot stops for a hot pit refuel during exercise Agile Flag 22-2 at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, July 23, 2022. Agile Flag 22-2 is Air Combat Commands first lead-wing certification event designed to demonstrate the 23rd Wings capability to generate combat air power while continuing to move, maneuver, and sustain the Wing and subordinate force elements in a dynamic and contested environment.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Vincent Gibson, a fixed-wing aircraft mechanic, left, greets Capt. Kevin Williams, a pilot, both with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312, prior to flight during exercise Keen Sword 2023 at Japan Air Self-Defense Force Nyutabaru Air Base, Japan, Nov. 14, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial exercise designed to enhance Japan-U.S. readiness, interoperability, and bilateral relations while demonstrating U.S. resolve to support the security interests of allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ian OConnor, 104th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, prepares to launch an F-15C Eagle during Checkered Flag 22-2 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 12, 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.

Staff Sgt. Garrett McDermott, a crew chief assigned to the 149th Fighter Wing, Air National Guard, prepares to marshal an F-16 Fighting Falcon during Coronet Cactus at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Mar. 29, 2023. Coronet Cactus is an annual training event that takes members of the 149th Fighter Wing, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, to Phoenix to participate in an simulated deployment exercise.

A U.S. Airman assigned to the 354th Fighter Generation Squadron cleans the front windshield of an A-10 Thunderbolt II at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, May 24, 2022. The FGS provides direct maintenance support to the 354th Fighter Squadron, following Air Combat Command's Combat Oriented Organization construct.

A U.S. Air Force Airman assists an F-15C/D Eagle pilot as he taxis to position during RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Oct. 7, 2022. RF-A is a two-week advanced aerial combat training exercise, and It aims to offer realistic air-combat training for military pilots and other flight crew members from the United States and allied countries.

A U.S. Air Force crew chief with the 192nd Fighter Wing, Virginia Air National Guard, removes safety pins from a F-22 Raptor May 3, 2022, at the Air Dominance Center, a Combat Readiness Training Center r, in Savannah, Georgia. Sentry Savannah 2022 is the Air National Guards premier counter air exercise, encompassing 10 units of fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft, which tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a simulated near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

Members of the 175th Maintenance Squadron, Maryland Air National Guard, prepare an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft for flight in support of the DEFENDER-Europe 22 exercise, May 18, 2022, at Ämari Air Base, Estonia. DEFENDER-Europe is an annual large-scale U.S. Army-led, multinational, joint exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between U.S., NATO and partner militaries.

060912-N-8604L-777. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

220905-N-SH953-1063Virginia Beach, Va. (Sept. 5, 2022) - The Red Rippers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11 returned home to Naval Air Station Ocean, September 5. VFA-11, part of Carrier Air Wing 1, embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), returns to Naval Station Norfolk after a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

A U.S. Marine with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 prepares an MV-22B Osprey for takeoff during exercise Keen Sword 23 at Kumamoto airport, Kumamoto, Japan, Nov. 14, 2022. Keen Sword exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and the Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF). This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and JSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance.

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

010928-F-0017M-024. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Byrd Field State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Major Chris Knehans, a pilot from the 492nd Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force (RAF) Lakenheath, United Kingdom, and General (GEN) Jean Pierre Job, CHIEF of STAFF for the French Air Force, begin to roll out down the taxiway in a F-15E Strike Eagle. GEN Job was visiting RAF Lakenheath to receive an orientation ride in one of the United States Air Force's premier fighters, the F-15E Strike Eagle. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

020130-F-7910D-019. Subject Operation/Series: CORONET WHITE 02-07 Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Combat Command

DF-ST-88-05706. Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Aviation Ordnance Airman Zachary Coon, from Birmingham, Alabama, assigned to the "Golden Warriors" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87, installs the red gear on an F/A-18E Super Hornet in the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) hangar bay, March 24, 2023. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean executing its Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), an intense, multi-week exercise designed to fully integrate a carrier strike group as a cohesive, multi-mission fighting force and to test their ability to carry out sustained combat operations from the sea. As the first-in-class ship of Ford-class aircraft carriers, CVN 78 represents a generational leap in the U.S. Navy's capacity to project power on a global scale.

DN-ST-87-06918. Country: Unknown

DF-ST-85-13501. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH 85-1 Base: Chitose Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Shawn Whetstone, aircraft fuels system technician assigned to the 140th Wing Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, gets ready to inspect an F-16 Fighting Falcon during Operation Thundercat at Pueblo Memorial Airport, Colo., Sept. 22, 2022. Operation Thundercat is a four day exercise that provides a simulated environment that allows Airmen to practice real-world war fighting capabilities.

Maj. Gen. Jay Silveria, U. S. Air Force Warfare Center commander, salutes his crew chief, Airman 1st Class Patterson, 33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, as he begins taxiing for his final qualifying flight in the F-35A Lightning II Sept. 26 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Silveria became the first general officer in the Department of Defense to qualify in the fifth generation fighter. He completed his training with back-to-back flights and hot pit refueling.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Elias Sanchez, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team dedicated crew chief, conducts pre-flight checks at Shaw Air Force Base, Feb. 20, 2024. The show launch performed by pilots and maintainers at airshows involves hand signals to communicate between maintainers and pilots during pre-flight checks. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tyler Knight,fuels distribution journeyman assigned to the 101st Air Refueling Wing, prepares to fuel an F-16 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 23, 2022. Red Flag Alaska 22-2 is a training opportunity The RF-A exercise focuses on improving the combat readiness of U.S. and international forces, and providing training for units preparing for air and space expeditionary force tasking.

An F-16 Pilot with the 179th Fighter Squadron, 148th Fighter Wing, Duluth International Airport, takes a final moment to mentally prepare for the extreme possibility of having to shoot down a passenger aircraft during the upcoming CAP (Combat Air Patrol) assignment. The order issued from NORAD on September 12, 2001 as part of Operation NOBLE EAGLE, after the terrorist attacks on the day before at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The terrorist hijacked four passenger aircraft and used them as suicide weapons killing thousands on the ground. The Wing flew numerous air sovereignty missions over North American cities in support of the FAA's, first ever, total restriction of .... Complete Scene Caption: An F-16 Pilot with the 179th Fighter Squadron, 148th Fighter Wing, Duluth International Airport, takes a final moment to mentally prepare for the extreme possibility of having to shoot down a passenger aircraft during the upcoming CAP (Combat Air Patrol) assignment. The order issue

A U. S. Air Force Airman from the 124th Air Maintenace Squadron, Gowen Field Air National Guard Base, Boise, Idaho, performs Agile Combat Employment (ACE) training while recovering an A-10 Thunderbolt II from flight operations during Agile Rage 22, Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Mich., June 16, 2022. ACE is not a specific mission, but a universal application to all combat air force operations. ACE is the ability to project combat power anytime, anywhere, while remaining operationally unpredictable to complicate an adversary's decision making process.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Nikki Static Yogi, the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 354th Air Expeditionary Wing Assistant Director of Operations, poses for a photo at Palau International Airport during Valiant Shield 22, June 14, 2022. Exercises like VS22 allow forces across the Indo-Pacific the opportunity to integrate Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, and Space Force to train in precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force.

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