Military Flight Operations

Images of pilots in aircraft cockpits, capturing the focus and precision required in military aviation during training and reconnaissance missions.

Royal New Zealand Air Force Flight Lieutenant Lachlan Newbery, a C-130H(NZ) Hercules pilot assigned to No. 40 Squadron, RNZAF Base Auckland, conducts a familiarization flight during RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1 over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, Oct. 7, 2022. The JPARC airspace provides a realistic training environment, allowing Airmen to train for full spectrum engagements, ranging from individual skills to complex, large-scale joint engagements.

CH-47 helicopter pilots assigned to Detachment 1, Company G, 140th Aviation, Nevada Army National Guard, are seen at the controls of the helicopter as they return to base after landing at the "Hook" landing zone. Base: Gold Dust Peak State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Royal New Zealand Air Force Flight Lieutenant Lachlan Newbery, a C-130H(NZ) Hercules pilot assigned to No. 40 Squadron, RNZAF Base Auckland, conducts a familiarization flight during RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1 over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, Oct. 7, 2022. The JPARC airspace provides a realistic training environment, allowing Airmen to train for full spectrum engagements, ranging from individual skills to complex, large-scale joint engagements.

Lt. Col. Randal Douglas, 155th Air Refueling Wing pilot, follows the flight pattern of two KC-135R Stratotankers in front, Dec 1, 2022, during a minimum interval takeoff near Lincoln, Neb. The aircraft perform an elephant walk to the runway and then takeoff.

DF-ST-84-01019. State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

First Lieutenant Kevin Reilly photographs a target ship from the co-pilot's seat inside a B-52 Stratofortress aircraft during a reconnaissance mission. The B-52's are being used to assist the Navy in spotting Soviet ships. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

US Marine Corps (USMC) Corporal (CPL) Jonatan Barns, Door GUNNER, assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 (HMM-364) mans his 12.7mm M2.50 caliber machine gun aboard a USMC CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter during a flight to An Nasiriya, Iraq, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: An Nasariyah State: Dhi Qar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

050118-F-8164Z-009. Base: C-141c Starlifter

041117-F-9528H-008. Base: Over Texas Country: United States Of America (USA)

Lt. Dylan Kelly, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, flies an Mh-60S Knighthawk helicopter flies a daytime familiarization flight at Naval Air Station Fallon, April 28, 2022. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and the George H.W. Bush CSG. The squadrons of CVW-7 are Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143; VFA-103; VFA-86; VFA-136; Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140; Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121; HSC-5; and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

DN-SC-88-07635. Base: USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

From right to left, Lt. Col. Steven Hawkins, 436th Operations Support Squadron commander, and Col. Scott Raleigh, 436th Operations Group commander, land a C-17 Globemaster III at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, June 15, 2022. Raleigh landed the C-17 while wearing aircrew eye and respiratory protection system equipment, allowing for scenario-based preparation for possible real-world situations involving chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear environments. The local training flight included members from the 436th OG, 3rd Airlift Squadron and 436th OSS.

Members from the Utah Air National Guards 151st Wing and Air Force Reserves 419th Fighter Wing prepare to unload an AIM 120 missile coffin from a KC-135R at Hill Air Force Base Feb. 4, 2024 as part of Exercise PERSES. Exercise PERSES is a dynamic exercise serving as a platform for exploring innovative ideas and refining communication practices in a challenging operational environment for both Utah Air and Army National Guard. Air Force

United States Marine Corps Aviators prepare to land a KC-130J Super Hercules at Kuantan Air Base, Malaysia.

Offutt AFB, NE, 45th Reconnaissance Squadron pilots, fly an OC-135B Observation Aircraft Jan 16 over Haiti. Army, Navy and Air Force personnel used the capabilities of the OC-135B to photograph Haiti, to get a better understanding of the devastation from the earthquake that hit the country Jan. 12.

