Best Pics of the Month: September 2020

Pics of the Month September 30, 2020

Best Pics of the Month: September 2020

Efran Syah       Comment   

The USS Sterett steams through the night in the Gulf of Oman, Sept. 17, 2020. (Photo By: Navy Seaman Drace Wilson)

A U.S Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 510th Fighter Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy, takes off from RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, Sept. 1, 2020. The 510th FS is conducting close air support training with the 321st Special Tactics Squadron, the 19th Regiment Royal Artillery and the 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron to enhance combat capabilities in support of European theater operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jessi Monte)

Tech. Sgt. John Rodiguez, 321st Contingency Response Squadron security team, patrols with a Ghost Robotics Vision 60 prototype at a simulated austere base during the Advanced Battle Management System exercise on Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Sept. 3, 2020. The ABMS is an interconnected battle network - the digital architecture or foundation - which collects, processes and shares data relevant to warfighters in order to make better decisions faster. In order to achieve all-domain superiority, it requires that individual military activities not simply be de-conflicted, but rather integrated – activities in one domain must enhance the effectiveness of those in another domain. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Cory D. Payne)

Marines fire an M777A2 howitzer during training at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, Sept. 20, 2020. (Photo By: Marine Corps Sgt. Luke Kuennen)

Marine Corps Sgt. Nicholas Luber fires a machine gun during a training flight over Naval Air Facility El Centro, Calif., Sept. 4, 2020. (Photo By: Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Gavin Umboh)

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker over Southwest Asia, Sept. 12, 2020. (Photo By: Air Force Master Sgt. Larry Reid Jr.)

A B-1 Lancer departs Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Sept. 14, 2020, on its way to Europe in support of a Bomber Task Force mission. BTF missions enable crews to maintain a high state of readiness and proficiency while assuring regional allies and partners of the U.S. commitment to stability throughout the European continent. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Ted Daigle)

A Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet receives fuel from an Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker while flying in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Sept. 22, 2020. (Photo By: Air Force Staff Sgt. Jason Allred)

C-130 crews with the Minnesota Air National Guard conduct air drop and aerial flare release training above Camp Ripley, Minn., Sept 16, 2020. (Photo By: Anthony Housey, Minnesota National Guard)

Maj. Cody Wilton, A-10 Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team commander and pilot, flies alongside Capt. Kristin Wolfe, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team pilot, Maj. Garret Schmitz, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team pilot, and a P-51 Mustang as part of a heritage flight formation for the Tri-City Water Follies Drive-In Airshow at Kennewick, Wash., Sept. 4, 2020. The heritage flight was flown as a showcase of past, present and future Air Force aviation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Kip Sumner)

An Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, F-15C Eagles and F-15E Strike Eagles fly in formation with Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SAs during a large formation exercise over Saudi Arabia, Sept. 10, 2020. (Photo By: Air Force Senior Airman Duncan C. Bevan)

Left to right: The USNS Charles Drew, the USS Comstock, the USS Shiloh, the USS New Orleans, the USS Chicago, the USS America, the USS Ronald Reagan, the USNS John Ericsson, the USS Antietam, the USS Germantown and the USNS Sacagawea sail in formation with Navy and Air Force aircraft during Valiant Shield in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 25, 2020. The exercise is designed to focus on integration of joint training in a blue-water environment among U.S. forces. (Photo By: Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Erica Bechard)

A Navy MH-60 Seahawk helicopter pulls a service member out of the water during a mine countermeasures interoperability exercise in the Persian Gulf, Sept. 10, 2020.

Left to right: USS Germantown, USNS John Ericsson, USS Antietam, USS Ronald Reagan, USS America, USS Shiloh, USS New Orleans and USS Comstock break away from formation during Exercise Valiant Shield in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 25, 2020.

