Modern Air Force Operations

Images of U.S. Air Force personnel engaged in aircraft operations, maintenance, and joint exercises, showcasing modern air combat readiness.

Maintainers from the 151st Air Refueling Wing learn essential functions of an F-18 Super Hornet from the Sailors assigned the Naval Air Station during an unprecedented joint exercise on Aug. 30, 2022 at Fallon, Navada. This joint force exercise will develop new operational concepts, capabilities and plans to bolster deterrence and maintain the U.S. militarys competitive advantage for the future.

Team Moody leadership looks at a C-130J Combat King II introduction during a Top Tiger competition at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, June 24, 2022. Top Tiger is a quarterly dedicated crew chief competition that encourages unit pride and challenges Airmen.

In order to practice Agile Combat Employment, Airmen from the 151st Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels shop are challenged to defuel a KC-135R Stratotanker into an Army Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck on Aug. 24, 2022 at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base, Salt Lake City, Utah. This innovative process demonstrates the ability to provide fuel to other vehicles when located in austere conditions in order to complete the mission. This joint force exercise will develop new operational concepts, capabilities and plans to bolster deterrence and maintain the U.S. militarys competitive advantage for the future.

U.S. Air Force maintenance personnel assigned to the 801st Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron prepare an HC-130J Combat King II for takeoff prior to an agile combat employment exercise with the 1st Expeditionary Rescue group, at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 3, 2022. The ACE exercise enabled pilots, loadmasters, special warfare airmen, and special mission aviators to increase their combat search and rescue proficiency by working as a rescue triad consisting of HH-60s, HC-130s, and Pararescue forces in unison to rescue isolated personnel in a hostile environment.

U.S. Marines with 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division and U.S. Air Force Airmen with Air National Guard, 133rd Airlift Wing, St. Paul, Minnesota, discuss loading procedures during a U.S. Marine Corps High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System onload 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.

Maintainers from the 151st Air Refueling Wing learn essential functions of an F-18 Super Hornet from the Sailors assigned the Naval Air Station during an unprecedented joint exercise on Aug. 30, 2022 at Fallon, Navada. This joint force exercise will develop new operational concepts, capabilities and plans to bolster deterrence and maintain the U.S. militarys competitive advantage for the future.

U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules, parks on the flight line at Air Dominance Center, a Combat Readiness Training Center, in Savannah, Georgia, to drop off personnel and load cargo prior to flying to Avon Park Auxiliary Airfield, Florida, July 20, 2022. The C-130J delivered Airmen and cargo to support the AGILE FLAG 22-2 exercise hosted by Air Combat Command. AGILE FLAG 22-2 marks a significant milestone in standardizing the way ACC organizes, trains, and equips for ACE after a period of experimentation.

030420-F-6809H-018. Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: 398th AEG

A U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry airborne early warning and control aircraft assigned to the 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron parks on the flightline at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 17, 2024. The E-3 radar systems provide necessary information for friendly forces to accomplish missions within the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Army Infantrymen assigned to the East Africa Response Force (EARF) participate in an Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise (EDRE) to provide security at the U.S. Embassy, Mogadishu, Somalia, April 20, 2022. The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa deploys the EARF to support Department of State partners in fixed-site security and evacuation support to protect U.S. Government facilities and personnel and to enable U.S. Embassies to continue operations in challenging security environments.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. James Long, commander of the 16th Airlift Squadron and a C-17 Globemaster III pilot, celebrates his fini flight with members of his squadron after flying a mission on Joint Base Charleston, S.C., June 8, 2022. Final flight, also known as fini flight, is a tradition for pilots and some aircrew members who are retiring or moving to another base.

C-130 Hercules aircrew members board their aircraft for an Operation Enduring Freedom mission at Karshi-Khanabad Air Base, Uzbekistan, on April 19, 2005.

Personnel from the Romanian Land Forces 8th Tactical Operational Missile Brigade and the U.K. Royal Air Force practiced loading and unloading the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) on a U.K. A400M during a dry-fire exercise as part of the ATREUS exercise series on Nov. 9, 2022, at Mihail Kogălniceanu Airbase, Romania. This training is a continuation from previous iterations with U.S. Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR). The U.S. and NATO allies and partners remain committed to collective defense and cooperative security throughout the European Theater.