The crew in the cockpit of a B-52H Superfortress aircraft fly toward Darwin, Australia, where they will participate in Glad Customer '82 exercises. Subject Operation/Series: GLAD CUSTOMER '82 Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force pilots assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron fly an MC-130J Commando II over the coast of the Philippines during the annual STRAY 59 flight, Feb. 26, 2024. STRAY 59 was a 1st SOS MC-130E Combat Talon I that went down in 1981 over Subic Bay, Philippines, during a training mission. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. James Monck, a videographer from the 1st Combat Camera Squadron, Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., shoots from the tale of a C-17 Globemaster III. C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from the 437th Airlift Wing, Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., conduct a strategic brigade air drop exercise over North Auxiliary Airfield near North, S.C., Dec. 16, 2009, demonstrating the global projection of U.S. airpower. Airborne Soldiers from the 2-319th Airborne Field Artillery, 82nd Airborne Division, Ft. Bragg, N.C., were air dropped in the exercise along with cargo pallets to simulate the seizure of a remote airfield, providing a joint training opportunity for the Airmen and Soldiers. The training mission included airdrops over North Auxiliary Airfield, aerial refueling training and simulated aero medical evacuation.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Patrick Lobo, 14th Airlift Squadron instructor pilot, flies a routine training night-flight over the coast of South Carolina, July 25, 2022. Pilots practice night-flights in order to maintain proficiency in using night-vision lenses while operating the aircraft.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Kira Headrick, a pilot with the 7th Airlift Squadron, prepares for takeoff during Exercise Rainier War 22B at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Oct. 19, 2022. Rainier War 22B is a full-scale readiness exercise with an Air Force Generation prioritization; demonstrating the ability to generate, employ and sustain a combat force during a rigorous wartime scenario.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 168th Air Refueling Squadron, Alaska Air National Guard, pilot a KC-135 Stratotanker during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, May 12, 2022. The JPARC airspace covers more than 77,000 square miles and provides a realistic training environment, allowing RF-A participants to train for full spectrum engagements, ranging from individual skills to complex, large-scale joint engagements.

Royal Air Force C-130J Hercules pilots, assigned to No. 47 Squadron, RAF Brize Norton, England, fly over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 May 10, 2022. The JPARC provides more than 77,000 square miles of airspace, which makes it the largest instrumented air, ground and electronic combat training range in the world. Photo has been blurred for operational security.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Amy Hunnewell, a Black Hawk pilot assigned to the 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, performs pre-flight checks at Marshall Airfield on Fort Riley, Kansas March 7, 2023. Soldiers conducted an all-female flight flyover and visited the Amelia Earhart Museum in Atchison, Kansas, to celebrate the achievements of women in aviation.

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Brandon Leighton, a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot with the 101st Air Refueling Wing, Maine Air National Guard, speaks to 104th Fighter Wing spouses prior to a combined incentive flight and spouse lift at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, October 27, 2022. Spouse lifts, as well as incentive flights, are important opportunities to boost morale and give spouses the unique chance of experiencing the 104FW mission firsthand while aircrew members accomplish essential training tasks.

010605-F-3745E-026. Complete Scene Caption: US Navy Lieutenant Nicole Driscoll pilots a MH-53 Helicopter from HC4 Black Stallions, Sigonella Naval Air Station, Sicily, loaded with American civilians and foreign national non-combatants. They are being evacuated from the exercise country "Anglia" during the multinational training Exercise VENETO RESCUE '01, in northeast Italy and Slovenia. Veneto Rescue is an exercise that helps to train military units to conduct the safe evacuation of non-combatant civilians and other designated evacuates from a country or a region that has the potential for hostilities or danger. This type of operation is known as a non-combatant evacuation operation or NEO. This exercise involves over 34 aircraft and 1,100 participants from military units with the US Army and Air Forces in Europe, the Italian Army, and the Slovenian Armed Forces. Subject Operation/Series: VENETO RESCUE '01 Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Zachary Jones, 23rd Bomb Squadron B-52H Stratofortress pilot, flies above the Pacific Ocean, Feb. 12, 2024. The strategic bomber missions offer opportunities for U.S. integration with regional allies and partners, as well as theater familiarization for aircrew members. Air Force

