AF Week in Photos

Photo of the Week
This week's AF Photo of the Week comes from Tech. Sgt. Timothy Leddick.
Staff Sgt. Philip Slick performs pushups under pressure during the 101st Air Refueling Wing Security Forces Squadron Best Defender Competition in Bangor, Maine, July 27, 2026. The competition tested security forces Airmen's proficiency in land navigation, marksmanship, tactical fitness, doctrine knowledge and endurance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Andrew Sinclair) One more for the 101st
U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors assigned to the 27th and 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadrons taxi to the runway during readiness exercise Beverly Beach 26-1 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 3, 2026. The exercise strengthens readiness to deter aggression and defend the shared interests of the United States and Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathaniel Jackson) Raptors lead the way
Maj. Sean Laughlin, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team commander, performs an aerial maneuver during the Arctic Lightning Air Show at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 2, 2026. The demonstration showcased the advanced capabilities of the F-35A Lightning II while highlighting the skill, precision and professionalism of Air Force personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Colin Perkins) Lightning show
Airman 1st Class Kaitlyn Hunter, assigned to the 421st Fighter Generation Squadron, and other Aircraft Armament Systems specialists assigned to the 388th Maintenance Group participate in a quarterly weapons-loading competition at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, July 24, 2026. The competition encourages Airmen to hone their skills while demonstrating the speed and precision required to safely load weapons onto F-35A Lightning II aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Rupiper) Fast load
Recently deployed Airmen hug their families after returning to Bangor Air National Guard Base, Maine, July 27, 2026. The Airmen returned home following a routine deployment to an undisclosed location in Europe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Andrew Sinclair) Welcome home
Pararescuemen assigned to the 57th Rescue Squadron, based at Aviano Air Base, Italy, conduct a vehicle extraction of an isolated person during Exercise Savage Jackal at Playas, N.M., July 26, 2026. The training enhanced the squadron's capability to recover isolated personnel from damaged vehicles while preparing rescue forces to respond to complex real-world contingencies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jenna A. Bond) Vehicle rescue
A YFQ-42A Dark Merlin Collaborative Combat Aircraft assigned to the Collaborative Combat Aircraft Experimental Operations Unit approaches Creech Air Force Base, Nev., July 22, 2026. The aircraft is designed to increase tactical flexibility by operating alongside crewed aircraft in contested, dynamic environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Jacobsen) Future of the Force
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker for aerial refueling in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, July 22, 2026. Aerial refueling extends the aircraft's range, endurance and operational flexibility, enabling fighter aircraft to project combat airpower and sustain operations across the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Adriana Jordan-Alcaniz) Falcon fueling
Security forces Airmen assigned to the Ohio Air National Guard's 178th Security Forces Squadron prepare for an ambush exercise during annual training at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, July 19, 2026. The training strengthens tactical proficiency, teamwork and expeditionary readiness while operating in unfamiliar terrain and austere conditions. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Tiffany Scofield) Ambush
Staff Sgt. Conner Montgomery, 824th Base Defense Squadron force production analyst, displays first-person-view drone goggles at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., July 14, 2026. Using first-person-view drones provides a flexible capability that supports reconnaissance, force protection and operations in environments that may be difficult to access by ground. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Noah Noonan) Drone warfare
Basic cadets march to Jacks Valley during Basic Cadet Training at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 12, 2026. The training marked the beginning of the second phase of Basic Cadet Training at Jacks Valley, where basic cadets completed field exercises, land navigation and weapons training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni) Marching in formation
Airmen from the 32nd Aerial Port Squadron load a forklift aboard a static C-5 Galaxy during exercise Steel Anvil at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., July 11, 2026. Steel Anvil is the Air Force Reserve's first flyaway exercise conducted at the squadron level specifically for air transportation specialists to test the skills and competencies of Port Dawgs in contested conditions and scenarios including inclement weather. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Timothy Leddick) Slippery when wet
Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs fly in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility July 2, 2026. The aircraft deliver advanced airpower capabilities that enhance combat readiness and support regional security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Tiffany A. Emery) Double trouble
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Malcom Dixon and Staff Sgt. Reynold Lewis, 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion journeymen, retorque propeller nuts on a C-130J Super Hercules engine at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 17, 2026. Routine engine maintenance helps keep C-130Js mission ready for tactical airlift operations across U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Edgar Grimaldo) Mission ready
Therapy dogs wait to greet returning service members at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., July 8, 2026. Therapy dogs support morale and help create a welcoming environment for Airmen returning home from deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Marharyta Chumakova) Fur force
