AF Week in Photos

AF Photo of the Week
This week's AF Photo of the Week comes from Airman Evan Manalastas
A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron approaches an austere grass landing zone in Iceland, Aug. 23, 2026. Personnel from the 435th Contingency Response Group surveyed and marked the strip during exercise Northern Viking 26 to practice rapid combat power projection across the North Atlantic. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Edgar Grimaldo) Grass landing
Air Force One, flanked by F-35A Lightning II aircraft, performs a flyover near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Aug. 23, 2026. The flyover was part of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix held along a portion of the National Mall. (U.S. Airforce photo by Andy Morataya) Wings over Washington
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 147th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron perform postflight checks on an MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, Aug. 21, 2026. The aircraft, assigned to the Texas Air National Guard's 147th Attack Wing, deployed to Iceland to support allied interoperability during exercise Northern Viking 26. (U.S. Air Force photo by Air Force Senior Airman Edgar Grimaldo) Reaper ready
The 97th Air Mobility Wing command team participates in the 28th Annual Cattle Drive at Altus Air Force Base, Okla., Aug. 20, 2026. Hosted at the installation since 1999, the tradition honors the region’s ranching heritage and strengthens community relations in southwest Oklahoma. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kari Degraffenreed) Spurs and stripes
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Sullivan Cox, a 48th Component Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion journeyman, demonstrates jet engine testing for military families during a spouse immersion tour at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, Aug. 19, 2026. The tour provided families with a behind-the-scenes look at the squadron’s role in sustaining the 48th Fighter Wing’s mission readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Evan Manalastas) Jet blast
A U.S. Air Force aircraft metals technology specialist uses a plasma cutter to shape raw materials at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Aug. 14, 2026. Metals technology specialists use precision welding and machining to manufacture critical components, keeping regional combat aircraft mission ready. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Justin W. Moore) Sparking combat readiness
Faro, a 509th Security Forces Squadron military working dog, leaps through training drills with his handler at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., Aug. 14, 2026. Military working dogs support global strike missions and base security by detecting explosives and neutralizing physical threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hastings) Air Faro
Capt. Nick Le Tourneau, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander and pilot, performs an aerial demonstration during the Chicago Air and Water Show in Chicago, Ill., Aug. 14, 2026. Condensation forms around the aircraft due to rapid changes in air pressure and humidity during high-speed maneuvers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mary Bowers) Breaking the barrier
Air National Guard civil engineers establish a defensive perimeter during dismounted operations training as part of exercise Patriot Forge II at Fort Devens, Mass., Aug. 11, 2026. The training supported Agile Combat Employment concepts to enhance unit resilience, survivability, and combat power. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Gadiel Concepcion Adorno) Ground game
A quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicle patrols near a simulated downed unmanned aircraft during exercise Northern Strike 26-2 at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Mich., Aug. 10, 2026. Northern Strike is a joint, multinational exercise conducted at Michigan’s National All-Domain Warfighting Center to maximize combat readiness. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Elise Wahlstrom) Robodog
C-17 Globemaster IIIs taxi across the flightline at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., Aug. 4, 2026. The C-17 provides rapid global mobility in support of national objectives worldwide. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Braxton Grant Stokes) Ready to roll
Senior Airman Vicen’te Thompkins, a 337th Air Control Squadron weapons simulation technician, coaches a youth football team in Panama City, July 31, 2026. Thompkins balances active-duty military service with his roles as a husband, father of four, and mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters and New Horizons. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Amanda Alvarez) Youth football coach
F-35A Lightning IIs, F-16 Fighting Falcons, F-22 Raptors and a KC-135 Stratotanker conduct sorties over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex near Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 13, 2026. The flight provided Gen. Gregory Guillot, commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, and Danish Gen. Michael Hyldgaard, chief of defense, a firsthand look at Alaska’s unique training environment while highlighting U.S. and allied readiness and cooperation in the Arctic. (Courtesy photo) Northern strength
Senior Airman Mason Johnson, a munitions systems specialist assigned to the 125th Fighter Wing, conducts munitions familiarization training at Jacksonville Air National Guard Base, Fla., Aug. 11, 2026. The training provided Airmen from across the wing hands-on experience with mission-essential procedures outside their primary Air Force specialties, strengthening adaptability and readiness for agile combat employment. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. N.W. Huertas) Close inspection
A U.S Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Aug. 7, 2026. Aerial refueling extends the range and endurance of combat aircraft supporting operations throughout the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. James K. Thomas) Extending the mission