US Air Force (USAF) Captain (CPT) Dave Lopez, (Pilot) and USAF CPT Scott Farnham (Co-Pilot), both assigned to the 320th Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW), pictured in the cockpit of their C-130 Hercules aircraft as it taxies onto the runway at Shahbaz Air Base (AB), located near Jocobabad, Pakistan, during a mission flown in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. (Duplicate image, see also DFSD0415202 or search 030129F7203T008). Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Shahbaz Air Base State: Jocobabad Country: Pakistan (PAK)

Aircrew aboard a C-130 Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron circle a Micronesian Island Dec. 5, 2016. The crew was practicing airdrop procedures during Operation Christmas Drop. Each year Operation Christmas Drop provides aid to over 30,000 islanders in the Pacific.

Alabama Air National Guardsmen Tech Sgt. Michael Robinson of the 117th Air Refueling Wingoperates the refueling boom of a KC-135 in Bucharest, Romania, May 17, 2022. Boomoperators must provide real time instructions to pilots in need of refueling while carefullyadjusting the booms length and position in order to safely and effectively refuel other aircraft

U.S. Air Force aircrew assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron Minot Air Force Base N.D., pre-flight their B-52 Stratofortress aircraft before an eight hour sortie going over bomb dropping sequences and air refueling on April 20, 2011. Pilots, Navigators, Radar, and Electronic Warfare Officers make up the B-52 crew putting bombs on target and providing close air support is two of the several missions accomplished by the huge aircraft out of Minot AFB.

Senior Airman Elijah Rias, an in-flight refueling specialist assigned to the 93rd Aerial Refueling Squadron, looks out of the boom pod during a training event over Washington state, Feb. 23, 2024. The 92nd Operations Group held a week-long training event to build proficiency with the Real-Time Information in Cockpit system, which was designed to increase connectivity between Air assets during real-world operations worldwide. During the training event, pilots and in-flight refueling operators learned about the components of RTIC, performed ground training to simulate using the system and utilized the system during a training flight. Training like this ensures Fairchild AFBs Airmen are prepared to apply appropriate tactics to possible pacing threats and demonstrates their readiness for tomorrows fight anytime, anywhere. Air Force

Cmdr. Keith Blair, Air Station New Orleans commanding officer, conducts an overflight in a MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter in New Orleans, Louisiana, May 2, 2022. The aircrew flew the MH-60 around the city of New Orleans as part of its first flight as an Air Station New Orleans asset.

U.S. Air Force Capt Dylan Radka, a C-17 Globemaster III pilot assigned to the 16th Airlift Squadron, flies an airlift mission near Joint Base Charleston, S.C., June 14, 2022. The C-17 is the most flexible cargo aircraft in the airlift force, capable of rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo.

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Blake Lawrie, 384th Air Refueling Squadron co-pilot from Fairchild Air Force Base, aids in Operation Noble Defender (OND) over Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Sept. 14, 2022. This Noble Defender operation demonstrates the ability to launch at a moments notice from dispersed air and maritime locations to defend Northern approaches in multiple regions of the continent across all domains, displaying resilience in the face of multiple and complex threats.

Capt. Phillip Chapman taxis into position on the runway May 28, 2014, during Maple Flag in Edmonton/Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada. Maple Flag is an international exercise designed to enhance the interoperability of C-130 Hercules aircrews, maintainers and support specialists in a simulated combat environment. Chapman is a C-130 pilot with the 302nd Airlift Wing.

Capt. Trevor Tomlin, 89th Airlift Squadron C-17 pilot, performs a pre-flight check while wearing Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) gear, Sept. 13, 2022.More than 180 Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 445th Airlift Wing and members of the 5th Battalion, 159th Regiment General Support Aviation Battalion, Fort Knox, Kentucky, participated in an aeromedical patient movement exercise named Operation Merciful Valkyrie, Sept. 11-14, 2022. Four C-17 Globemaster IIIs conducted eight launches a day, three days in a row, for a total of 24 launches roundtrip from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The exercise focused on transporting patients from an austere environment (Fort Campbell) and bringing them to a more secure location (Wright-Patterson AFB) while providing en route medical care. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Patrick OReilly)