Senior Airman Martin Palomino, a 552nd Operations Support Squadron survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialist, works with Airmen to secure a canopy over a life raft during water survival training at Altus Air Force Base, Okla., July 10, 2026. SERE specialists led the Airmen as they practiced properly securing the canopy to the raft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Emma Wright) Water survival training
A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing takes a defensive position during an opposing-force training scenario for Beverly Sentinel 26-4 at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, July 22, 2026. The realistic training required personnel to adapt to complex challenges and strengthened their ability to execute the mission under high-stress conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tabatha Chapman) Eyes on target
U.S. Air Force Airmen prepare to transport U.S. Marines and equipment aboard a C-17 Globemaster III before departing Simón Bolívar International Airport at Maiquetía, Venezuela, July 16, 2026. At the direction of U.S. Southern Command, the military is supporting State Department-led U.S. disaster assistance for the people of Venezuela following the June 24 earthquakes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Devin M. Rumbaugh) Night moves
Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari, a 49th Wing public affairs specialist, interviews actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise during his visit to Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., July 12, 2026. Sinise discussed his support for the military community through the Gary Sinise Foundation and Lt. Dan Band performances, which honor service members, veterans, first responders and their families. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ariana Barreto) Foundation of service
Maj. Taylor Hiester, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team commander and pilot, performs aerial maneuvers in an F-16C Fighting Falcon during an air show in Goshen, Ind., July 10, 2026. The multirole fighter demonstrates its air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities during performances across the United States and abroad. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Steven Cardo) Viper show
Basic cadets from the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2030 and cadet cadre march back from Jacks Valley at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 24, 2026. March Back marks the conclusion of the second phase of Basic Cadet Training, during which cadets completed field training designed to develop discipline, resilience, teamwork and warfighting readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni) King of the mountain
An LC-130H Skibird assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing sits on the flightline during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh at Oshkosh, Wis., July 23, 2026. The Experimental Aircraft Association’s annual fly-in convention showcases military, commercial and general aviation through aircraft displays, educational programs and aerial demonstrations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Jamie Spaulding) Skibird and a show
Basic cadets from the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2030 participate in a culminating exercise during Basic Cadet Training at Jacks Valley, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., July 23, 2026. The culminating exercise tested field skills, teamwork, discipline and decision-making as basic cadets build warfighting readiness during the second phase of BCT. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) Halt
A C-130H Hercules from the 302nd Airlift Wing, call sign MAFFS 2, sits on the flightline at sunset at Klamath Falls, Ore., July 22, 2026. The aircraft is equipped with a U.S. Forest Service-owned Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System and supports aerial firefighting missions across the West Coast, augmenting the civilian air tanker fleet when commercial resources are fully committed. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo) Flightline sunset
Master Sgt. Matthew Kirkpatrick, a member of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa Band, performs with the Hungarian Riot Police Band during a Freedom 250 event in Budapest, Hungary, July 2, 2026. The USAFE-AFAFRICA Band supports Freedom 250 by strengthening partnerships and engaging communities throughout Hungary through musical performances. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Rito Smith) Budapest ballad
A contractor welds a 6-inch Schedule 40 HVAC pipe during an infrastructure improvement project, July 14, 2026, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. The project supports quality-of-life improvements for Airmen and their families. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Matthew S. Domingos) Sparks fly
F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 17th Weapons Squadron taxi for a mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., July 7, 2026. The squadron provides graduate-level advanced tactics training for F-15E aircrews. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Annika Schermerhorn) Follow the leader
An F-22A Raptor assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron takes off for a mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., July 7, 2026. The squadron conducts operational testing of fighter aircraft and munitions for Air Combat Command. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Annika Schermerhorn) Raptor mission
A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing undergoes inspection and maintenance inside a hangar, July 1, 2026, at RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom. The aircraft was de-paneled and inspected by multiple maintenance organizations during a two-day maintenance effort. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cody J. A. Mott) Anatomy of airpower
Basic cadets from the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2030 complete the Assault Course during Basic Cadet Training at Jacks Valley, July 17, 2026. The training develops confidence, teamwork, discipline, and resilience as the cadets build warfighting readiness during the second phase of their training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) Accepting the challenge

 

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