Navy warships sail in formation with Australian, Korean and Japanese vessels during Pacific Vanguard in the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 14, 2020. The exercise is designed to improve multinational interoperability. (Photo By: Official Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force)

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Best Pics of the Month: August 2020

Pics of the Month August 31, 2020

Best Pics of the Month: August 2020

Efran Syah       Comment   

GROTON, Conn. (August 31, 2020) - The Los Angeles-class submarine USS Newport News (SSN 750) arrives at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn. for a scheduled homeport shift August 31, 2020. Newport News and crew, previously homeported in Norfolk, Va., expects to complete a maintenance overhaul period and will join the ranks of Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 12. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Tristan Lotz)

A 5th Reconnaissance Squadron U-2 “Dragon Lady” advances down the runway followed by a chase car at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, August 12, 2020. Chase car drivers mobilize at high speeds to safeguard U-2’s and their pilots by radioing altitude and runway alignments during take-offs and landings. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Noah Sudolcan)

A U.S. Marine launches the RQ-20B Puma small unmanned aircraft system at Mount Bundey Training Area, Australia, Aug. 18.

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Aug. 7, 2020) Land Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) 76, assigned to the Assault Craft Unit 5 (ACU 5) and deployed from the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS San Diego (LPD 22), lands on a beach at Camp Pendleton during an amphibious transport training from aboard, Aug. 7. San Diego, homeported in San Diego, is conducting routine operations in the eastern Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Jason Waite)


A U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk from the 55th Rescue Squadron turns on its rotors as part of a pre-flight inspection, Aug. 17, 2020, at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. The 55th RQS is participating in Gunfighter Flag 20-1, where it trains with joint and international partners to complete combat and rescue exercises. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Andrew Kobialka)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 5, 2020) An F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to the Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115, left, and an F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 prepare to launch from the flight deck of the Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Samantha Jetzer)

Capt. Kristin Wolfe, F-35 Demonstration Team pilot and commander, flies during practice prior to the 2020 Ocean City Air Show at Ocean City, Md., Aug. 14, 2020. The air show featured various performers including the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, F-22 Raptor and A-10 Thunderbolt II Demonstration Teams. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kristine Legate)

Matt Chasen, LIFT Aircraft chief executive officer, pilots the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) Hexa over Camp Mabry, Texas, Aug. 20, 2020. During the visit, Col. Nathan Diller, AFWERX director, spoke about Agility Prime, a non-traditional program seeking to accelerate the commercial market for advanced air mobility vehicles. (Air National Guard photo by Staff. Sgt. Sean Kornegay)

A E-3 Sentry assigned to the 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron takes off from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 5, 2020. The E-3, also known as the Airborne Warning and Control System, is equipped with a rotating radar dome that provides air surveillance over land or water to identify and track friendly and enemy aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Alejandro Peña)

Two B-52 Stratofortress fly over Royal Air Force Station Fairford, United Kingdom, Aug. 22, 2020. Strategic bombers contribute to European theater stability as they are intended to deter conflict and offer a rapid response capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Eugene Oliver)

Soldiers participate in their semi-annual tank platoon live-fire exercise on Aug. 25, 2020 in Smardan, Romania. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Dommnique Washington)

A missile launches from the USS Chung-Hoon during Rim of the Pacific in the Pacific Ocean, Aug. 26, 2020. The multinational exercise is an opportunity to strengthen relationships, build trust and increase interoperability among the participating nations.

The U.S. Air Force and the Qatari air forces fly in formation over Doha, Qatar, Aug. 24, 2020.

Sailors conduct small boat operations in the Mediterranean Sea, Aug. 27, 2020.

The Blue Angels, the Navy’s flight demonstration squadron, fly with the team’s new C-130J Super Hercules over Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., Aug. 17, 2020. The Blue Angels’ previous C-130 “T” model served the team for 17 years and was retired in May 2019.

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Best Pics of the Month: July 2020

Pics of the Month August 05, 2020

Best Pics of the Month: July 2020

Efran Syah       Comment   

Two U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs release countermeasure flares over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, July 23, 2020. The A-10 is a highly accurate airframe that provides U.S. and coalition forces a maneuverable close air support and precision strike platform. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Justin Parsons)

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 27, 2020) — A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, approaches the amphibious landing dock USS Somerset (LPD 25) during training to increase Navy-Marine Corps interoperability in the eastern Pacific. The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps continue to combine efforts to refine and strengthen fundamental amphibious capabilities and reinforce the Navy-Marine Corps team. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brendan Mullin)

