AF Year in Photos U.S. Air Force Logo Jan. 7, 2022 50th EARS provide fuel to F-15s/F-16s An F-15E Strike Eagle departs after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Aircraft Refueling Squadron, during an air refueling mission over Southwest Asia, Dec. 22, 2020. The Strike Eagle is a dual-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, demonstrating U.S. Air Forces Central’s posture to deter regional aggressors. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Trevor T. McBride) Details Download The 30th anniversary of Spirit 03 First Lt. Allison Wohnoutka, an AC-130J Ghostrider weapon systems officer with the 4th Special Operations Squadron, places a wreath on a grave during a memorial ceremony for the 30th anniversary of Spirit 03 at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola Naval Air Station, Fla., Jan. 31, 2021. Spirit 03, an AC-130H Spectre gunship with 14 crewmembers, was shot down by an Iraqi surface-to-air missile while conducting a combat mission during Operation Desert Storm. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Miranda Mahoney) Details Download 350th EARS provides fuel to F-15 An F-15E Strike Eagle departs after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 350th Expeditionary Aircraft Refueling Squadron, during an in-flight refueling mission over Southwest Asia, Feb. 1, 2021. The F-15E is a dual-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Trevor T. McBride) Details Download Ground Fog in the early morning A C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron sits on the flightline during the morning fog at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 25, 2021. The C-130J is capable of performing in-flight refueling, ground fueling, weather reconnaissance, electronic warfare, medical evacuation, search and rescue, paradrop, maritime mission and special operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe) Details Download U.S. Air Force Academy Track and Field Air Force Invitational 2021 Air Force Academy cadet La'Akea Aiu competes in the 60-meter hurdles during the Air Force Invitational at the Cadet Field House at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., Jan. 22, 2021. The men and women’s team won a collective five first-place finishes including the men's team title. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) Details Download COVID-19 vaccine arrives at Aviano Airmen assigned to the 31st Medical Group receive their first COVID-19 vaccination at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Jan. 8, 2021. Inoculations for the 31st Fighter Wing were given in a tiered approach, with first-tier recipients including health care workers and first responders getting priority. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. K. Tucker Owen) Details Download CMSAF takes part in Dover mission brief Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass speaks with Senior Airman Anthony Ashcroft, an aircraft structural maintenance journeyman assigned to the 166th Airlift Wing, at Dover Air Force Base, Del., Jan. 7, 2021. Located near New Castle, Del., the 166th AW is home to the Delaware Air National Guardsmen who maintain and fly the C-130 Hercules in support of strategic airlift and airdrop. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Stephani Barge) Details Download 379th ESFS and EOD team up for counter UAS training Tech. Sgt. Brook A. Hamilton, noncommissioned officer in charge of explosive ordnance disposal training for the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron, places an XRS-150 X-ray in front of a simulated downed unmanned aerial system during an exercise at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Dec. 11, 2020. The 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron and 379th ECES Airmen work together to detect and defend against adversarial small UAS that pose a potential threat to the safety and security of Al Udeid AB. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Brigette Waltermire) Details Download 350th EARS fuels B-52 Bomber Task Force A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress from the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., departs after receiving fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 350th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, during a bomber task force mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 7, 2021. The B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber that is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds of altitudes of up to 50,000 feet providing a global strike capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Trevor T. McBride) Details Download USAFA DFME Metal Fabrication Lab Cadet 1st Class Isaac Perkins shapes a piece of hot steel into a knife as part of the physical metallurgy class in the mechanical engineering metal fabrication laboratory at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., Feb. 17, 2021. The mission of the Air Force Academy is to educate, train, and inspire men and women to become leaders of character, motivated to lead the Air and Space Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Joshua Armstrong) Details Download Flying High The Thunderbirds, the Air Force's flight demonstration squadron, perform during the Cleveland National Air Show in Cleveland, Ohio, Sept. 6, 2021. The Thunderbirds perform for people around the world to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nicolas Myers) Details Download 355th SFS military working dog team training U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Armando Mendiola, 355th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, and Ootter, 355th SFS MWD, perform a demonstration at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Feb. 16, 2021. The bond between a handler and dog is crucial to the success of each MWD team. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sergio A. Gamboa) Details Download 36th Airlift Squadron supports ACE at Cope North 21 An F-35 Lightning II assigned to the 356th Fighter Squadron takes off to participate in an agile combat employment scenario at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam during exercise Cope North 21, Feb. 16, 2021. Engagements incorporating ACE concepts in “less than optimal environments” improve interoperability among forces and help allies and partners increase their capabilities, creating the greatest possible opportunity for long-term advancement of combined interests. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Duncan C. Bevan) Details Download 350th EARS provides fuel to E-3 A U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system arrives to receive fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 350th Expeditionary Aircraft Refueling Squadron, during a mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Feb. 12, 2021. The AWACS provides situational awareness of friendly, neutral and hostile activity, command and control of an area of responsibility, battle management of theater forces, all-altitude and all-weather surveillance of the battle space, and early warning of enemy actions during joint, allied and coalition operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Trevor T. McBride) Details Download 37th Helicopter Squadron provides helicopter security response for ICBM mission Staff Sgt. Jacob Wilson, 37th Helicopter Squadron special missions aviator, watches the tail rotor of a UH-1 Iroquois while the aircraft lands near F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., Feb. 10, 2021. The UH-1, which entered military service in 1959, is used by the U.S. Air Force to support intercontinental ballistic missile sites. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cole Yardley) Details Download Bomber trifecta perform flyover at Super Bowl LV Air Force Global Strike Command bombers perform the Super Bowl LV flyover at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., Jan. 7, 2021. The trifecta was the first of its kind as it included a B-1B Lancer from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., a B-2 Spirit from Whiteman AFB, Mo., and a B-52H Stratofortress from Minot AFB, N.D. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jacob B. Wrightsman) Details Download 91st Air Refueling Squadron supports Super Bowl flyover Two B-1B Lancers assigned to Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., fly in formation above the Gulf of Mexico, Feb. 7, 2021. A B-1 performed alongside a B-2 Spirit and a B-52 Stratofortress during the Super Bowl LV flyover at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ryan C. Grossklag) Details Download First female Muslim chaplain graduates from Air Force Chaplain Corps College First Lt. Saleha Jabeen, a graduate of Basic Chaplain Course Class 21A, raises her hands in prayer during a group prayer at the start of the graduation ceremony at the Ira C. Eaker Center for Leadership Development at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., Feb. 5, 2021. Jabeen, a native of India, is the first female Muslim chaplain to serve in the U.S. military. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jackson Manske) Details Download Nightvision on a Nightflight Staff Sgt. Tyler Fee, a boom operator with the 91st Air Refueling Squadron at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., refuels a C-17 Globemaster with the 437th Airlift Wing at Charleston AFB, S.C., Feb. 3, 2021. The aircrew on the flight was a mix of both active-duty and reserve Airmen, all assigned to MacDill AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tiffany A. Emery) Details Download 906th Air Refueling Squadron refuels the ‘Red Team’ during Red Flag 21-1 at Nellis An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 64th Aggressor Squadron flies over the Nevada Test and Training Range, Nev., Feb. 1, 2021. The F-16 was designed as an air superiority day fighter, then evolved into a successful all-weather multirole aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Rufus) Details Download Refueling the fight during Red Flag 21-2 at Nellis An F-35 Lightning II assigned to the 62nd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., flies over the Nevada Test and Training Range during Red Flag 21-2, March 18, 2021. Red Flag began in 1975 as an aerial combat exercise but has evolved to include war-fighting across air, space and cyberspace domains. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Rufus) Details Download 104th Fighter Squadron participates in Combat Hammer Utah An A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the Maryland Air National Guard’s 104th Fighter Squadron takes off from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, March 17, 2021. The 104th FS participated in a weapons system evaluation program known as Combat Hammer March 9-18. (U.S. Air Force photo by Cynthia Griggs) Details Download U.S.- Japan conducts historic airborne operation A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules drops Japanese soldiers over Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, March 9, 2021, during the Airborne 21 exercise. Airborne 21 is considered the largest U.S.-Japan airborne operation in history. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe) Details Download BTF defenders ensure asset and personnel security Two defenders assigned to the 7th Security Forces Squadron guard a B-1B Lancer on the flight line at Ørland Air Force Station, Norway, March 7, 2021. Eight defenders deployed with the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron to support Bomber Task Force Europe as an Internal Security Response Team to guard war-fighting assets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Colin Hollowell) Details Download Orange Flag Large Force Test Event March 2021 An F-22 Raptor from the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron flies over Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., during exercise Orange Flag, March 2, 2021. Orange Flag is a large force test event that is carried out three times annually by the Air Force Test Center’s 412th Test Wing. (Courtesy photo by Kyle Larson, Lockheed Martin) Details Download Pararescue Personnel Train to Recover Astronauts Pararescue jumpers and combat rescue officers from the 48th Rescue Squadron practice retrieving astronauts from a SpaceX capsule mock-up during the Rescue Force Qualification Course at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., Feb. 23, 2021. The qualification course is hosted by the Department of Defense Human Space Flight Support Office, and provides quarterly training for DoD rescue personnel, partner agencies, and other rescue organizations with real-world instructions for astronaut recovery. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Muncy) Details Download 34th Weapons Squadron competes in Gun Smoke 2021 at Nellis AFB An HH-60G Pave Hawk assigned to the 34th Weapons Squadron lands during a training competition at the Nevada Test and Training Range, Nev., May 18, 2021. The competition incorporated multiple units and career fields and allowed instructors at the U.S. Air Force Weapons School the chance to get out and fly. (U.S. Air Force video screen capture by Airman 1st Class Zachary Rufus) Details Download Air Force 74th Birthday Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass, Gen. John E. Hyten, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Senior Airman Alexis Hill, the youngest Airman present, stand at attention for the national anthem during the Air Force’s 74th birthday celebration at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., Sept. 17, 2021. (U.S. Air Force photo by Eric Dietrich) Details Download U.S. Air Force F-35As and French Rafales perform formation flight over France Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 4th Fighter Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and two Dassault Rafales assigned to the 1/4 Gascogne Fighter Squadron, 113 Saint-Dizier-Robinson Air Base, France, break formation during flight May 18, 2021 over France. The flight was a part of the Atlantic Trident 21, a joint, multinational exercise involving service members from the U.S., France and the U.K. and is aimed at enhancing fourth and fifth-generation integration, combat readiness and fighting capabilities, through conducting complex air operations in a contested environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alexander Cook) Details Download C-5 flare testing A 436th Airlift Wing C-5M Super Galaxy releases flares during a test May 12, 2021, at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The Dover AFB-based aircraft and aircrew released the flares as part of a two-week defensive countermeasures test program with the 46th Test Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.) Details Download 31 OSS ATCs keep their eyes on the sky Staff Sgt. Daniel Cabezas scans the horizon for landing lights and obstructions on the flightline at Aviano Air Base, Italy, May 7, 2021. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke Moeder) Details Download Gen. Rand presented the Order of the Sword An honor guard detail presents the sword used in the Order of the Sword ceremony to honor retired Gen. Robin Rand, former commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 23, 2021. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jacob B. Wrightsman) Details Download CMSAF visits Striker Nation Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass uses the 2nd Operational Support Squadron’s parachute simulator during her visit to Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 22, 2021. Bass spent time with Airmen from across the installation learning about their role in the mission of providing the nation with global strike capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jacob B. Wrightsman) Details Download Col. (Ret.) Gail Halvorsen, the “Berlin Candy Bomber,” visits Hill AFB Retired Air Force Col. Gail Halvorsen, the “Berlin Candy Bomber,” poses for a picture in front of an F-35A Lightning II after a demonstratopm team practice session at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, April 16, 2021. Halvorsen and family members witnessed the F-35 aerial demonstration and then visited with the pilot and team afterward. (U.S. Air Force photo by Todd Cromar) Details Download Eielson AFB generates F-35A fleet for Arctic Gold 21-2 Twenty-five F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 354th Fighter Wing prepare to launch during exercise Arctic Gold, 21-2 April 7, 2021, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Arctic Gold evaluated the 354th FW’s ability to effectively generate aircraft and deploy personnel and cargo from across the wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Beaux Hebert) Details Download 5th generation fighter training Four F-22 Raptors from the 199th Fighter Squadron fly alongside a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron during fifth-generation fighter training near Mount Fuji, Japan, April 1, 2021. The Raptors are currently operating out of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s dynamic force employment concept. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Rebeckah Medeiros) Details Download CMSAF JoAnne S. Bass visits Altus Air Force Base Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass speaks with Airman 1st Class Brianna Cortez, 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron material manager, March 22, 2021, at Altus Air Force Base, Okla. During her visit to Altus AFB, Bass learned about the cultures of multiple squadrons across the wing and how it enables them to deliver elite airpower, including those responsible for providing premier C-17 Globemaster III, KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-46 Pegasus aircrew training worldwide. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Breanna Klemm) Details Download Air National Guard C-130 drops retardant An Air National Guard C-130 Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System 9, out of Reno, Nev., drops retardant on the Beckwourth Complex Fire July 9, 2021, near Frenchman Lake, Cailf. In addition to other resources, three ANG C-130s, two from Nevada and one from California, assisted in battling the fires in Northern California. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Paula Macombe) Details Download CSAF Brown, ACC welcome French Air Force French Air and Space Force Chief of Staff General Philippe Lavigne and U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. walk through the honor guard corridor during a ceremony in Yorktown, Va., July 7, 2021. A commemorative wreath marking 240 years since the Battle of Yorktown was laid by the generals to honor French and American forces who fought together during the siege. In the fall of 1781, the Battle of Yorktown marked the last major battle of the American Revolution against British forces and effectively secured independence for the American colonies following a six-and-a-half-year military struggle. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. River Bruce) Details Download Teak Action 21 Enhances U.S.-Australian Interoperability U.S. and Royal Australian Air Force Airmen observe an MC-130J Air Commando II flying in formation off the coast of New South Wales, Australia, during exercise Teak Action 21, July 3, 2021. Through strict COVID-19 precautions, the 353rd Special Operations Group was able to train bilaterally with RAAF airmen, sharing tactics and procedures to foster increased interoperability across the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Joshua Thompson) Details Download Yokota celebrates the 4th of July Fireworks explode behind a C-130J Super Hercules during a Celebrate America event at Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 2, 2021. The show was part of the Independence Day celebration hosted by the 374th Force Support Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe) Details Download Annual Armed Forces Women’s Rugby Championship 2021 U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy rugby players perform a lineout at the annual Armed Forces Women’s Rugby Championship in Wilmington, N.C., June 26, 2021. Lineouts are performed when the rugby ball goes out of bounds as a means to restart the game. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kimberly Barrera) Details Download Air policing operations Airmen assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, participate in NATO Air Policing operations at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland. NATO Air Policing is a peacetime collective defensive mission that safeguards the integrity of NATO alliance members’ airspace. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Rachel Maxwell) Details Download 315th Airlift Wing Flare Drop A C-17 Globemaster III assigned to Joint Base Charleston deploys flares as part of a training event over the Atlantic Ocean in a military operating area outside Charleston, S.C., June 5, 2021. The C-17 is capable of rapidly and strategically delivering troops and all types of cargo to MOAs or forward-operating bases in deployment areas. The C-17 can perform tactical airlift and airdrop missions as well as transport litters and ambulatory patients during aeromedical evacuations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chris Hibben) Details Download The Key to Missile Field Communication Senior Airman Jeffrey Velvis, 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron missile communications technician, conducts a cable swap June 4, 2021, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. The missile communications section has its own electronics laboratory, and maintains and repairs communications systems used in launch control centers and the information network to Malmstrom AFB’s launch facilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob M. Thompson) Details Download U.S. Air Force Academy Graduation 2021 U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2021 graduates toss their service caps as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly overhead during the academy’s graduation ceremony in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 26, 2021. A total of 1,019 cadets crossed the stage to become the Air Force and Space Force’s newest second lieutenants. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) Details Download U.S Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker Refuels A U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint A U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint assigned to the 763rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron is refueled over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility by a KC-135R Stratotanker assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, during an operation in support of the NATO led Resolute Support Mission to Afghanistan, May 23, 2021. The Rivet Joint is an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform that hosts an extensive sensor suite to allow the crew to detect, identify and geolocate signals throughout the electromagnetic spectrum. