Planes over water — AIR FORCE PHOTOS

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Preparing to fly

Capt. Nick “Laz” Le Tourneau, pilot and commander of the F-22 Raptor Aerial Demonstration Team, conducts preflight checks prior to taxiing at the Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo at Lakeland, Fla., April 14, 2026. Le Tourneau showcased the capabilities of the F-22 Raptor to attendees by performing multiple combat maneuver demonstrations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mary Bowers)

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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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Safety through inspection

Staff Sgt. Marcos Aguilar, 146th Maintenance Squadron, reads a technical order while conducting magnetic particle inspections on C-130J Super Hercules components at March Air Reserve Base, Calif., April 12, 2026. The inspections identify cracks and ensure parts remain serviceable to prevent potential aircraft failures. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julianne Sitterding)

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Double-O-27

27th Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink aims an M9 sidearm under the guidance of a Combat Arms instructor at the training range in Jacks Valley at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 13, 2026. The visit emphasized foundational warfighting skills instilled in every cadet to develop a warrior ethos. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

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Wings of blue

U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Carter Beswick, a Wings of Blue parachutist, maneuvers during a demonstration jump at Feria Internacional del Aire y del Espacio (FIDAE) 2026 in Santiago, Chile, April 11, 2026. The team showcases discipline and strengthens international partnerships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Andrea Jenkins)

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Combat instructor

A Combat Leader Course instructor assigned to the 68th Rescue Squadron conducts a training exercise at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., April 10, 2026. The course develops pararescuemen’s advanced rescue tactics and leadership skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jaden Kidd)

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Pushing limits

Senior Airman Isaiah Nichols, 99th Communications Squadron, moves a tire during the Nellis Operational Readiness Trials at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., April 10, 2026. The event tested teamwork, endurance and mission-focused execution across the installation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Annika Schermerhorn)

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Integrated airpower

A Singapore Air Force F-16D Fighting Falcon, a Belgian Air Component F-35A Lightning II and an F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 56th Fighter Wing bank in formation near Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., April 10, 2026. The training reinforces interoperability and combat effectiveness across partner nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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Range qualification

A Tactical Air Control Party Airman with Detachment 2, 6th Combat Training Squadron, fires an M4 carbine during small arms qualification at Joint Base San Antonio–Camp Bullis, Texas, April 10, 2026. Training ensures combat readiness across firing positions and distances. (U.S. Air Force photo by Melissa Hydrick)

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Global engagement

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Wolfe welcome Indian Air Force Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., April 8, 2026. The leaders met to strengthen bilateral cooperation and enhance interoperability between the U.S. Air Force and Indian Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Chad Trujillo)

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Trigger time

Tactical Air Control Party Airmen assigned to Detachment 2, 6th Combat Training Squadron, conduct small arms training with an M4 carbine at Joint Base San Antonio–Camp Bullis, Texas, April 8, 2026. The training focuses on weapon proficiency, close-quarters battle and combat scenarios to prepare Airmen for integrating airpower with ground maneuver units. (U.S. Air Force photo by Melissa Hydrick)

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Maintaining the fight

Tech. Sgt. Victor Wallace, an aerospace ground equipment specialist with the 116th Maintenance Group, conducts routine maintenance at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., April 8, 2026. Aerospace ground equipment specialists maintain and repair equipment that supplies electricity, hydraulic pressure and air pressure to aircraft. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Barry Bena)

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Raptor ready

An F-22 Raptor pilot assigned to the 199th Air Expeditionary Squadron taxis for a training sortie during exercise Cope Thunder 26-1 at Basa Air Base, Philippines, April 8, 2026. The exercise enhances interoperability and regional security in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy)

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FIDAE flyer

An F-35A Lightning II assigned to the F-35A Demonstration Team performs a maneuver during the Feria Internacional del Aire y del Espacio over Santiago, Chile, April 8, 2026. The team showcases the aircraft’s advanced performance and versatility through dynamic aerial maneuvers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Zachary Rufus)

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Fini-flight celebration

Col. James Long II, 6th Air Refueling Wing deputy commander, is sprayed with champagne following his fini-flight at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., April 7, 2026. Long completed more than 4,400 flight hours across four aircraft during his career. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Angelica Richardson)

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Descending delivery

A U.S. Air Force loadmaster assigned to the 120th Airlift Wing observes cargo bundles descending over the Vigilante Drop Zone during an aerial delivery mission near Power, Mont., April 6, 2026. The training highlights the Montana Air National Guard’s ability to deliver critical supplies into remote environments where traditional airfields are unavailable. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Devin Doskey)

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Cable competition

Airman 1st Class Euisol Jung, an electrical power production team member assigned to the 99th Civil Engineer Squadron, assembles a BAK-12 aircraft arresting cable at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., April 6, 2026. Jung participated in a competition designed to test operational capabilities in the event a fighter aircraft must abort a takeoff or conduct an emergency landing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Annika Schermerhorn)

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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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Historic moment

A Chilean Air Force KC-135E Stratotanker and a U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II fly over Chile, April 5, 2026. The F-35A completed the first in-flight refueling with a Chilean tanker while en route to Feria Internacional del Aire y del Espacio 2026. (Courtesy photo)

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Dropping at dusk

U.S. Air Force Pararescuemen assigned to the 68th Rescue Squadron parachute during an exercise at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., April 3, 2026. The Pararescuemen participated in the Combat Leader Course, which trains Airmen in advanced rescue techniques and mission leadership. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jaden Kidd)

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