031417-M-0857S-049. Base: Yuma State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020411-A-9510S-030. Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: USSOUTHCOM

Major Keith Dundas, 920th Rescue Wing Combat Systems Officer, operates aircraft systems during a turkey shoot competition at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, June 14, 2022. During the competition aircrew members competed on skills such as aircraft weapons employment, helicopter air to air refueling, degraded navigation, degraded search, and confined hoisting.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Stephen Conroy, a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot assigned to the 93rd Air Refueling Wing, performs the pre-flight checklist on a KC-135 Stratotanker during a Real-Time Information in the Cockpit system training event at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, Feb. 23, 2024. The 92nd Operations Group held a week-long training event to build proficiency with the RTIC system, which was designed to increase connectivity between Air assets during real-world operations worldwide. During the training event, pilots and in-flight refueling operators learned about the components of RTIC, performed ground training to simulate using the system and utilized the system during a training flight. Training like this ensures Fairchild AFBs Airmen are prepared to apply appropriate tactics to possible pacing threats and demonstrates their readiness for tomorrows fight anytime, anywhere. Air Force

220602-N-VH871-1135 U.S. 5th FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (June 6th, 2022) Lt. Josh Schuh, assigned to the "Grey Knights" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 46, deployed with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, pilots a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft behind a KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 174th Aerial Refueling Squadron, during an Air-to-Air refueling mission, June 6. CTF 57 aircraft conduct missions in support of maritime operations to ensure security and stability in the Middle East region.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Dave Carr and Maj. Phil Zizzi, both pilots with the 328th Air Refueling Squadron, New York, perform preflight checks on a KC-135 Stratotanker August 29, 2022 on a flightline in the Indo-Pacific Area of Responsibility. The Stratotanker was on a mission to refuel a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon, with the Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida. The Poseidon is multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft, specializing in anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and search and rescue.

DF-ST-87-13106. Base: Kwang-Ju Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

030410-F-7194F-011. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

A view of the cockpit aboard a B-1B aircraft. Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force boom operator from Fairchild Air Force Base refuels a B-52 Stratofortess from Minot Air Force Base, departing McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, for a 72-hour endurance mission Oct. 6, 2022. The endurance mission covered over 36,000 miles and included total force operational support from numerous units across the country.

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Brian Tang, C-130J Super Hercules pilot surveys flight progress while flying in a six-ship formation over Japan, Oct. 22, 2022. During the Samurai Readiness Inspection, six C-130J Super Hercules aircraft flew in formation as a show of force to continue deterring aggression, ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Dominick Kirk, MV-22 Osprey crew chief, assigned tothe Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163, looks out the back of aMV-22 at USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4) over the Gulf of Aden, July13, 2022. Hershel "Woody" Williams is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S.Naval Forces Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet todefend U.S., allied and partner interests.

970623-N-3149V-004. Subject Operation/Series: KERNEL BLITZ '97 Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: HMH 466

Aerial and Satellite Images - 26-HK-19-7. Hurricane Katrina

A C-130J-30 assigned to the 130th Airlift Wing, McLaughlin Air National Guard Base, W.Va., approaches a runway in preparation for a touch-and-go maneuver at the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport, Williamstown, W.Va. on Feb. 8, 2024. A touch-and-go involves landing on a runway and taking off without coming to a complete stop. Air National Guard

A U.S. Air Force HC-130J Combat King II pilot, copilot and navigator assigned to the 81st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron (ERQS) fly over the Red Sea, Sept. 7, 2022, during a tactical air refueling mission. The 81st ERQS is a rapidly deployable combat search and rescue force that can conduct tactical air refueling, airdrop and airland of personnel and/or equipment during day or night operations in support of combat personnel recovery within Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa area of responsibility.

Flyer and army airkeeper in a Bölkow B-105C Helicopter of 299 Squadron near Blomberg, West Germany. Flyer is second lieutenant H. (Hajo) Veenstra and the army airkeeper is reserve first lieutenant J.P.M. Filling.