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Taylor Crul) Details Download Red Flag-Nellis 21-3 Operations A KC-46A Pegasus assigned to the 22nd Air Refueling Wing, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., takes off for an exercise Red Flag-Nellis 21-3 mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Aug. 3, 2021. The KC-46A is equipped with a refueling boom driven by a fly-by-wire control system, and is capable of fuel offload rates required for large aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis) Details Download New Aircraft Display Senior Airman Gabriel Packwood, 647th Civil Engineer Squadron structures journeyman, breaks up the top layer of a concrete static display pad at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Aug. 3, 2021. The pad is scheduled to house two new model aircraft displayed in front of the 15th Wing headquarters building. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Makensie Cooper) Details Download MQ-9 Reaper touch-and-go An MQ-9 Reaper assigned to the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing, takes off from the flightline at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., Sept. 1, 2021. The wing hosts the global Remotely Piloted Aircraft enterprise and operates 24/7/365. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Emerson Nuñez) Details Download SecAF Kendall staff meeting with USecAF, CSAF, CSO Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall and Under Secretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones speak during Kendall’s first staff meeting with the Department of the Air Force’s service chiefs at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., July 28, 2021. (U.S. Air Force photo by Eric Dietrich) Details Download 74, 75 AMU go head-to-head in load competition Staff Sgt. Wyatte Velasco, 75th Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load crew team chief, and Airman 1st Class Sydney Woo, 75th AMU load crew member, load an A-10C Thunderbolt II with an AGM-65 Maverick missile during a weapons load competition at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., July 23, 2021. The Maverick, an air-to-ground missile designed for close air support, is effective against tactical targets including armor, air defenses and ships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer) Details Download IDLC: Static defense Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Hatton and Tech. Sgt. Timothy White, both security forces Airmen with the 442nd Security Forces Squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., and students at the Integrated Defense Leadership Course, exchange blank fire with opposing forces during a static defense exercise at Camp James A. Garfield Joint Military Training Center, Ohio, July 22, 2021. The IDLC, which takes place at CJAG and Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, was designed to provide reserve security forces Airmen with intensely focused hands-on training to achieve and maintain combat readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Eric M. White) Details Download 40th EAS bring Tac Air to Mid East A 40th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron flying crew chief touches the nose of a C-130J Super Hercules for good luck prior to boarding the aircraft for a mission supporting Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, July 20, 2021. The flexible design of the C-130 enables it to be configured for multiple different missions, allowing one aircraft to perform the role of many and project premier airlift airpower in the USCENTCOM AOR. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brennen Lege) Details Download U.S. Air Force Academy Basic Cadet Training Class of 2025 Master Sgt. Michael Walsh, military training instructor, walks through purple smoke in the basic cadet training assault course at the U.S. Air Force Academy's Jacks Valley in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 13, 2021. Basic cadet training is a six-week program to guide the transformation of new cadets from civilians to military academy cadets prepared to enter a four-year officer commissioning program. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) Details Download Arctic SWAT A C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 815th Airlift Squadron takes part in exercise Arctic SWAT at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 14, 2021. The 815th AS participation enabled the testing of the aircraft and its crew’s capabilities in a different environment from their home station of Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Shelton Sherrill) Details Download Evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport An Afghan child sleeps on the cargo floor of a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, kept warm by the uniform of a C-17 loadmaster, during an evacuation flight from Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 15, 2021. Operating a fleet of Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and active duty C-17s, Air Mobility Command, in support of the Department of Defense, moved forces into theater to facilitate the safe departure and relocation of U.S. citizens, Special Immigration Visa recipients, and vulnerable Afghan populations from Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo) Details Download Ring of Honor Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. greets members of the Tuskegee Airmen after a ceremony at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va., Aug. 14, 2021. Brown was presented a symbolic red jacket, making him an honorary Tuskegee Airman. (U.S. Air Force photo by Eric Dietrich) Details Download Gas station in the Sky A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 117th Air Refueling Squadron, Kansas Air National Guard, Kan., prepares to refuel a B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., over the Indo-Pacific region, during a Bomber Task Force mission, Sept. 14, 2021. The B-52 is a long-range bomber with a range of approximately 8,800 miles, enabling rapid support of BTF missions or deployments and reinforcing global security and stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin M. Rumbaugh) Details Download Seat