Military Cargo Loading Operations

Images depicting military personnel loading cargo and equipment onto various aircraft, showcasing logistics and preparation for missions in diverse environments.

A U.S. Marine Corps High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System with 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, loads onto a U.S. Air Force C130 Hercules assigned to Air National Guard, 133rd Airlift Wing, St. Paul, Minnesota, in support of exercise Valiant Shield 2022 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 7, 2022. Exercise such as Valiant Shield allows the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Marines with 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, load luggage onto a KC-130J Hercules prior to taking on evacuees in Djerba, Tunisia, March 5, 2011. 26th MEU was directed by the Department of Defense to help evacuate Egyptians, who fled to the Tunisian border from Libya, get back to Egypt.

021219-F-9528H-005. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

TSGT Adam J. Knight, cargo supervisor, 72nd Aerial Port Squadron, Tinker AFB, OK, keeps watch as a 20,000 lb. capacity K-Loader inches up to the safety chock he placed at the rear of the aft cargo ramp of a C-5B Galaxy from the 60th and 349th Air Mobility Wings, Travis Air Force Base, California before off loading personnel and equipment. Air Force members will practice their jobs with wartime scenarios and conditions during the Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI), testing a unit's ability to operate in a simulated wartime environment. Subject Operation/Series: CRISIS REACH 95-02NORTHERN PIKE Base: Malstrom Air Force Base State: Montana (MT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kevin Garcia-Andrade, 22nd Airlift Squadron C-5M Super Galaxy loadmaster, marshals a K-loader toward a C-5M at Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, Aug. 25, 2022. During the trip, the aircrew also delivered over 90,000 pounds of humanitarian aid to Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras.

Bomb lifts are loaded aboard a KC-10A Extender aircraft for redeployment to the United States in the aftermath of Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM REDEPLOYMENT Country: Saudi Arabia(SAU)

DA-ST-88-05995. Subject Operation/Series: SAND EAGLE '88 Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Marine Corps High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System with 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, loads onto a U.S. Air Force C130 Hercules assigned to Air National Guard, 133rd Airlift Wing, St. Paul, Minnesota, in support of exercise Valiant Shield 2022 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 7, 2022. Exercise such as Valiant Shield allows the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A pilot assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron and Aimen from the 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron conduct pre-flight checks on a KC-135 Stratotanker at Kadena Air Base, Japan, before a Bomber Task Force mission Feb. 19, 2024. The 909th ARS is the premiere force for aerial refueling in the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility, ensuring U.S. and allied nation aircraft are postured to maintain regional peace and stability. Air Force

Tennessee Army National Guard OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters recently returned to home station (AASF#2) at McGhee Tyson ANG Base from a deployment to Afghanistan. The armed reconnaissance aircraft were transported back on C-17 Globemaster aircraft from the 315th Airlift Wing, Joint Base Charleston.

Airman 1st Class Patrick Russ marshals a truck out of a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft Nov. 5, 2012, in support of Hurricane Sandy relief efforts at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. For Russ and the rest of the C-17 crew from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., this was their third mission flying across the country in support of the relief efforts in just five days. Russ is a loadmaster with the 8th Airlift Squadron.

The Civil Engineering Squadron of the 147th Attack Wing on Joint Reserve Base Ellington, TX board onto a C-130 jet for mission-ready airman training in Pennsylvania. The Connecticut National Guard piloted the flight for the unit. (Texas Air National Guard Photo by Airman First Class Asiah Phillips) (Photo enhanced to emphasize the subject.)

A heavy duty forklift and K-loader are used by the 50th Component Repair Squadron, to unload F-16 avionics test equipment from this C-141B Starlifter aircraft. Base: Hahn Air Base Country: Federal Republic Of Germany (FRG)

U.S. Airmen from the 921st Contingency Response Squadron assist with an equipment off-load during Exercise Pacific Heat at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, June 22, 2022. The purpose of the exercise is to increase interoperability while employing Agile Combat Employment concepts to protect and defend U.S. interests.