Aircrew members board a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft while Air Transportation Specialists provide assistance prior to take off from Tuzla Air Base, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Air Transportation Specialists are from the 621st Aerial Port Squadron, McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, while assigned to the 4100th Group Provisional, Tuzla Air Base. The C-130 aircraft is from the 41st Airlift Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, and is temporarily assigned to the 86th Airlift Wing in support of Operation JOINT ENDEAVOR. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Tuzla Air Base Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

Airmen with the Air Force Reserve Command aircrew for a C-17 Globemaster III work with Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment (1-147) of the Wisconsin National Guard on loading and unloading UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters June 10 at Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport at Fort McCoy. The 1-147th was set up with numerous Black Hawks and support equipment and personnel at the Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport throughout the first two weeks of June for annual training. The 1-147th and its UH-60s regularly support training operations at Fort McCoy as well as supporting distinguished visitor flying operations.

U.S. Soldiers with the New York National Guard deboard a C-17 Globemaster III upon arrival to Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Jan. 18, 2021. At least 25,000 National Guard men and women have been authorized to conduct security, communication and logistical missions in support of federal and District authorities leading up and through the 59th Presidential Inauguration.

U.S. Marines with 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, and U.S. Airmen with 15th Wing, prepare to load a U.S. Marine Corps Humvee, into a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III attached to 15th Wing during exercise Bougainville II at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 31, 2022. 3d MLR interdicted a notional adversary maritime surface platform to set conditions for joint force follow on actions. BVII is a field exercise that allows the MLR and its subordinate units to conduct expeditionary advanced base operations across the island of Oahu. BVII displays the MLRs ability to rapidly establish and displace EABs while executing command and control in a dispersed environment. 3d MLRs Bougainville II is integrated into the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center training rotation 23-01 that strengthens defense relationships, fosters multinational interoperability, increase readiness, and reinforces the unified regional land power network of the Joint Force. This rotation of JPRMC i

Exercise participants arrive to board a C-17 Globemaster III on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Jan. 11, 2023. Jersey Devil 23, a U.S. Air Force mobility exercise hosted by the 621st Contingency Response Wing, tests the abilities of multi-capable airmen to rapidly deploy, establish and control airbases alongside joint allies and partners.

040220-F-1646R-135. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

MAJ. GEN. Donald R. Gardner, commanding general, III Marine Expeditionary Force/Marine Corps Bases, Japan, shakes hands and talks with members of the 12th Marine Regiment as they board a chartered flight to I Marine Expeditionary Force headquarters at Camp Pendleton, Calif. From Camp Pendleton, the Marines will be transported to Somalia to participate in Operation Restore Hope. Subject Operation/Series: RESTORE HOPE Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Blake Witzel, 92nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron flying crew chief, performs a preflight inspection of a KC-135 Stratotanker during Operation Noble Defender in St. Croix, Virgin Islands, June 29, 2022. Operation Noble Defender is a series of NORAD operations that validates the commands capability to defend Canada and the United States against threats from every avenue of approach.

Members from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, 1st Airborne Brigade, load onto a C-130J Super Hercules on the flightline at Yokota Air Base, Japan, prior to a static-line jump Jan. 25, 2022, as part of Airborne 22. Airborne 22 demonstrates the JGSDF's capability to employ large-scale airborne insertion anywhere. This event optimizes mission effectiveness through the sharing of information, enabling commanders to utilize the full potential of their combined force. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Gustavo Castillo)

Joint training exercise with Det 2. 6 Co. 3/238th AVN MEDEVAC, Cox Health and Missouri State Highway Patrol at Hercules Glade Wilderness, Bradleyville, Mo., Oct. 06, 2022. Multiple Missouri departments teamed up to practice life-saving MEDEVAC scenarios. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Rose Di Trolio.)