Capt. Ryan Arsenault, 7th Airlift Squadron pilot, documents training while Maj. Gene Ballou, 313th AS pilot, prepares to refuel from a KC-46 Pegasus. Over 170 KC-46s are planned to replace aging tankers and revitalize the Air Force tanker fleet.

On the ramp at Lincoln Municipal Airport, Major Steve Burke, USAF, (left) and Captain John Williams, USAF, go through their pre-flight checklist on a Nebraska Air National Guard KC-135R before taking off on a refueling training mission. Base: Lincoln Municipal Airport State: Nebraska (NE) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC/ANG

Secretary Dirk Kempthorne on visit to New Orleans area, Louisiana, where he met and toured with Fish and Wildlife Service staff

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Evan Gumbel, a pilot with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 234, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, navigates a C-130J Hercules before a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) Rapid Infiltration, also known as a HIRAIN, with Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve during exercise Arctic Edge 2024 at Eielson Air Force, Alaska, Feb. 24, 2024. The HIRAIN training demonstrated Marine Forces Reserves ability to rapidly deploy the HIMARS to meet and deter any threats in any environment, including harsh arctic environments. Arctic Edge 2024 (AE24) is a U.S. Northern Command-led homeland defense exercise demonstrating the U.S. militarys capabilities in extreme cold weather, joint force readiness, and U.S. military commitment to mutual strategic security interests in the arctic region. Marine Corps

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III prepares to be refueled during a flight above Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Aug. 18, 2022. U.S. Air Force instructors from the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center (AATTC), a total force integration unit composed of active duty, guard and reserve members, visit Gen. Mike Minihan, commander of Air Mobility Command, to demonstrate plans for a new combat training course. The AATTC briefed Minihan on what would be taught and executed a practice run demonstrating real-life scenarios students could encounter.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Ross Hopkin, 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker pilot, performs preflight checks at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 9, 2022. Preflight checks are essential to accident prevention and mission assurance.

CAPT. Richard K. Wells (foreground) and CAPT. Clifford T. Puckett (background) both members of the 61st Airlift Squadron from Little Rock Air Force Base, start the combat entry checklist that will prepare their C-130 Hercules transport aircraft to enter Bosnian airspace. The flying unit is providing inter-theater transport capability to the former Yugoslavia region in support of OPERATION JOINT GUARD. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT GUARD Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Bill Schunk, 91st Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling specialist, fuels an F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 389th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 8, 2023. The 91st EARS delivers fuel for U.S. and partner nation forces, extending the reach, and combat effectiveness of airpower to the region.

Captain Dave Carr and Major Emma Steinbar, both Pilots with the 328th Air Refueling Squadron, taxi a KC-135 Stratotanker to position for takeoff from Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, NY, 15 Aug, 2022. The KC-135 was designed in the 1950's to deliver gas midair to ensure rapid mobility to joint forces.

221205-N-YV347-1036 PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 5, 2022) U.S. Navy Lt. Emily "Boris" Ranzau prepares to pilot an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the "Battle Cats" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73 on the flight deck of the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52). Bunker Hill, part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, is currently underway conducting routine operations.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Casey Felz and Capt. Zack Watson, 384th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker pilots, conduct a flight during Navy Exercise Gray Flag Aug. 25, 2022. Fairchilds KC-135s supported the exercise Aug. 22-26, ensuring the support of joint partners and maintaining mission readiness as a joint force.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III piloted by hybrid aircrew from the 204th and 144th Airlift Squadrons executed airdrop and flare deployment training July 7, 2022, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Hawaii and Alaska Globemaster III units share a unique rescue mission set in support of NASA's Commercial Crew Program.

KC-135R Pilots assigned to the Utah Air National Guard's 151st Air Refueling Wing, conduct air refueling operations with A-10s assigned to the 23rd Fighter Group, Moody Air Force base, Georgia. The A-10s received fuel during their cross-country flight enroute to Nellis Air Force base, Nevada.