with a view A 352nd Special Operations Wing flight doctor looks out of the rear of an MC-130J Commando II over Ukraine, Aug. 12, 2021. The 352nd SOW, which is part of U.S. European Command, is ready and postured to project forces at a moment’s notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Izabella Workman) Details Download Fire Party U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Javon Coleman extinguishes a fire during a training exercise at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Aug. 10, 2021. In order to become efficient at their job, Airmen train constantly to improve their skills and responsiveness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Noah Coger) Details Download USecAF Jones DAF staff meeting Under Secretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones greets Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. "Jay" Raymond during a meeting with senior Air Force and Space Force leaders on her first day at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., July 26, 2021. (U.S. Air Force photo by Eric Dietrich) Details Download Show of Force Air Force KC-46 aircraft participate in an elephant walk at Pease Air National Guard Base, N.H., Sept. 8, 2021. The display of aircraft showcased the collective readiness and ability to generate combat airpower at a moment's notice ensuring regional stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Victoria Nelson) Details Download U.S. Air Force Academy Basic Cadet Training Class of 2025 A Class of 2025 cadet completes the assault course during Basic Cadet Training at the U.S. Air Force Academy's Jacks Valley in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 13, 2021. The training is a six-week program to guide the transformation of new cadets from civilians to military academy cadets prepared to enter a four-year officer commissioning program. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) Details Download Military Salute Master Sgt. Christian Navarro-Salazar, 423rd Security Forces Squadron supply and logistics superintendent, salutes during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at RAF Alconbury, United Kingdom, Sept. 9, 2021. Airmen from the 501st Combat Support Wing, cadets from the Alconbury Middle High School junior ROTC and guests came together to pay homage to those who lost their lives during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Eugene Oliver) Details Download Untamed Spirit A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing, conducts aerial refueling operations during a Bomber Task Force mission over the Atlantic Ocean, Sept. 6, 2021. Strategic bomber missions enhance the readiness and training necessary to respond to any potential crisis or challenge around the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Rachel Maxwell) Details Download Thunderbirds perform at the Capital Air Show Six F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds'' perform at the California Capital Air Show in Mather, Calif., Sept. 26, 2021. Since 1953, the Thunderbirds have served as America’s premier air demonstration squadron, entrusted with the vital mission to recruit, retain and inspire past, present and future Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Cory W. Bush) Details Download CMSAF Bass greets Afghan children Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass greets Afghan children during a visit to Liberty Village on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Sept. 25, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for at least 50,000 Afghan evacuees at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Carter) Details Download Robot dog provides demonstration Airmen from the 75th Security Forces Squadron observe a demonstration of a Quad-legged Unmanned Ground Vehicle, also known as a robot dog, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Aug. 24, 2021. The Q-UGV enhances security by increasing security forces’ ability to patrol and monitor the installation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Cynthia Griggs) Details Download Afghanistan evacuees board a C-17 An aircrew assigned to the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron prepares to load qualified evacuees aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan, Aug. 21, 2021. The Department of Defense is committed to supporting the U.S. State Department in the departure of U.S. and allied civilian personnel from Afghanistan, and to evacuate Afghan allies safely. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Taylor Crul) Details Download SECAF speaks at conference Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall speaks at the 2021 Air Force Association Air, Space and Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Md., Sept. 20, 2021. The three-day conference is a professional development forum that offers the opportunity for Department of Defense personnel to participate in forums, speeches, seminars and workshops with defense industry professionals. (U.S. Air Force photo by Wayne Clark) Details Download F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot prepares for flight A pilot from the 55th Fighter Squadron performs pre-flight procedures inside the cockpit of an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Hulman Field Air National Guard Base, Ind., Aug. 19, 2021. Hulman Field is home to the Indiana ANG’s 181st Intelligence Wing. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by 2nd Lt. Jonathan W. Padish) Details Download U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and Air Force Band take NYC Staff Sgt. Marcus Hardy, U.S. Air Force Honor Guard drill team member, warms up before performing in Times Square, New York City, Sept. 17, 2021. The Honor Guard and U.S. Air Force Band performed in Times Square and then performed the next day at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in commemoration of the Air Force’s 74th birthday. