Follow the leader

U.S. Air Force operators with the 492nd Special Operations Wing conduct a free-fall jump mission out of the back of an MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 27th Special Operations Wing during an Emerald Warrior 22.1 mission over Eglin Range, Fla., May 4, 2022. Emerald Warrior is the largest joint special operations exercise involving U.S. Special Operations Command forces training to respond to various threats across the spectrum of conflict. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Harrison Winchell)

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Modernized defense

Two F-35A Lighting IIs assigned to the 354th Fighter Wing fly over Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, April 14, 2022. The F-35As assigned to Eielson Air Force Base will join a team of joint and international partners in the Indo-Pacific theater, modernizing defense capabilities in the region and enabling international interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jose Miguel T. Tamondong)

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In the shadows

Airman 1st Class Laura Salgado, a security forces journeyman with the 156th Security Operations Squadron, aims down sights of an M4 carbine during a combat exercise at Southern Strike, Avon Park, Fla., April 24, 2022. Southern Strike 2022 is a large-scale, joint multinational combat exercise hosted by the Mississippi National Guard that provides tactical level training for the full spectrum of conflict. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Rafael Rosa)

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Runway repair

Tech. Sgt. Ryan Speicher, 1st Expeditionary Civil Engineer Group lead chute operator, spreads concrete from a cement truck during a runway overrun repair project in Southwest Asia, April 14, 2022. Evenly spread concrete aids in preventing major high or low spots during the pour. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Christopher Parr)

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Fire suppression support

A California Air National Guard C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 146th Airlift Wing flies a training route during the 2022 Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems Spring Training in Boise, Idaho, April 29, 2022. The MAFFS units are training to support USDA Forest Service-National Interagency Fire Center requests for fire suppression support. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Thomas Cox)

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Security Forces huddle

Airmen assigned to the 18th Security Forces Squadron huddle before a field training exercise at Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 27, 2022. The training is an annual requirement for all 18th SFS members, covering traveling techniques, movement formations, and using cover and concealment to advance on or defend objectives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessi Monte)

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Off we go...

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 14th Fighting Squadron, Misawa Air Base, Japan, lands at Yokota Air Base, Japan, to participate in a week-long Agile Combat Employment training exercise aimed at enhancing multi-capable Airmen’s skillset, May 8, 2022. Through ACE, the 35th Fighter Wing trains alongside the 374th Airlift Wing to maintain a competitive edge over adversaries; and execute their mission – to protect U.S. interests in the Pacific, defend Japan, and deter adversaries through presence, readiness, and ability to project agile combat air power. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)

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Bringing munitions to the fight

Senior Master Sgt. Brian Dawes, 89th Operations Squadron loadmaster, inspects palletized munitions aboard a C-17 Globemaster III on the flight line at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., April 28, 2022. In support of the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe, the 60th Aerial Port Squadron has transported the most cargo since 2001 and moved the most munitions since the Vietnam War. (U.S. Air Force photo by Chustine Minoda)

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Don’t look down

Staff Sgt. Caleb Nicola, 9th Special Operations Squadron loadmaster, and Senior Airman Albert Washington, 9th SOS direct support operator, prepare for a static-line jump mission from an MC-130J Commando II during exercise Emerald Warrior 22.1 over the Gulf of Mexico, May 4, 2022. Emerald Warrior is the largest joint special operations exercise involving U.S. Special Operations Command forces training to respond to various threats across the spectrum of conflict. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Harrison Winchell)

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Women in service

Senior Airman Taren Chism, 317th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aircraft systems fuels apprentice, looks out the window of a 317th Airlift Wing C-130J Super Hercules at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, April 30, 2022. Members from around Dyess AFB were given the chance to fly in a C-130 to and from Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas, to take part in the Women Airforce Service Pilot Homecoming 80th Anniversary fly-in event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Reilly McGuire)

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Feel the Thunder

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, perform a series of demonstrations during the Fort Lauderdale Airshow in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., May 1, 2022. This was the team’s first beach show of the season. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nicolas A. Myers)

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Sentry Savannah

Three T-38A Talons assigned to the 2nd Fighter Training Squadron flies over Georgia during exercise Sentry Savannah 22-1, May 4, 2022. The 2nd FTS is an adversary squadron, providing threat replication, primarily for the F-22 Raptor formal training unit, the 43rd Fighter Squadron. Both units participated in Sentry Savannah, a near-peer training exercise hosted by the Air National Guard’s Air Dominance Center. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Betty R. Chevalier)

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AF Week in Photos

Published May 13, 2022

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. --

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.

Follow the leader

Modernized defense

In the shadows

Runway repair

Fire suppression support

Security Forces huddle

Off we go...

Bringing munitions to the fight

Don’t look down

Women in service

Feel the Thunder

Sentry Savannah