011113-F-5795G-005. Complete Scene Caption: Technical Sergeant Trevor Grissom, USAF, 93rd Aircraft Generation Squadron, Robins AFB, Georgia, gives the "thumbs up" to the pilot of a E-8C JSTARS during engine run up. The aircraft and personnel deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. "The E-8C Joint STARS is an airborne battle management and command and control (C2) platform that conducts ground surveillance to develop an understanding of the enemy situation and to support attack operations and targeting that contributes to the delay, disruption and destruction of enemy forces. These functions support the primary mission of Joint STARS to provide dedicated support of ground and air theater commanders." Operation ENDURING FREEDOM is in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), fighting terrorism abroad, after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 at the New York World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Ma

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft receives fuel on the flightline at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Aug. 1, 2022. The pantograph is a stationary refuelingsystem that connects directly to any U.S. military aircrafts or external tanks for efficient refueling.

During an agile combat employment joint force exercise, members from the 151st Air Refueling Wing unload a Polaris Military Razor from a KC-135R Stratotanker on Sept. 8, 2022 at Dugway Proving Grounds, Utah. This exercise will develop new operational concepts, capabilities and plans to bolster deterrence and maintain the U.S. militarys competitive advantage for the future.

981009-F-6655M-010. Subject Operation/Series: DEEP FREEZE '98 Base: Christchurch State: Canterbury Country: New Zealand (NZL)

U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 (VMGR-352), Marine Aircraft Group 11, load an MQ-9A Reaper with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1 (VMU-1), Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), onto a KC-130J Hercules at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, Arizona, Sept. 16, 2022. This demonstrated the ability for 3rd MAW to self-deploy the MQ-9A over long distances to advanced bases.

The last pallet of supplies is off-loaded from a French C-130 from Ancona, Italy as part of the Sarajevo Air Bridge Humanitarian Aid termination ceremony. The longest humanitarian airlift in history is ending. During the past three and one half years the operation has provided 160,000 metric tons of supplies in 12,900 sorties involving 21 nations. Subject Operation/Series: PROVIDE PROMISE Base: Sarajevo Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

A K-loader, from the 173rd Airborne Brigade, Vicenza, Italy, prepares to load cargo onto a C-130 Hercules aircraft assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The K-loader is carrying equipment for an upcoming Mass Tactical Exercise (MASSTAC) CRIMSON BAYONET. (Duplicate image, see also DF-SD-02-01467 or search 010305-F-3329S-503). Subject Operation/Series: CRIMSON BAYONET Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

010518-F-0697K-029. Subject Operation/Series: CONSEQUENCE ISLAND 01 Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFRC

U.S. Marines with Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command assist United Arab Emirate airmen with 16th Airlift Squadron, UAE Air Force, with loading gear into a C-17 Globemaster aircraft at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 25, 2022. The U.S. Marine Corps and UAE maintain a close relationship through persistent bilateral training engagements and programs, enhancing each others ability to conduct counterterrorism operations, protect critical infrastructure, and support national defense.

Teams peform Orion Parachute Test Vehicle (PTV) loading operations on July 22, 2013 in preparation for the July 24 parachute drop test at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

040327-F-0629H-009. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

US Air Force STAFF Sergeant Al Davis, 57th Airlift Squadron, 97th Air Mobility Wing, Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, waits for the go sign from the ground crew, so he can signal the pilot to start engines on C-141 Starlifter aircraft 0162. This C-141 is the first to leave Altus AFB for the Aerospace Maintenance Regeneration Center Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. The 57th AS is deactivating because the newer C-17 is replacing the aging C-141 fleet. Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 71st Rescue and Rescue Generation Squadrons load cargo onto an HC-130J Combat King II at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Jan. 10, 2024 in preparation for Red Flag 24-1. Following the storm evacuation, 24 hours after the all clear, crews swapped out and headed to Red Flag to conduct a variety of exercise scenarios, including defensive counter air, offensive counter air suppression of enemy air defenses and offensive counter air-air interdiction.

970424-F-3798Y-005. Base: Grand Forks State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Airmen from the 151st Air Refueling Wing load on to a KC-135 Stratotanker at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base, Salt Lake City, Ut. April 6, 2020. The Guardsmen are deploying to support the U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility.

U.S. military personnel assigned to United States Central Command deliver critical aid in support of a USAID-led humanitarian mission at Sukkur Airport, Pakistan, Sep 11, 2022. USAID leads the U.S. Government's international development and disaster assistance, helping people emerge from humanitarian crises, such as the catastrophic flooding currently plaguing Pakistan. This USAID-led delivery was the first of many to be distributed at several locations throughout the country.