A C-17 Globemaster III flies over Altus Air Force Base, Okla., Aug. 13, 2026. The C-17 provides rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo while supporting tactical airlift, aeromedical evacuation and airdrop missions worldwide. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jonah Bliss) Bank on it
An F-22 Raptor assigned to the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team flies past pyrotechnic smoke during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 8, 2026. The F-22 is the Air Force’s premier fifth-generation fighter, combining stealth, supercruise and advanced sensor capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Theodore Gowdy) Smoke and thunder
Basic cadets from the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2030 stand in formation during the Acceptance Day Parade at Stillman Field in Colorado Springs, Colo., Aug. 5, 2026. The parade marks the conclusion of Basic Cadet Training and formally welcomes the Class of 2030 into the Cadet Wing as fourth-class cadets after six weeks of mental, physical and military training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner) Acceptance Day
A B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing flies over the Midwest Aug. 5, 2026. The bomber was one of three B-52s refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 350th Air Refueling Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Patrick O’Neill) Above the clouds
U.S. Air Force Maintainers assigned to the 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron conduct preflight inspections on a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 4, 2026. The maintainers verified aircraft systems and equipment ahead of Typhoon Dolphin to ensure the aircraft was ready to support evacuation operations and preserve operational capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Francisco Huerta) Calm before the storm
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Nathan Carver, 48th Component Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion journeyman, works on the routing and clamping of an F100-PW-229 engine at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, Aug. 3, 2026. Carver helps maintain engines that power F-15E Strike Eagle operations at RAF Lakenheath and across multiple theaters. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexander Vasquez) Thrust in the making
Staff Sgt. Amaya Hagler, a 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron medical technician, checks the vital signs of a simulated patient portrayed by a U.S. Army Soldier assigned to Charlie Company, 5th Battalion, 159th General Support Aviation Battalion, during tactical aeromedical evacuation and joint-service patient transfer training at Fort Knox, Ky., July 29, 2026. The training integrated mock patient transport and in-flight care aboard an Army UH-60 Black Hawk and an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, enabling patient transition from tactical care to long-range aeromedical evacuation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Patrick O’Reilly) Care Force
Pararescuemen assigned to the 57th Rescue Squadron coordinate the next phase of their mission during Exercise Savage Jackal near Tucson, Ariz., July 24, 2026. The exercise challenged rescue forces to execute time-sensitive personnel recovery missions in darkness, reinforcing their ability to operate in contested environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jenna A. Bond) Under the cover of darkness
A pararescueman assigned to the 38th Rescue Squadron uses a saw to cut through chains on a vehicle to free a simulated injured person during Operation Iron Covenant near Benson, Ariz., July 22, 2026. The training assessed individual proficiency and team effectiveness under realistic conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Najzee Kuzu) Rescue under pressure
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kevin Martinez, a 569th U.S. Forces Police Squadron patrolman, scans the perimeter for targets through his weapon sight during a field training exercise at Kapaun Air Station, Germany, July 23, 2026. The exercise challenged defenders with competing demands that required effective communication and decision-making under pressure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paden Lancaster) Eyes downrange
An F-22 Raptor assigned to the Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team performs during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 8, 2026. The team performs precision aerial maneuvers at air shows and open houses worldwide to demonstrate the capabilities of the fifth-generation fighter aircraft. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Moon) Flying with flare
A C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the Air Force C-17 Demonstration Team at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, performs during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 8, 2026. The C-17 provides rapid strategic delivery of personnel and cargo to main operating bases and forward locations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Moon) Over the mountain
A KC-46A Pegasus, 141st Air Refueling Squadron, 108th Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, flies over Wausau, Wis. Aug. 5, 2026. The mission offloaded 40,000 pounds of fuel, supporting operational readiness and integration between Air National Guard units. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Capt. Michael Hong) Sky breaker
Senior Airman Osvaldo Vargas, a 22nd Maintenance Squadron aircraft metals technology specialist, performs metal inert gas welding at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., July 30, 2026. The welding arc generates heat to melt and fuse metal while shielding gas protects the weld area from atmospheric contamination. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Matthew Nguyen) Sparks fly
Maj. Taylor Hiester, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team commander and pilot, performs aerial maneuvers in an F-16C Fighting Falcon during AirVenture at Oshkosh, Wis., July 24, 2026. The F-16 is a multirole fighter capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, and its dynamic demonstrations showcase the aircraft’s versatility across the United States and abroad. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Steven Cardo) Viper demo

 


 

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