Members from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, 1st Airborne Brigade, load onto a C-130J Super Hercules on the flightline at Yokota Air Base, Japan, prior to a static-line jump Jan. 25, 2022, as part of Airborne 22. Airborne 22 demonstrates the JGSDF's capability to employ large-scale airborne insertion anywhere. This event optimizes mission effectiveness through the sharing of information, enabling commanders to utilize the full potential of their combined force. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Gustavo Castillo)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cy Snyder III and Senior Airman Naden Lindstrom, C-130 Loadmasters from the 169th Airlift Squadron, Peoria, Illinois, work with Crew Chiefs from the 124th Fighter Wing, Gowen Field Air National Guard Base, Boise, Idaho, loading an Ammunition Loader Assembly onto a C-130H Hercules aircraft during Agile Rage 22 at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Mich., June 9, 2022. Agile Rage 22 is a National Guard Bureau-led exercise that provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

A German Air Force Airbus A400M completed a short-field landing exercise part of Swift Response 22 at Gaižiūnas Airfield, Lithuania, May 9, 2022. This training allows pilots a diverse range of landing strategies for future missions. Exercise Swift Response 2022 is an annual multinational training exercise, which takes place in Eastern Europe, the Arctic High North, Baltics and Balkans from May 2-20. The purpose of the exercise is to present combat credible Army forces in Europe and Africa, and enhance readiness by building airborne interoperability with Allies and Partners and the integration of joint service partnership.

Joint Task Force-Bravo service members from the 612th Air Base Squadron unload a C-17 Globemaster III from Joint Base Charleston, North Carolina, June 17, 2022 at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras. The C-17 delivered a shipment of seven pallets of donated goods through the Denton Program. The Denton Program allows private U.S. citizens and organizations to use space available on U.S. military cargo planes to transport humanitarian goods to approved countries in need. (U.S. Air Force photos by Tech. Sgt. Amber Carter)

Located at a forward operating base Marines, with their MOLLE (Modular Light weight Load-carrying Equipment) packs fully loaded and carrying their 5.56 mm Colt M16A2 Assault Rifles, lineup in preparation to board a KC-130/R, with engines running, from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron-352 (VMGR-352). The Marines, from 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU (SOC)), are boarding for a flight back into Kandahar, Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: 26th MEU

100115-F-2034C-082A satellite transmitter for communications is offloaded from a C-130 Hercules Jan. 15, 2010 after arriving at Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The C-130, from the 2nd Airlift Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, Fayetteville, North Carolina, brought the Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division and their equipment to Haiti as part of the relief efforts being conducted by the DoD. U.S. Southern Command is deploying assets to Haiti to conduct search and rescue operations, damage assessments, and transitions sustained Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief operations in order to prevent human suffering and additional loss of life.

Soldiers assigned to the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School march in formation at the beginning of a Regimental First Formation at Fort Bragg, North Carolina August 18, 2022. The ceremony marked the completion of the Special Forces Qualification Course where Soldiers earned the honor of wearing the green beret, the official headgear of Special Forces.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division prepare to board a U.S. Air Force C-5 Galaxy to disembark tactical vehicles during exercise Rolling Thunder on Fort Drum, New York, March 24, 2023. This exercise is a live-fire artillery event that tested the 10th Marine Regiments ability to operate in a simulated littoral environment against a peer threat in a dynamic and multi-domain scenario.

220831-N-AS200-1071 - POINT MUGU, Calif. (Aug. 31, 2022) - Vice Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF) greets air crew assigned to the Black Eagles of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 113 during his trip to Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), Point Mugu, Aug. 31. CNAF mans, trains, and equips deployable, combat-ready Naval Aviation forces for superior combat readiness. NBVC is a strategically located Naval installation composed of three operating facilities: Point Mugu, Port Hueneme and San Nicolas Island. NBVC is the home of the Pacific Seabees, West Coast E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes, three warfare centers and 80 tenants.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Danny Johnston and Master Sgt. Justin King, C-130 Loadmasters from the 130th Airlift Wing, McLaughlin Air National Guard Base, Charleston, West Virginia, perform a precheck on a C-130J Hercules aircraft during Agile Rage 22 at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Mich., June 9, 2022. Agile Rage 22 is a National Guard Bureau-led exercise that provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

220614-N-GW654-1289 NAVAL AIR STATION NORTH ISLAND, Calif. (Jun. 14 , 2022) - Vice Adm. Eric Janicot, Admiral Naval Aviation (ALAVIA), Marine Nationale (French Navy), middle, and Capt. Marc Bourdilleau, Chief of Naval Air Training & Operations, Marine Nationale, rear, board a P-8A Posiedon assigned to the Screaming Eagles” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 1, during a visit to Naval Air Station North Island, Calif. ALAVIA is the French counterpart to Commander, Naval Air Forces, and his visit exemplifies the longstanding alliance between the U.S. and France.