DF-ST-89-00657. Subject Operation/Series: FLINTLOCK Base: Unknown

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jimmy Root, a student pilot with the 58th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, prepares to fly a U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II from the 58th FS, 33rd FW, Eglin AFB, for a training mission during exercise Northern Lightning at Volk Field Air National Guard Base, Wisconsin, Aug. 18, 2022. Nomads with the 33rd FW traveled to Volk Field which offers an open airspace with optimal weather conditions for flying, allowing the 33rd FW to avoid over 60% of seasonal lightning and hurricane delays in Florida.

A Royal Air Force C-130J Hercules pilot, assigned to No. 47 Squadron, RAF Brize Norton, England, conducts low level maneuvers over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 May 10, 2022. The JPARC provides more than 77,000 square miles of airspace, which makes it the largest instrumented air, ground and electronic combat training range in the world. A black box has been applied for operational security.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Patrick Smith, a flight engineer assigned to the 1st Squadron, 214th General Support Aviation Battalion, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, looks out the window of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter in flight at Tampere, Finland, Aug. 4, 2022. 12th Combat Aviation Brigade is one of the units to support U.S. European Command theater strategy by demonstrating U.S. commitment to European Allies and Partners and highlighting U.S. capabilities to diverse audiences. 12 CAB is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe. They work alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retain command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry settles into the cockpit of the U.S. military transport aircraft that departs Baghdad, Iraq on March 24, 2013.

Major Megumi Voight, a flight commander at the 4th Combat Camera Squadron, Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, looks out the window of a C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 317th Airlift Squadron, Joint Base Charleston, while participating in the Military Reserve Exchange Program (MREP), August 17, 2022. MREP provides National Guard and Reserve members the opportunity to serve with NATO alliance partners in a duty assignment similar to their wartime assignment while gaining the understanding of the training, doctrine, and operations of foreign allies.

020205-F-8619S-017. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: RAF Akrotiri Air Base State: Sovereign Base Area (SBA) Country: Cyprus (CYP) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Dante DeAngelis takes a photograph from a UH-1 Iroquois helicopter passing over Iskenderun Bay. DeAngelis is one of the Navy photographers assigned to cover Operation Provide Comfort, a multinational effort to aid Kurdish refugees in northern Iraq and southern Turkey. Subject Operation/Series: PROVIDE COMFORT Base: Iskenderum Country: Turkey (TUR)

DF-ST-89-09655. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Col. Otto Feather, 374th Airlift Wing commander, clamps a pallet of water to the cargo door of a C-130H Hercules at Yokota Air Base, Japan, March 26, 2011. Colonel Feather flew five pallets of potable water to Sendai Airport to be distributed to Japanese citizens in need.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Nick Fussner, left, and Capt. Dean Burgess with Alaska Army National Guard Golf Company, 2-211th, General Support Aviation Battalion prepare the HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter for a flight at Bryant Army Airfield on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson April 5, 2023.

The reflection of an aircraft is visible in the helmet of a pilot from Light Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72) during in-flight refueling operations. VA-72 is assigned aboard the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV-66). Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. John McClaren, a pilot with with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, flies a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft across the Pacific, Oct. 17, 2022. Marines with VMGR-152 assisted the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, transporting personnel and a HIMARS, demonstrating the ability to rapidly relocate forces across the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Adrian ContrerasFlores, a flightline mechanic with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, flies in a UH-1Y Venom helicopter during a close air support exercise over Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range, California, May 12, 2022. HMLA-775, along with the other squadrons on Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, provide aviation support that enables I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton tenant commands and visiting units to maintain and enhance their mission capabilities and combat readiness.

The pilot of a CV-22 Osprey from the 71st Special Operations Squadron goes over his instruments in the cockpit during a training mission out of Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.