Alaska Air National Guard Airmen of 176th Wing load a Guardian Angel Air-Deployable Rescue Vehicle and an inflatable raft onto a 144th Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III Sept. 12, 2018 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Thirty-six Alaska Air National Guardsmen departed in support of the Hurricane Florence humanitarian assistance effort. The governors of North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Maryland declared a state of emergency Sept. 10 as Hurricane Florence approaches the East Coast.

020516-F-4300H-009. Subject Operation/Series: HUNGARIAN RESPONSE 2002 Base: Kecskemet Air Base Country: Hungary (HUN)

DF-ST-84-08136. Base: Mcclellan Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041119-M-3668O-009. Base: Al Asad State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

000316-A-0030T-003. Base: Hunter Army Air Field State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Airmen from the 151st Air Refueling Maintenance Group and 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) load a Polaris Military RZR onto a KC-135R Stratotanker at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base, Utah, in preparation for a joint force exercise being held at Dugway Proving Ground on Sept. 1, 2022. The exercise is designed to challenge the status quo and allow the U.S. military to improve strategies against their greatest competitors.

USAF and civilian ground crew personnel prepare to fuel a C-5 Galaxy aircraft on the flight line at McGuire AFB, New Jersey before the aircraft deploys to Southwest Asia, in support of operation DESERT FOX. USAF and civilian ground crew personnel prepare to fuel a C-5 Galaxy aircraft on the flight line at McGuire AFB, New Jersey before the aircraft deploys to Southwest Asia, in support of operation DESERT FOX.

Cookstown, N. J. , March 20, 2012 Michael Anama, FEMA Region III Logistics and Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) memeber loads a FEMA van onto a C-17 aircraft during a joint exercise with FEMA Region II (IMAT) and the 621st Contingency Response Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. .. Photographs Relating to Disasters and Emergency Management Programs, Activities, and Officials

Two C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 182nd Airlift Wing make a stop at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, on June 28, 2022. The aircraft and crew from the Illinois Air National Guard picked up cargo and personnel to deliver to K.I. Sawyer International Airport in Michigans Upper Peninsula as part of exercise Northern Agility 22-1. NA 22-1 exercises Agile Combat Employment, a universal application to U.S. Air Force operations that enables Airmen to deliver air power anytime, anywhere to complicate an adversarys decision making.

A U.S. Airman assigned to the 354th Fighter Generation Squadron performs a pre-flight check on 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.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 379th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron perform routine maintenance on a KC-135 Stratotanker at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Daniel Nielsen, a loadmaster with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron, lifts a fuel hose during exercise Kodiak Mace 22 at Allen Army Airfield, Alaska, May 12, 2022. This annual exercise is designed to develop unit-level skills, work with joint forces, and maintain a high level of squadron readiness.

A RODEO 92 team from teh 37th mobile Aerial Port Squadron, March Air Force Base, Calif., competing in the engine running on/offload competition. Subject Operation/Series: RODEO 92 Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

011126-F-4406B-001. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

A mobile Tactical C2 vehicle created by the Command and Control Division of the 422 Test and Evaluation Squadron is off-loads a KC-130 assigned to the Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 after participating in a Black Flag 22-1 mission on the Nevada Test and Training Range at Nellis Air Force Base, May 12. 2022. To replicate deployment and extraction from austere environments, the team was also airlifted using a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130, demonstrating Agile Combat Employment with joint partners.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Ian Johnson, 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintainer, marshals a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron after a flying mission during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 6, 2022. RF-A is designed to provide realistic training in a simulated combat environment. The 718th AMXS and 909th ARS are from Kadena Air Base, Japan.

Alaska Air National Guard Maj. Michael Strickler, a 168th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker pilot, and a U.S. Air Force maintainer assigned to the 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, conduct a pre-flight check on a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 11, 2022. Approximately 2,200 service members from the U.S., Great Britain and Canada are expected to fly, maintain and support more than 90 aircraft from over 25 units during this iteration of the exercise.

U.S. Airmen with the simulated 7th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron prepare to load training munitions onto a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft during Exercise Rainier War 22B at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Oct. 19, 2022. Airmen from multiple Team McChord units came together to form the 7th EAS during Rainier War; which is a full-scale readiness exercise simulating a deployment in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific areas of responsibility.