Airmen of the 107th Attack Wing step off of a C-17 Globemaster III, concluding a Readiness Exercise on Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, Niagara Falls NY, April 7, 2022. The purpose of the Readiness Exercise is to demonstrate the 107th Attack Wings capability to generate personnel and cargo under contested, degraded and operationally limited conditions.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 6th Maintenance Squadron at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, conduct maintenance checks on a KC-135 Stratotanker during the 6th Air Refueling Wings Agile Combat Employment capstone exercise at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Aug. 25, 2022. The KC-135 provides the core aerial refueling capability for the United States Air Force and has excelled in this role for more than 60 years.

Soldiers from the Tennessee National Guards 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion offload from a C-17 aircraft piloted by the 164th Airlift Wing at Grayling Army Airfield in Grayling, MI August 1, 2022. The 1-230th AHB is in Grayling to take part in Northern Strike 22. Northern Strike 22 tests multi-component and coalition forces through a challenging, realistic and detailed scenario based on relevant real-world security challenges and future conflicts (Michigan Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. Chris Estrada).

C-17 Globemaster III pilots and loadmasters assigned to the 14th Airlift Squadron celebrate Maj. Daniel Nortons final flight with the 14th AS at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., June 27, 2022. The aircrew performed low-level, assault landings, and touch and go maneuvers at Jacksonville International and Patrick Space Force Base, FL, to sharpen the crews mission readiness in Agile Combat Employment scenarios.

U.S. Air Force members prepare to marshall a C-17 Globemaster III participating in EXPLODEO at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Jan. 24, 2024. EXPLODEO exemplifies JB Charleston's proficiency in adapting quickly to the evolving global landscape, utilizing a crawl, walk, run approach to ensure peak readiness for critical response when it matters most.

U.S. Airmen with the 104th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, load an AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range, Air-to-Air missile onto 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.

U.S. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 24 conduct a live demonstration of the inflation of a survival life raft, Marine Corps Air Station, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, March 10, 2023. The purpose of this demonstration was to teach Marines with MAG-24 the proper way to use the survival life raft in an emergency situation.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 60th Air Mobility Wing marshal a Tunner 60K aircraft cargo loader toward the cargo ramp of a C-17 Globemaster III during readiness exercise Roundel Perun 22-01, Travis Air Force Base, California, April 10, 2022. Airmen from multiple squadrons participated in the base exercise testing the ability to employ rapid mobility capabilities during possible real-world scenarios.

Tech. Sgt. Jessica Chatfield, a crew chief on the KC-135 Stratotanker from the 127th Air Refueling Group, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, prepares the aircraft for a morning mission Oct. 25, 2022. The KC-135 is operated by the 127th Air Refueling Group, flown by the 171st Air Refueling Squadron and maintained by the 191st Maintenance Squadron. Crew chiefs play a vital role in keeping the KC-135s operational.

U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) prepare to embark an MV-22B Osprey during Weapons and Tactics Instructors (WTI) course 1-23 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Oct. 5, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) prepare to embark an MV-22B Osprey during Weapons and Tactics Instructors (WTI) course 1-23 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Oct. 5, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

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.

Members of the North Carolina National Guard deboard a C-17 Globemaster III, assigned to the 145th Airlift Wing, North Carolina Air National Guard, upon arrival to Joint Base Andrews, Md. Jan. 15, 2021. National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from several states have traveled to Washington D.C. to provide support to federal and district authorities leading up to the 59th Presidential Inauguration.

Members of the 913th Airlift Group conduct multiple scenarios during the group's Agile Herk Exercise, March 30, 2023, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. The Reservists worked over the course of two days to fulfill readiness and annual training requirements during their super drill weekend.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 374th Airlift Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan, conduct operations during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Feb. 8, 2024. JPMRC serves as an opportunity for members of the 36th Airlift Squadron to improve their readiness to deploy under extreme cold-weather conditions, while simultaneously enhancing their ability to operate the C-130J in a challenging tactical environment. Air Force

An Airman answers questions Oct. 13 from Fairborn Chamber of Commerce members about a C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 445th Airlift Wing as part of a tour at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The WPAFB tour fosters a stronger relationship between the base and local community.