U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Sean Kshimetski, assigned to Coast Guard Air Station Houston, flies over the Atlantic Ocean, Aug. 27, 2022. Mohawk is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Shane Dunn, a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot with the 190th Air Refueling Wing, Kansas Air National Guard, prepares to taxi May 11, 2022, at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. Three air refueling units from across the Air National Guard provided in-flight refueling in support of Sentry Savannah 2022, the ANGs premier counter air exercise which encompasses 10 units of fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft, tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a simulated near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

Coast Guard Personnel - Miscellaneous - 26-HK-90-177. Coast Guardsman flying in helo near waterfront, 050929. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Paige Sportsman, a Crew Chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, conducts an inflight check while flying off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 24, 2022. III Marine Expeditionary Force hosted a media workshop event for Okinawan media representatives to provide a better understanding of what III MEF does in order to enhance relationships with their host nation. The media representatives had the opportunity to fly on military aircraft, observe live-fire ranges, and visit the Jungle Warfare Training Center.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 5,2012) Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 3rd Class Bobby Heimovitz, assigned to the Tridents of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, fires a .50-caliber machine gun at a MK-25 smoke target. HSC-9 is currently underway with the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in support of carrier qualifications.

220402-N-TT639-1759 PACIFIC OCEAN (April 2, 2022) - Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Jacob Lake, from Virginia Beach, Va., prepares to land on the flight deck aboard amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) in an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, April 2. Tripoli is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Timothy Rustin, a UH-1Y Venom crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 167, observes the landscape near Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, Aug. 9, 2022. HMLA-167 trained with U.S. Army National Guard and U.S. Air National Guard units during joint exercise Northern Strike 22-2. HMLA-167 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Kyle Grosselin, a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Aerial Refueling Squadron, conducts aerial refueling operations within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, October 23, 2022. The KC-135 provides core refueling capabilities in the CENTCOM AOR.

Capt. Kyle Buehler, 37th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules pilot, scans the terrain and weather elements in the flight path, during the Aviation Detachment Rotation 22-4 (ADR 22-4) training, near Kozalin landing zone, Poland, Sept. 15, 2022. Participation in training events like ADR 22-4 enhances professional relationships and improves overall coordination with allies and partner militaries.

U.S. Air Force jumpmasters from the 22nd Special Tactics Squadron watch for the jump zone in preparation for a high altitude low opening jump during Exercise Cobra Gold in the Kingdom of Thailand Mar. 1, 2023.Cobra Gold, now in its 42nd year, is a Thai-U.S. co-sponsored training event that builds on the longstanding friendship between the two allied nations and brings together a robust multinational force to promote regional peace and security in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Aftermath and Relief - 26-HK-295-111. C-130 Ride. Hurricane Katrina

The last C-130H Hercules departs from the 179th Airlift Wing at Mansfield Lahm ANGB, Ohio, July 7, 2022. This aircraft, tail 88-4401, will retire and become a static display at the MAPS Air Museum (Military Aviation Preservation Society), an internationally known museum of aviation in North Canton, Ohio. After being selected to become the nation's first Air National Guard Cyber Wing, the unit is transitioning from flying the C-130H Hercules to a new mission assigned to Air Combat Command.

Vertical Magazine photographer Lloyd Horgan documented 58th Special Operations Wing flight operations at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. April 12, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. William Pagliarulo, a KC-130J Super Hercules pilot with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, prepares the aircraft for flight during exercise Kodiak Mace 22 at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, May 13, 2022. This annual exercise is designed to develop unit-level skills, work with joint forces, and maintain a high level of squadron readiness.

050908-A-0575B-029. Subject Operation/Series: EDURING FREEDOM Base: Bagram Airfield State: Parwan Country: Afghanistan (AFG) Scene Major Command Shown: CJTF76

030423-F-0697K-042. Base: US Naval Forces, Marianas State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Joint Operations

970623-N-3149V-003. Subject Operation/Series: KERNEL BLITZ '97 Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: HMH 466

CAPT. James Herrin, pilot, and LT. Jason Walls, co-pilot, eat lunch aboard their KC-135A Stratotanker aircraft enroute to Anderson Air Force Base, Guam. The plane will later continue on to Saudi Arabia to take part in Operation Desert Shield. Both Herrin and Walls are members of the 924th Air Refueling Squadron. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Unknown

ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 14, 2016) Naval Aircrewman 3rd Class Nicholas Farris inspects the tail rotor of a MH-60S Sea Hawk Helicopter on the flight deck aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1). Wasp is underway with the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group participating in Amphibious Ready Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise.

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