Members from the 62nd APS Mobility Flight, McChord AFB, WA., upload a C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft at Ancona airport, Italy. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Ancona Airport Country: Italy (ITA)

DN-ST-89-07221. Country: Unknown

Parachutists participating in JTFX 98-1 rest near several Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft which will airdrop the soldiers over Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Subject Operation/Series: JTFX 98-1 Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

NASA test pilot Wayne Ringo” Ringelberg and photographer Carla Thomas prepare to take off for a supersonic research flight in support of the QSF18 campaign off the coast of Texas. NASA photographers and videographers take part in operations to support mission documentation.

Ground crew members secure equipment inside a Military Airlift Command C-5 Galaxy aircraft for deployment to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Unknown

041109-F-9528H-011. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of Joint Task Force - Alaska arrive in Bethel for disaster relief response Sept. 21, 2022, via a HC-130J Combat King II aircraft from the 176th Wings 211th Rescue Squadron. Approximately 100 service members from the Alaska National Guard, Alaska State Defense Force and Alaska Naval Militia were activated following a disaster declaration issued Sept.17 after the remnants of Typhoon Merbok caused dramatic flooding across more than 1,000 miles of Alaskan coastline. A JTF in Nome is standing up concurrently as part of Operation Merbok Response. (Alaska National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Balinda ONeal)

A 437th Airlift Wing C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, arrives at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, Sept. 29, 2022. Planes, equipment and Airmen came to Wright-Patt to get out of the way of Hurricane Ian which had crossed Florida and turned North.

030626-A-XXXXX-7382. Base: Mosul Country: Iraq (IRQ)

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

U.S. Air Force Airmen, 820th Red Horse airborne flight and 6th Combat Training Squadron, board a C-130 Hercules during a training mission Oct. 4, 2011, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. RED HORSE and 6 CTS Airmen perform airdrop missions to stay current on training and certifications, enabling them to perform jump missions and operate their own drop zones.

Pallets of medical equipment is offloaded from an Air Mobility Comand C-5 Galaxy from Travis Air Force Base, California unto a K-loader. The equipment and medical peresonnel were participating in an Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI), designed to test a unit's ability to operate in a simulated environment and permits Air Force members to practice their jobs under wartime scenarios and conditions. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: CRISIS REACH 95-02NORTHERN PIKE Base: Cold Lake State: Alberta (AB) Country: Canada (CAN)

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III with the C-17 West Coast Demo Team conducts an aerial demonstration during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The C-17 Demo Team, stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, was established in 2019 and participates in air shows across the United States to showcase the capabilities of the C-17 and represent the Air Force through community outreach. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

A U.S. Air Force enlisted aircrew Airman with the 445th Airlift Wing places a safety cover over an antenna on a C-17 Globemaster III on the flightline at the 165th Airlift Wing April 30, 2022, in Savannah, Georgia. Airlift units transported cargo and personnel in support of Sentry Savannah 2022, the Air National Guards premier counter air exercise which encompasses 10 units of fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft, and tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a simulated near-peer environment.

030830-F-2869F-040. Subject Operation/Series: COOPERATIVE KEY 2003 Base: Krumovo Air Base Country: Bulgaria (BGR)

U.S. Air Force crew chiefs assigned to the 507th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., prepare a KC-135 Stratotanker for an air refueling mission during exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii, July 9, 2010. RIMPAC 2010 is the 22nd in a series of significant international combined/joint military exercises scheduled biennially by U.S. Pacific Fleet and takes place in the Hawaiian operating area. RIMPAC training operations include participation by more than 14 nations, 34 ships, five submarines, more than 100 aircraft, and more than 20,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen. Multilateral exercises such as RIMPAC enhance cooperation between partnering nations and provide a unique opportunity to practice the ability to plan, communicate, and execute operations.

