Planes over water — AIR FORCE PHOTOS

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KARMA formation

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron fly in formation over the United Kingdom, May 7, 2026. Members of the 48th Equipment Maintenance Squadron painted the aircraft in a camouflage pattern to honor the legacy of Operation El Dorado Canyon and pay tribute to Capt. Fernando Ribas-Dominicci and Paul Lorence, who were lost during the mission in 1986. Their call sign, “KARMA 52”, was painted on the aircraft in tribute. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Dorian Javidi)

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Ordnance extraction

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Foldes, 39th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal supply noncommissioned officer in charge, checks restraints around a simulated unexploded ordnance prior to ground extraction during Operation Deterrent Viking II at Baumholder Military Training Area, Germany, May 4, 2026. Hosted by Ramstein Air Base, Operation Deterrent Viking II reinforces safety and precision alongside NATO partners while enabling teams to share tactics, techniques and procedures. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kadielle Shaw)

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Night ops

AC-130J Ghostrider pilots assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing perform a defensive maneuver during exercise Emerald Warrior Spiral near Hurlburt Field, Fla., April 14, 2026. As the command’s premier annual training exercise, Emerald Warrior Spiral certifies Air Force Special Operations Command’s ability to provide the joint force flexible, agile and responsive specialized airpower. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Isabel Tanner)

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Desert landing

A C-130 Hercules prepares to land at an undisclosed location in the Middle East, April 16, 2026. The aircraft supports regional airlift operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. James Cason)

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Refueling mission

Capt. Michael Considine, an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot assigned to the 114th Fighter Wing, prepares to receive fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 185th Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air National Guard, during a mission over the Midwest, May 1, 2026. Aerial refueling extends the range and endurance of aircraft, enabling global mobility operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. John Johnson)

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Rapid insertion

A U.S. Army M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System sits near a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 40th Airlift Squadron after a rapid insertion during exercise Balikatan 2026 at Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 23, 2026. The operation demonstrates joint force mobility and alliance strength. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jade M. Caldwell)

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Spring training

Aircrew operating a C-130J with a Modular Aerial Fire Fighting System conduct a water drop during MAFFS spring training at Tahoe National Forest, Calif., April 20, 2026. Training prepares military and civilian crews for wildfire response operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Garrett Wake)

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Above the clouds

Capt. Madeleine Knapp, 1st Lt. Dallion Richards and Capt. John Toohey, 40th Airlift Squadron pilots, monitor flight controls aboard a C-130J Super Hercules during a Maximum Endurance Operation in support of exercise Balikatan near Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 17, 2026. The exercise strengthens alliance readiness and combined operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jade M. Caldwell)

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Preflight prep

An Airman assigned to the 317th Airlift Wing conducts preflight checks inside a C-130J Super Hercules during a Maximum Endurance Operation in support of Exercise Balikatan 2026 at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, April 15, 2026. The exercise strengthens combined readiness and regional security with Philippine partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Neal)

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River Hercs

Four Kentucky Air National Guard C-130J Super Hercules fly over the Ohio River during the Thunder Over Louisville air show at Louisville, Ky., April 18, 2026. The Kentucky Air Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing served as the base of operations for military aircraft participating in the show. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Phil Speck)

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Mission ready

Airmen assigned to the 317th Airlift Wing walk across the flightline in preparation for a maximum endurance operation supporting exercise Balikatan 2026 at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, April 15, 2026. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen alliance capabilities and regional security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Neal)

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Fuel the fight

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refuels a U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II during Operation Epic Fury in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, April 5, 2026. The KC-135 extends the operational reach of coalition aircraft by providing critical aerial refueling support to sustain continuous air operations. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Bomber ready

U.S. Air Force Airmen conduct preflight operations prior to a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber departure in the U.S. Strategic Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Epic Fury, March 29, 2026. The B-2 provided long-range precision strike capabilities, allowing it to penetrate contested environments and hold high-value targets at risk. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Explosive experts

Staff Sgt. Jesse Farrell, 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal team leader, measures inert ordnance during a readiness exercise at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 26, 2026. EOD Airmen simulated explosive hazard response procedures to prepare for real-world scenarios and maintain safe operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jaiyah Lewis)

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Raptor rising

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor takes flight in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Epic Fury, March 20, 2026. During the operation, the F-22 established air superiority by detecting threats, protecting strike packages and enabling coalition aircraft to operate freely in contested airspace. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Making the leap

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Anthony Woodworth, 435th Security Forces Squadron contingency response team member, prepares to jump out of a C-130J Super Hercules during an airborne operation as part of a European Airborne Airlift Conference near Ramstein Air Base, Germany, April 2, 2026. Woodworth was among several 435th SFS Airmen who took part in the operation, demonstrating the unit's ability to integrate with multinational forces in a live airborne environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Trevor Calvert)

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Starry Heights, Centcom Lights

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress receives refuel support from a KC-135 Stratotanker during Operation Epic Fury over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 26, 2026. Aerial refueling extends global strike reach and ensures sustained bomber operations across the theater. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Flight practice

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach co-pilots a UH-1N Huey assigned to the 1st Helicopter Squadron at Joint Base Andrews, Md., March 31, 2026. Wilsbach gained hands-on experience practicing flight patterns and hover-work over unprepared landing zones. The 1st HS conducts rotary-wing airlift, security and contingency operations in support of Joint Base Andrews and the National Capital Region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Aubree Owens)

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Nighttime refueling

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer flies alongside a USAF KC-135 Stratotanker over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 13, 2026, during Operation Epic Fury. The bomber provided long-range strike capability in support of joint force operations. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Joining the fight

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle departs for a combat mission at an undisclosed location, March 16, 2026, during Operation Epic Fury. The aircraft provides precision strike and close air support capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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