Planes over water — AIR FORCE PHOTOS

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Taking charge

Senior Airman Tanner Goldsmith, 91st Missile Security Operations Squadron convoy team member, communicates with his team during a force-on-force exercise in Garrison, N.D., Feb. 6, 2026. Goldsmith led his team during an assault on a simulated opposing force’s position. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kyle Wilson)

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Bank and roll

An F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., performs a roll maneuver during exercise Red Flag-Nellis 26-1 over the Nevada Test and Training Range, Nev., Feb. 6, 2026. Red Flag exercises develop aggressive, disciplined warfighters able to dominate any adversary in any domain. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Heather Amador Paulino)

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Returning home

Airmen assigned to the 55th Rescue Squadron walk toward friends and family at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Feb. 6, 2026, following a redeployment. Returning from deployment is especially meaningful, as it marks the safe completion of their mission and reunites service members with loved ones after months of separation and sacrifice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Samantha Melecio)

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Hanging out

U.S. Air Force Capt. Danielle Beigelman, 510th Fighter Squadron F-16 pilot, is positioned in a tree during a simulated aircraft crash scenario as part of Operations Group War Day, at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Feb. 5, 2026. The training emphasized endurance, resource management and survival skills required in austere environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tyrique Barquet)

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On watch

Capt. Clayton Davis, an F-22 pilot and supervisor of flying with the 525th Fighter Squadron, operates from the air traffic control tower in support of exercise Red Flag-Nellis 26-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Feb. 2, 2026. During Red Flag, air traffic control personnel manage increased flight operations and complex airspace demands, enabling seamless multinational training missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michael Sanders)

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Proof of concept

Airman 1st Class Alexander Smith, 22nd Airlift Squadron C-5M Super Galaxy flight engineer, assists in loading equipment on a C-5M during exercise Reef Runner on the flightline at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., Feb. 1, 2026. The exercise was a proof of concept to demonstrate the capability of a C-5M to transport an 821st Contingency Response Squadron assessment team from Travis AFB to Guam without aerial refueling and while maintaining full-role capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Robert Nichols)

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260217-F-AF000-1587

An undated photo of an LGM-35A Sentinel test booster, including stages-one, -two and -three solid rocket motors and both interstage mechanisms, is assembled. The booster will be integrated with the missile’s forward section to create the first fully assembled ground Sentinel test missile. This pathfinder test missile is essential for verifying the weapon system's design and preparing for the first Sentinel flight test, ensuring the future of our nation's strategic deterrence. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

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Arlington Committee for an appreciation luncheon

Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna speaks with members of the Arlington Committee at an appreciation luncheon at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., Feb. 10, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Arlington Committee for an appreciation luncheon

Air and Space Force senior leaders pose for a photo with members of the Arlington Committee during an appreciation luncheon, at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., Feb. 10, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Locked and loaded

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Alexander Clarke, 36th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, secures a simulated cargo bundle onto a C-130J Super Hercules during a training flight at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 29, 2026. This routine training ensures the wing is prepared to deliver critical equipment rapidly throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kayla Karelas)

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Top off

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing refuels an F-35A Lightning II from the 48th Fighter Wing over the North Sea during exercise Point Blank, Jan. 29, 2026. The recurring exercise enhances allied readiness and interoperability, ensuring the collective defense of the European region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Iris Carpenter)

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Sestercentennial flyover

A joint formation of U.S. Air Force and Navy aircraft flies over Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, Calif., Feb. 8, 2026. The flyover, which included Air Force B-1B Lancers and F-15C Eagles alongside Navy F-35C Lightning IIs and F/A-18 Super Hornets, commemorated America’s 250th anniversary. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Shelby Thurman)

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Strike Eagle

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle from the 494th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron lands at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 18, 2026. The deployment of F-15s to the region enhances combat readiness and promotes security and stability. (Courtesy photo)

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Waiting for a ride

A U.S. Air Force 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron military working dog, Ssilke, waits on a U.S. Air Force HC-130J Combat King II assigned to the 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 4, 2026. The 332nd ESFS MWDs play a vital role in daily operations by identifying hazards and ensuring the safety of aircraft and personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Travis Knauss)

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Attention to detail

Senior Airman Andrew White, 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron load crew member, performs preload checks on a GBU-39 bomb during the 96th Maintenance Group’s fourth-quarter weapons load competition at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Jan. 30, 2026. The competition pitted the squadron's F-16 "Blue" team against the F-15 “Red” team for the title of top load crew of the quarter. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)

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A salute to excellence

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach returns a salute from 2nd Lt. Renata Russell after she received the U.S. Air Force Cadet of the Year award at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., Jan. 30, 2026. Russell, a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, was recognized as the top cadet for her outstanding performance and leadership. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Stuart Bright)

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Clear for takeoff

Master Sgt. Jodie Sweeney, 114th Operations Support Squadron airfield management specialist from the South Dakota Air National Guard, removes foreign object debris from the flightline during exercise Sentry South 26-1 at Savannah Air National Guard Base, Ga., Jan. 28, 2026. Sentry South is a large-scale exercise that integrates fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft and personnel from across the joint force to enhance air superiority and combat readiness. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Taylor Solberg)

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Joint drop

Army paratroopers from the 11th Airborne Division descend from an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III during exercise Palmetto Reach over Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 23, 2026. The joint operation highlighted the seamless integration between Army paratroopers and Air Force aircrews to rapidly deploy ground forces anywhere in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Luke Hirsch)

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Lighting it up

An F-22A Raptor from the 154th Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard, deploys flares during exercise Sentry Aloha 26-1 over the Hawaiian Islands, Jan. 22, 2026. Flares are defensive countermeasures designed to decoy infrared-guided threats by creating an intense heat signature for a missile to follow, drawing it safely away from the aircraft. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Michael Swingen)

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Safe and secure

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron secure equipment inside an HC-130J Combat King II at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 22, 2026. The squadron provides personnel recovery and refueling capabilities around-the-clock throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Travis Knauss)

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