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kevin Tanenbaum) Details Download Air Force’s 74th birthday celebration Senior Airman Alexis Hill, the youngest Airman present, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown Jr., Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass and Gen. John E. Hyten, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, cut the cake during the Air Force’s 74th birthday celebration at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., Sept. 17, 2021. (U.S. Air Force photo by Eric Dietrich) Details Download 144th Fighter Wing welcomes F-117s to train with F-15s An F-117 Nighthawk lands at the Fresno Yosemite International Airport, Calif., after conducting a training mission with the local Air National Guard unit, Sept. 15, 2021. Two F-117 pilots were participating in dissimilar air combat training missions with F-15 pilots from the 144th Fighter Wing. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Capt. Jason Sanchez) Details Download Tunnel vision Airmen assigned to the 20th Component Maintenance Squadron engine test cell inspect the inside of an exhaust tube for damage after an engine run at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct. 13, 2021. The tube allows for safe testing of the F110-GE-129 engine’s 15-foot afterburner. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dallin Wrye) Details Download Lightning Challenge Tactical air control party Airmen complete the last of their 12-mile hike during their last day of the Lighting Challenge at Camp Butner, N.C., Oct. 21, 2021. The challenge is an annual event that evaluates TACP specialists from around the globe through tests of agile combat employment, physical ability and marksmanship skill to identify the most outstanding multi-capable Airmen in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Charlye Alonso) Details Download Family reunion following deployment Family members of 128th Air Refueling Wing Airmen welcome home and embrace their loved ones at General Mitchell Field, Milwaukee, Wisc., Oct. 19, 2021. Airmen from the 128th ARW regularly deploy around the world in support of various ongoing operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Kellen Kroening) Details Download Afterburner 360 Two F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" perform the “burner 360” during the Orlando Air and Space Show in Sanford, Fla., Oct. 17, 2021. During the aerial maneuver, the diamond formation of four F-16’s fly in a 360-degree turn with afterburners and air brakes engaged. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew D. Sarver) Details Download USecAF Jones arrival and admin swearing-in ceremony Under Secretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones greets staff members on her first day at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., July 26, 2021. (U.S. Air Force photo by Eric Dietrich) Details Download Cleared to land Capt. Orr Genish, 37th Bomb Squadron weapons systems officer, uses a land mobile radio as he watches a B-1B Lancer land in support of a Bomber Task Force mission at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia, Oct. 17, 2021. Operating with a variety of aircraft and units in the Indo-Pacific, Pacific Air Forces maintains ready and postured forces prepared to respond to and support global operations. (U.S. Air Force by Staff Sgt. Hannah Malone) Details Download Night firefight Airmen assigned to the 27th Special Operations Mission Support Group Mission Sustainment Team 1 and the 33rd Special Operations Squadron fire at a simulated enemy during exercise Coyote Dicer at Melrose Air Force Range, N.M., Oct. 7, 2021. MST members augmented members of the 33 SOS for ground and air operations during the exercise. The biannual event provides ground-air integration training for specialized airpower components at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Candin Muniz) Details Download MST members train during Exercise Coyote Dicer A member of the 27th Special Operations Mission Support Group Mission Sustainment Team 1 aims their weapon at a simulated enemy during exercise Coyote Dicer at Melrose Air Force Range, N.M., Oct. 7, 2021. MST members augmented the 33rd Special Operations Squadron for ground and air operations during the exercise. The biannual event provides ground-air integration training for specialized airpower components at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Storer) Details Download Globemaster sunrise The sun rises over a C-17 Globemaster III on the flight line at March Air Reserve Base, Calif., Oct. 5, 2021. The C-17 is capable of rapid, strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area. The aircraft can perform tactical airlift and airdrop missions and can also transport litters and ambulatory patients during aeromedical evacuations when required. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Carlton Creary) Details Download Answering the challenge Airmen assigned to the 90th Security Forces Squadron participate in Crow Creek Challenge 2021 at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., Oct. 1, 2021. The annual event tests Airmen’s physical abilities and mental fortitude through tasks including fireman and litter carries, a Humvee push, mock explosive ordnance device searches and career field knowledge checks given by security forces subject matter experts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Charles Munoz) Details Download B-2 Spirit flyover A B-2 Spirit assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing flies overhead at RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, Aug. 25, 2021. The flyover was part of a Bomber Task Force mission in which aircraft conduct theater and flight training across Europe and Africa. The BTF missions, which have been occurring since 2018, provide