A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), a U.S. Navy MH-60R Seahawk and two MH-60S Seahawks assigned to Helicopter Combat Squadron 21, conduct a Defense of Amphibious Task Force (DATF) training during Exercise Trident Storm at San Clemente Island, Calif., July 30, 2020. During Trident Storm, 3rd MAW Marines worked alongside their naval counterparts and focused on long-range strikes, air to ground support and DATF training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Levi J. Guerra)

Two B-1B Lancers, assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., conduct a flyover before landing at Andersen AFB, Guam, July 17, 2020. The Bomber Task Force is deployed to Andersen AFB in support of Pacific Air Forces’ training efforts with allies, partners and joint forces. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Christina Bennett)

Fireworks explode behind a C-130J Super Hercules at Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 2, 2020. The fireworks show was part of the Independence Day celebration hosted by the 374th Force Support Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brieana E. Bolfing)

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 371, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, employ a tactical aviation ground refueling system (TAGRS) while conducting expeditionary advanced base operations in support of a CH-53K King Stallion training evolution at a forward arming refueling point at Yuma Proving Grounds Rang, Ariz., July 15, 2020. (U.S. Marine Corps photo By Lance Cpl. Jaime Reyes)

Maj. Garret Schmitz, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team pilot and commander, performs a dedication pass in an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., July 16, 2020. The dedication pass is an aerial salute to service members past and present. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Ingold)

U.S. Air Force Maj Cody “ShIV” Wilton, A-10 Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team pilot, in an A-10, Capt Kristin “Beo” Wolfe, F-35 Lightning II Demonstration Team pilot, in an F-35, and a P-51 Mustang, perform a heritage flight during practice for the 2020 Thunder over Cedar Creek Lake Air Show over Cedar Creek Lake, Texas, July 3, 2020. The ToCCL air show honors past and present military personnel. (U.S. Air Force by Senior Airman Kristine Legate)

BALABAC STRAIT (July 15, 2020) Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing 17 rest on the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 11, is deployed conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Elliot Schaudt)

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, KS, UNITED STATES 07.02.2020 - One KC-135 Stratotanker and seven KC-46A Pegasus perform an elephant walk July 1, 2020, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. McConnell’s tanker aircrews and maintenance personnel were tested on their ability to rapidly generating multiple sorties during a weather evacuation exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chris Thornbury)

SAN DIEGO (July 13, 2020) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3 combats a fire aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). On the morning of July 12, a fire was called away aboard the ship while it was moored pier side at Naval Base San Diego. The fire continues to be fought into the following day. Bonhomme Richard is going through a maintenance availability, which began in 2018. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David Mora Jr.)

SAN DIEGO (July 12, 2020) A fire continues to be fought into the evening on board the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) at Naval Base San Diego, July 12. On the morning of July 12, a fire was called away aboard the ship while it was moored pier side at Naval Base San Diego. Base and shipboard firefighters responded to the fire. Bonhomme Richard is going through a maintenance availability, which began in 2018. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Austin Haist)

SAN DIEGO (July 12, 2020) Sailors and Federal Firefighters combat a fire onboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) at Naval Base San Diego, July 12. On the morning of July 12, a fire was called away aboard the ship while it was moored pier side at Naval Base San Diego. Local, base and shipboard firefighters responded to the fire. Bonhomme Richard is going through a maintenance availability, which began in 2018. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christina Ross)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (July 2, 2020) The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) conducts routine operations in the South China Sea, July 2, 2020. Gabrielle Giffords, part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, is on a rotational deployment, operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brenton Poyser)

PHILIPPINE SEA (July 01, 2020) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CAG) 5 lands on the flight deck of the Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is the flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5. The USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and Ronald Reagan CSGs are conducting dual-carrier operations in the Philippine Sea as the Nimitz Carrier Strike Force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Quinton A. Lee)

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Best Pics of the Month: June 2020

Pics of the Month June 30, 2020

Best Pics of the Month: June 2020

Efran Syah       Comment   

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress from the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., breaks away from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, after receiving fuel during a strategic bomber mission off the northern Norwegian coast, June 3, 2020. Joint and combined training, exercises and operations help mitigate and reduce security risks associated with increased human activity in the arctic. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Emerson Nuñez)

Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division's Sgt. Ian Ortiz ground guides a Bradley Fighting Vehicle onto the rail car during rail operations at Pazeimene Station in Pazeimene, Lithuania in preparation to redeploy back to Fort Hood, Texas. Pazeimene, Lithuania 06.01.2020. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Megan Zander)

Airmen assigned to the 911th Maintenance Group tow a C-17 Globemaster III into the new two-bay hangar at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pa., June 4, 2020. The aircraft was the first to enter the new hangar, which will allow Airmen to safely perform maintenance on the C-17 in a controlled environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Joshua J. Seybert)

Alaska Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation Regiment executed an extraction mission via a CH-47 Chinook helicopter over Healy, Alaska., June 18, 2020. As part of a combined effort with the Department of Natural Resources, the Guardsmen rigged and airlifted "Bus 142," an historic icon from book and film, “Into the Wild,” out of its location on Stampede Road in light of public safety concerns. The bus will be stored at a secure site while the DNR considers all options and alternatives for its permanent disposition. AK, United States 06.18.2020. (Alaska National Guard Coutesy photo by Brent Goodrum, DNR)

Two combatant craft medium (CCM) operate in the Mediterranean Sea near the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), June 18, 2020. New York is conducting operations in U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of regional allies and partners, and U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. Mediterranean Sea 06.18.2020. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Lyle Wilkie)

Twelve U.S. Air Force F-16CM Fighting Falcons, 12 Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35A Lightning IIs, two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growlers, a U.S. Navy C-12 Huron, two U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando IIs, and a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon participate in an elephant walk at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 22, 2020. The display of aircraft showcased Misawa AB’s collective readiness and ability to generate combat airpower at a moment's notice to ensure regional stability throughout the Indo-Pacific. This was Misawa AB’s first time hosting a bilateral and joint elephant walk. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman First Class China Shock)

An F-5N Tiger adversary fighter with the "Sun Downers" of Fighter Squadron Composite (VFC) 111 lands at Naval Air Station (NAS) Key West after training with the "Flying Eagles" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122, June 23, 2020. Naval Air Station Key West is the state-of-the-art facility for combat fighter aircraft of all military services, provides world-class pierside support to U.S. and foreign naval vessels, and is the premier training center for surface and subsurface military operations. Key West, Fla. (June 23, 2020).  (U.S. Navy photo by Danette Baso Silvers)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon with a "ghost" paint scheme departs Hill Air Force Base, Utah, for Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., June 3., 2020. The paint scheme is intended to replicate an adversary’s fighter jet. United States, allied, and partner-nation aircrews routinely train against accurate and realistic threats including aircraft painted to replicate those pilots might see in aerial combat. Hill Air Force Base, UT, United States 06.03.2020. (U.S. Air Force photo by R. Nial Bradshaw)

Sailors assigned to the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group perform preflight checks on aircraft aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 11, is deployed conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. Pacific Ocean (June 12, 2020). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Greg Hall)

Airmen assigned to the 347th Rescue Group drop flares from an HH-60G Pave Hawk during a fini flight for Col. Bryan Creel, 347th RQG commander at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., June 5, 2020. The fini flight is a long-standing Air Force tradition that occurs when a pilot departs from an assigned unit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Hayden Legg)

The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Asheville (SSN 758) transits alongside the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) during a submarine familiarization (SUBFAM) training. The SUBFAM was conducted so Blue Ridge's crew could observe the characteristics of a submarine and how it looks both acoustically and visually while in the vicinity of the ship. Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy, and, as U.S. 7th Fleet flagship, actively works to foster relationships with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. Philippine Sea (June 14, 2020). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brandon L. Harris)

Aircraft from Nimitz Carrier Strike Group fly in formation over the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is underway conducting composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX). COMPTUEX is an intensive exercise designed to fully integrate units of the carrier strike group, while testing a strike group's ability as a whole to carry out sustained combat operations from the sea. Pacific Ocean (June 2, 2020)  (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Keenan Daniels)

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