Airmen from the 124th Fighter Wing, Boise, Idaho arrive at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, MI, June 4, 2022 to participate in Agile Rage 22. Agile Rage 22 is a National Guard Bureau-led exercise, held June 6-19, 2022 at Alpena CRTC, part of the National All-Domain Warfighting Center, and provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

020314-F-6701P-016. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Francisco Garcia, a crew chief assigned to the 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, guides a landing KC-135 Stratotanker at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Oct 1, 2022. Some aircraft were evacuated to other bases around the country in preparation for Hurricane Ian.

U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers with the 412th and 404th Civil Affairs Battalions conduct airborne operations during Operation Viking at Joint Base Cape Cod, Mass., July 20, 2022. Operation Viking is an intense joint task force exercise designed to prepare soldiers with realistic training simulating deployment of civil affairs units in direct support of a contingency operation in Africa.

A U.S. Air Force loadmaster assigned to the 352d Special Operations Wing, loads a M-142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) on to an MC-130J Commando II in support of Latvian National exercise NAMEJS, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sept 26, 2022. The rapid and joint development of multi-domain long-range precision fires capabilities in Europe is evidence of the strong and unremitting U.S. commitment to NATO, allies and partner nations, and Europe.

Aircraft and maintenance personnel from the 39th and 40th Airlift Squadrons, Dyess AFB, TX, prepare to participate in the operation.(Exact date unknown). Subject Operation/Series: PHOENIX SHARK Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An Airman assigned to the 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron petroleum, oil and lubricant flight watches as a fuel truck refuels a C-130J Super Hercules during the Gnarly Explodeo readiness exercise at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, Feb. 1, 2024. The goal of this Air Mobility Command-directed exercise is to ensure the bases readiness for immediate deployment, emphasizing the speed and precision with which 19th AW forces can be projected to where they are needed most. Air Force

U.S Air Force Maj. Daniel Dunbar and U.S. Air Force Maj. Jason McMullen, pilots assigned to the 105th Airlift Wing, depart a C-17 Globemaster after a training flight at Stewart Air National Guard Base Newburgh, New York, Dec. 07, 2022.

050114-F-3252P-001. Base: Alli Air Base State: Talil Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A U.S. Air Force crew chief prepares a B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron for take off at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, from a routine Bomber Task Force mission, Feb. 24, 2024. BTF enhances readiness, to include joint and multi-lateral, to respond to any potential crisis or challenge in the Indo-Pacific. Air Force

U.S. Air Force personnel carry a wounded Haitian to a U.S. Air Force C-130 at the Port-Au-Prince airport Jan. 15, 2010. Department of Defense assets have been dispatched to Haiti to assist with humanitarian assistance and disaster relief after a magnitude 7 earthquake hit the country on 12 Jan. 2010.

Brazilian paratroopers board a 50th Tactical Airlift Squadron C-130E Hercules aircraft during the joint U.S. / Brazilian exercise Saci '84. Subject Operation/Series: SACI '84 Base: Rio De Janeiro Country: Brazil (BRA)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Paige Sportsman, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing fuels an MV-22 Osprey at Camp Okadama, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 6, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms and maneuver across multiple domains.

US Air Force personnel from the 437th Airlift Wing, Charles AFB, South Carolina transport their luggage from a USAF C-17 Globemaster III aircraft temporarily while deployed to Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. Members of the 437th Airlift Wing are temporarily deployed to Barksdale AFB, along with their aircraft to protect the aircraft from physical damage, which could result during Hurricane Bonnie. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army paratroopers with 1st Battalion, 503rd Airborne Infantry Regiment and 4th Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade load onto a C-17 Globemaster III in preparation for a Joint Forcible Entry airborne operation as part of African Lion 22 at Aviano Air Base, June 21, 2022. African Lion 2022 is U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia, June 6 - 30. More than 7,500 participants from 28 nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. AL22 is a joint all-domain, multi-component, and multinational exercise, employing a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants and set the theater for strategic access.

Maintainers from the 158th Fighter Wing meet pre-flight discussion at the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, April 2, 2023. The training mission is first Agile Combat Employment training exercise for the Vermont Air National Guard.

Members of Joint Task Force - Alaska off load equipment and supplies after arriving 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 Dana Rosso)

U.S. Navy and Air Force service members assigned to the Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 134 and the 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Management Flight complete a joint hot-pit refueling on a U.S.Navy EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft, Aug. 10, 2022, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. This was the first joint hot-pit refueling on the aircraft for Spangdahlem AB, enhancing air defense and joint capabilities.

