Preparing to launch
Staff Sgt. William Howe signals Capt. Travis Keenan that it is clear to taxi out to the runway Dec. 17 at Balad Air Base, Iraq. From preflight inspection through the taxing out of the aircraft, pilot and crew chief stay in constant communication via radio headset or hand signals. Sergeant Howe, a 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, and Captain Keenan, a 22nd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron pilot, are deployed from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Joshua Garcia)