theater familiarization for aircrew members and opportunities for U.S. integration with NATO allies and regional partners. The bomber missions enhance readiness and provide the training necessary for aircrews to respond to any potential crisis or challenge around the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Eugene Oliver) Details Download High-five for reunion A U.S. Airman with Joint Task Force-Crisis Response high-fives a child after helping reunite their family at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan, Aug. 20, 2021. U.S. service members assisted the Department of State with a non-combatant evacuation operation in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Davis Harris) Details Download Taking the oath Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., issues the Oath of Enlistment to 68 Delayed Entry Program applicants in front of the Veterans Day parade review stand in New York City, Nov. 11, 2021. The DEP is a program for recruits who enlist in the Air Force but have not yet attended basic military training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Ryan Conroy) Details Download Reserve Airman prepares COVID-19 vaccination A Reserve Airman assigned to the 307th Medical Squadron prepares a syringe before administering a COVID-19 vaccination at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Nov. 7, 2021. The unit was administering the shots as part of on-going mitigation efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Celeste Zuniga) Details Download Spirit fire U.S. Air Force Academy cadets participate in a spirit-rally bonfire on The Terrazzo at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., Nov. 3, 2021. Cadets held the rally in anticipation of the upcoming Air Force vs. Army football game in Arlington, Texas, Nov. 6. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) Details Download Airmen repair simulated crater for routine training Airmen assigned to the 8th Civil Engineer Squadron repair a simulated crater during routine Rapid Airfield Damage Repair training at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, Nov. 3, 2021. The crater fill is one of many stages involved in the damage repair process that allows Airmen to quickly fix a heavily damaged airfield. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gabrielle Spalding) Details Download Presence patrol A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer flies over the Persian Gulf on a presence patrol above the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility, Oct. 30, 2021. The flight was a five-hour, non-stop multilateral mission with participation from air forces including Bahrain, Egypt, Israel and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jerreht Harris) Details Download Scenic flyover U.S. Air Force and Swedish Air Force members sit on the tail of an MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 352d Special Operations Wing, during a low level formation flight over Sweden, Oct. 26, 2021. The participants honed skills and shared knowledge during a bi-lateral exercise hosted by the Swedish Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Westin Warburton) Details Download All-female flight Female fighter pilots assigned to the 36th and 25th Fighter Squadrons join together before flying a historic all-female flight at Osan Air Base, South Korea, Oct. 25, 2021. The flight is the first time 10 female Airmen have planned, led and flown in a formation together while assigned to Osan AB. Eight of the pilots are A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots and two are F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Vernon Young Jr.) Details Download F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot conducts aerial refueling A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot conducts aerial refueling with an Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker above the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oct. 22, 2021. The F-16 is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that delivers war-winning airpower to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick) Details Download Osprey flight around the United Arab Emirates A U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey assigned to the 8th Expeditionary Special Operations Squadron takes part in a photo chase mission in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sept. 16, 2021. The CV-22 Osprey is a tiltrotor aircraft that combines the vertical takeoff, hover and vertical landing qualities of a helicopter with the long-range, fuel efficiency and speed characteristics of a turboprop aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Wolfram M. Stumpf) Details Download SecAF holiday visit to Minot AFB Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall and North Dakota senators Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven meet with the Airmen of the 54th Helicopter Squadron during their visit to Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Dec. 23, 2021. The senior leaders visited during the holidays to show their appreciation for the Minot AFB Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Wright) Details Download Military Honors Tech. Sgt. Darrell Bactad, Capt. Kalani Guillermo, and Master Sgt. Russell Mesinas, members of the Hawaii Air National Guard’s Honor Guard, display various ceremonial military honors during sunrise at Foster's Point, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Sept. 12, 2021. The mission of the HIANG Honor Guard is to represent the Airmen of the Hawaii ANG to the public and the world while performing a variety of ceremonies with dignity and aloha. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy) Details Download This year's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This annual feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.