Suffolk County, England. The pentagram fueling system at Royal Air Force (RAF) Mildenhall is connected to a KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft from the 100th Air Refueling Wing. Base: Raf Mildenhall Country: Great Britain / England (GBR)

030830-F-7924J-003. Subject Operation/Series: COOPERATIVE KEY 2003 Base: Krumovo Air Base Country: Bulgaria (BGR)

MASTER Sergeant Reggie Dumas, USAF, ramp supervisor, from the 317th Airlift Control Squadron, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, passes information on a C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft, to the MARC (Mobility Air Reporting Center) on the ramp at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy. The aircraft carried troops and cargo to forward locations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. In response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 at the New York World Trade Center and the Pentagon, President George W. Bush initiated Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), fighting terrorism abroad. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA)

DF-ST-86-10046. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-87-06663. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-88-06799. Base: Marine Corps Air Station,Iwakuni Country: Japan (JPN)

011217-F-0007M-008. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Moblility Command

Right side rear view medium shot as STAFF Seargent Wayne Foy, a loadmaster assigned to the 17th Airlift Squadron at Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina, spots a 10K all-terrain forklift as it is offloaded at Hoedspruit AFB, South Africa, from a C-17A Globemaster III. The forklift will be used during "Operation Atlas Response" to transfer relief supplies for distribution in Mozambique. Subject Operation/Series: ATLAS RESPONSE Base: Hoedspruit Air Force Base Country: South Africa (ZAF)

U.S. Air Force crew chiefs assigned to the 13th Fighter Generation Squadron wait to launch F-16 Fighting Falcons during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 10, 2022. RF-A, a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored exercise, provides a training opportunity for aircrew, maintenance and support personnel in sustainment of large-force deployed air operations from simulated forward operating bases.

Senior Airman Kris Lewis, of the 41st Aerial Port Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., performs an engine running offload of cargo from a C-130J Super Hercules Aircraft at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Miss., Sept. 10, 2022. Lewis took part in "Smoked Mullet," an event designed to further the Multi-Capable Airman training Airmen from outside of the aerial transport career received during the 403rd Wing's February Unit Training Assembly.

Aircraft maintainers with the New Jersey Air National Guard, replace a light bulb on a KC-135R at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, on June 21, 2022. 108th Wing members have deployed to Guam to assist in flying operations.

STAFF Sergeant John Chasse, 92d Aircraft Generation Squadron marshals in a KC-135 Strato Tanker for the first 92d Air Refueling Wing aircraft launch at March Air Reserve Base, California. The 92d Air Refueling Wing has relocated operations due to runway repairs at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. Base: March Air Reserve Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

96th Bomb Squadron aircrew prepare to board a B-52H Stratofortress for a Joint Chief of Staff exercise out of Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, May 11, 2022. U.S. Strategic Command bomber mission provide opportunities to train and work with our allies and partners in joint and coalition operations and exercises.

030115-F-7203T-006. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Bagram Air Base State: Parwan Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft assigned to the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron performs a combat offload of 16 pallets filled with hundreds of bags of flour at Skardu Airfield, Pakistan on Sept. 24, 2010. The 816th EAS is primarily flying supplies up to Skardu Airfield and transporting internally displaced persons to Chaklala, Air Force Base, Pakistan.

011108-F-3356N-002. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF

060324-N-2832L-035. Base: Naval Air Station, Coronado State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Mi-17 helicopter equipment is loaded onto a C-17 Globemaster III at Davis-Monthan Air Base, Arizona, June 9, 2022. The Department of Defense is delivering Mi-17 helicopters to aid Ukrainian troops around the battlefield as it continues to expedite the authorization and facilitation of additional assistance to Ukraine.

U.S. Navy sailors aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) tow an MV-22B Osprey Tiltrotor Aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), to prepare it for an air delivery operation, Philippine Sea, Jan. 28, 2022. Delivering mission essential supplies via airdrop sustains operations on the ground, keeping Marines in the fight for longer. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cesar Ronaldo Alarcon)

011115-F-6911G-008. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joshua Johnston, 75th Fighter Generation Squadron aircraft turnaround supervisor, refuels an A-10C Thunderbolt II 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. Airman 1st Class Rachel Coates)

A U.S. Air Force 60th Medical Group Critical Care Air Transport Team (CCATT) carries a simulated casualty manikin to a C-17 Globemaster III at Travis Air Force Base, California, May 17, 2022. The CCATT participated in a mass casualty exercise and medically evacuated simulated casualty manikins to maintain medical readiness in emergencies.

During Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFX) 98-1 on Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, C-141 Starlifter aircrafts, from the 621st Air Mobility Operations Squadron, McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, are loaded with cargo to be air dropped at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Subject Operation/Series: JTFX 98-1 Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A forklift off loads a C-141B from the 438th Airlift Wing, McGuire Air Force Base, NJ. Subject Operation/Series: TANZANIA AIRLIFT Base: Mwanza Country: United Republic Of Tanzania (TZA)

Weapons specialists, MASTER Sergeant Kenney Stevenson, Technical Sergeant Sean O'hara and STAFF Sergeant Jeremy Pow, members of the 169th Fighter Wing (FW) of the South Carolina Air National Guard, McEntire Air National Guard Station, load AGM-65 Maverick missiles onto an F-16 aircraft. The 169th FW is deployed to Hill Air Force Base, Utah to participate in Combat Hammer. It's flying squadron, the 157th Fighter Squadron (FS), is one of several units operating in this 'live-fire' weapons testing mission. The 157th FS will fire AGM-88 Highspeed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARM) and AGM-65G Maverick missiles to test their pilots abilities, their unit tactics, and the effectiveness of missile .... Complete Scene Caption: Weapons specialists, Master Sergeant Kenney Stevenson, Technical Sergeant Sean O'hara and Staff Sergeant Jeremy Pow, members of the 169th Fighter Wing (FW) of the South Carolina Air National Guard, McEntire Air National Guard Station, load AGM-65 Maverick missiles onto an F

375th Medical Squadron personnel off load medical equipment from one of the 37th Airlift Wing C-9A Nightingale aircraft during a training exercise at the Headquarters Air Mobility Command base. Base: Scott Air Force Base State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airmen assigned to the 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri Air National Guard, refuel a C-130H Hercules aircraft on Feb. 13, 2024, at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri. Aircrews conducted a 41-hour sortie in which the aircraft engines ran continuously for 45 hours and the aircraft was refueled three times. This type of training enhances the wings warfighting capability by pushing the limits of the aircraft and personnel. Air National Guard

Air Force Airbus A400M pictured in Gao, 12.04.2022., Gao, Mali, Africa

US Air Force SENIOR MASTER Sergeant Bill Wunderlin a Loadmaster in the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, Moffett Federal Airfield, California, stands in front of an MC-130 Combat Shadow aircraft. The loadmaster is talking to the pilots and is watching for fire or other problems as part of the pre-start checklist. The 129th is preparing to conduct a training rescue operation in the Pacific Ocean. (Duplicate image, see also DF-SD-02-01097 or 001130-F-8708H-063). Base: Moffett Federal Air Field State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, and Marines with Marine Ariel Refueler Transport Squadron 152, load a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle onto a KC-130J aircraft in preparation for an Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force drill during exercise Winter Workhorse 23, at Kadena Airbase, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 3, 2022. Winter Workhorse is an annual exercise for CLR-3 to train to carry out mission essential tasks in forward-deployed, austere environments.

The Orion team prepares the parachute test vehicle for the final drop test which will qualify Orion's parachutes for human flight on Sept. 10, 2018...On September 12, 2018 an Orion test capsule will be dropped from a C-17 aircraft at an altitude of more than six miles to verify the spacecrafts complex system of 11 parachutes, cannon-like mortars, and pyrotechnic devices work in sequence to slow the capsules descent for a safe landing on Earth.

The 7th Bomb Wing leadership team greets Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, B-1B Lancer crewmembers on the flightline at Dyess AFB, Texas, Feb. 3, 2024. Air Force

030220-F-1351C-007. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Ganci Air Base Country: Kyrgyzstan (KGZ) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF

030831-F-6701P-009. Subject Operation/Series: JTF LIBERIA Base: Lungi Country: Sierra Leone (SLE)

Airmen from the 705th Munitions Squadron load a B-52H Stratofortress with AGM-86B Air-Launch Cruise Missiles during Prairie Vigilance, an exercise conducted by the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Sept. 16, 2022. The ALCMs are unloaded from the aircraft prior to their take-off. Prairie Vigilance tests the 5th BWs ability to conduct strategic-bomber readiness operations.

FORT STEWART, Ga., Jan 12, 2017 - Soldiers and Airmen of the Georgia National Guard prepare to board a C-130 of the 156th Airlift Wing, Puerto Rico Air National Guard for a night jump over Fort Stewart, Ga. Georgia Army National Guard

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