Personnel from Travis Air Force Base, California board the C-5 Galaxy that will take them home after being deployed for the Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI), which tested a unit's ability to operate in a simulated environment. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: CRISIS REACH 95-02NORTHERN PIKE Base: Cold Lake State: Alberta (AB) Country: Canada (CAN)

Members of 147th Reconnaissance Wing, Texas Air National Guard arrive at Valley International Airport, June 29,2010 at Harlingen, Texas. The guardsman have forward deployed to the area to preposition search and rescue and command and control elements as Hurricane Alex pushes towards the south Texas coast.

030311-F-1698M-005. Base: Lajes Field Country: Azores (AZR) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Alaska Air and Army National Guardsmen return to Fairbanks, Alaska, Sept. 30 from assisting Nome community residents affected by the remnants of Typhoon Merbok. The Alaska Joint Task Force members removed more than 180,000 pounds of storm-related debris and logged more than 3,000 work hours across 32 communities. (Alaska National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

041117-F-5145S-005. Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

220705-M-GI936-1267 KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (July 5, 2022) - Personnel with the Canadian Armed Forces unload a Royal Canadian Air Force CC-177 Globemaster at Marine Corps Base Hawaii during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

A1C Seth Gano (standing next to vehicle), 621st Aerial Port Squadron, McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, marshals a High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), with a trailer hitched behind it, belonging to Delta Battery, 319th Field Artillery, Vicenza, Italy into a C-17 Globemaster III for redeployment during JOINT ENDEAVOR. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Tuzla Air Base Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

Alaska Air National Guardsmen assigned to the 144th Airlift Squadron arrive at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, after bringing service members and emergency supplies to Nome Airport, Sept. 21, 2022. Approximately 100 members of the AKOM, which includes members of 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.

Members with the 374th Maintenance Squadron pull a C-130 Hercules at Yokota Air Base, Japan, April 15, 2016. The aircraft was pulled as part of the 374th Maintenance Groups Maintenance Rodeo Competition, which pits squadrons against each other in various tasks to win points toward an award and bragging rights.

040414-F-5098W-002. Base: RAF Fairford State: Suffolk Country: United Kingdom (GBR)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Nestor Soriano, 17th Special Operations Squadron AC-130J Ghostrider pilot, speaks to members of the Japan Self-Defense Force members from Komaki Air Base, Japan and U.S. Air Force 27th Special Operation Wing, from Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., during a static display of the AC-130J at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Nov. 18, 2022. These exchanges demonstrate continuous military partnerships that are vital to maintaining readiness and interoperability between the U.S. and our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Alexis Sandoval)

A group of U.S. Army Paratroopers, assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division and Warrior Training Center, walks in formation to board a C-130 aircraft with their T-11 parachute during Exrcise Falcon Leap on Eindhoven Air Base, Eindhoven, Netherlands., Sep. 13, 2022. More than 1000 Paratroopers from all over the world, 13 different nationalities, multiple airdrops per day, and training with each other equipment for two weeks. this is NATO's largest technical airborne exercise

Brigadier General Albert H. Wilkening, USAF, (center), the Deputy Adjutant General of the Wisconsin Air National Guard shakes hands with each member of the 128th Air Refueling Wing (Wisconsin Air National Guard) as they board a KC-135 Stratotanker for deployment in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Operation ENDURING FREEDOM is in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), fighting terrorism abroad. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: General Mitchell Angb, Milwaukee State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Aircrew, assigned to the 37th Bomb Squadron, board a B-1B Lancer at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., for a long-distance CONUS-to-CONUS mission into the Indo-Pacific region, Sept 10, 2022. Training outside the U.S. enables aircrew and Airmen to become familiar with other theaters and airspace, and enhances the enduring skills necessary to confront a broad range of global challenges.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 146th Airlift Wing load a C-130J Hercules aircraft on Channel Islands Air National Guard Station Dec 3, 2022. The Airmen were deploying overseas for several months.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Avalon McGuigan, right, and Lance Cpl. Mathew Chavis, of 2nd Landing Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, approach a KC-130J Hercules prior to conducting static line airborne operations during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Sept. 30, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, providing standardization advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness and assist in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 unload a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during Korean Marine Exercise Program (KMEP) on the 1st Republic of Korea Marine Corps Division Base in Pohang, Republic of Korea, July 20, 2022. KMEP is a bilateral training exercise that increases interoperability and strengthens the combined capabilities of Republic of Korea Marines and U.S. Marines.

040912-F-3005G-007. Base: Hurlburt Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Base leadership salute U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. as he departs Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Aug. 7, 2022. The purpose of Browns visit was to tour the base as he discussed innovation, modernization and Airmen initiatives with personnel from a variety of career fields. The mission of Andersen AFB is to project Airpower, expand combat capability and strengthen partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, board MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing during Exercise Shinka 22.1, Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Japan, June 9, 2022. Shinka exemplifies a shared commitment to realistic training that produces lethal, ready, and adaptable forces capable of decentralized operations across a wide range of missions.

Japan Air Self-Defense Force Staff Sgt. Ippei Fujiwara, 3rd Tactical Airlift Wing Maintenance and Supply Group Inspection Squadron airplane general, marshalls a Kawasaki C-2 during bilateral training at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Sept. 26, 2022. The 3-day training focused on interoperability between the C-2 and C17 Globemaster III to identify best practices for future operations within the Indo-Pacific region.

041106-F-0885H-017. Base: Gowen Field State: Idaho (ID) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ryan Caffrey, an MV-22B Osprey crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265, waits for passengers on the flight line at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, June 13, 2022. VMM-265 is supporting Fuji Viper Shinka 22 in order to enhance lethality and train bilaterally with 4th Marine Regiment and the Japan Ground Self Defense Force.

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. - U.S. Air Force Gen. Glen VanHerck, commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, U.S. Army Gen. James Dickinson, commander of U.S. Space Command, U.S. Space Force Col. Shay Warakomski, commander of Space Base Delta 1, and U.S. Space Force Col. Marc Sands, director of staff for Space Operations Command, welcome Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III as he arrives at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, May 24, 2022. Austin visited the U.S. Air Force Academy to deliver the keynote address at the graduation ceremony on May 25, 2022.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, board a plane to deploy to the U.S. Army Europe and Africa area of operations, from Fort Hood, Texas, July 13, 2022. The Fort Hood-based 3ABCT, 1CD will go to Europe to reassure NATO allies, deter Russian aggression and to be prepared to support a range of other requirements in the region.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Daniel Gasperich, 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, turns the propeller of a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan, during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Feb. 9, 2024. Hosted by the U.S. Army, JPMRC is an annual exercise that prepares forces for deployment operations in an Arctic environment. It includes situational training and live-fire exercises in an effort to refine the large-scale combat capabilities needed in cold-weather conditions. Air Force

Members of Jumpmaster School Class 007-22 prepare to board a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft during a mission in support of the U.S. Army Jumpmaster School in Fort Benning, Georgia, Aug. 17, 2022. The cooperation between the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force is vital to the success of the training curriculum of the Army Airborne School and Jumpmaster School.

5th Bomb Wing pilots board the B-52H Stratofortress for an upcoming Bomber Task Force mission at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Aug. 17, 2022. The BTF integrated with partners and allies to demonstrate the bombers ability to operate over long ranges.

1st Special Operations Squadron loadmasters, observe a 1st SOS MC-130J Commando II during the Flight of the Flock formation at Kadena Air Base, Japan Jan. 6, 2022. This formation showcased the 1st SOS MC-130J Commando II.

U.S. Marines assigned to the Aviation Combat Element, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), disembark their aircraft during a deployment homecoming aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Oct. 9, 2022. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 22nd MEU returned home after completing a seven-month deployment with the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. Naval Sixth Fleet area of operations.

A member of the 147th Attack Wing Aircraft Maintenance Squadron watches as an MQ-9 Reaper prepares to taxi at Scholes International Airport in Galveston, Texas on January 10, 2024. The Wing tested satellite launch and recovery operations at Scholes International Airport in Galveston as part of its innovative approach to the Agile Combat Employment Concept.

U.S. Air Force 55th Fighter Squadron (FS) pilots approach the flightline at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Nov. 10, 2022. The 55th FS Shooters” train to provide an agile, multi-role force for the United States and allied nations.

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