An F-15C Eagle pilot assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron taxis to the apron after a training sortie in support of surge operations at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 23, 2022. During the surge, the 44th FS flew up to 40 sorties a day, honing air-to-air tactics and advanced combat maneuvers, and strengthening the readiness capabilities needed to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessi Roth)
An F-15C Eagle assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron flies overhead in support of surge operations at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 24, 2022. Surge operations provide aircrew and support personnel the opportunity to train the skills necessary to maintain a ready force, capable of ensuring the collective defense of the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessi Roth)
An F-15C Eagle assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron flies overhead in support of surge operations at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 23, 2022. Surge operations are a vital component to the development of aircrew and support personnel, allowing them to build and further improve the skills needed to remain a ready and capable force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessi Roth)
A U.S. Air Force pilot from the 44th Fighter Squadron goes through a preflight checklist before takeoff during a mission-focused training exercise at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 10, 2022. Over 6,000 Airmen participated in the two-week exercise, a standard procedure for U.S. Air Force bases across Japan and around the globe to maintain readiness in support of U.S. interests, the defense of Japan, and peace and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte)
Two U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles, assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron, taxi on a runway during a mission-focused training exercise at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 10, 2022. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte)
Two U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles, assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron, taxi on a runway during a mission-focused training exercise at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 10, 2022. This two-week exercise simulates contingency operations, giving Airmen the opportunity to practice building airpower from the ground up and delivering decisive air and cyberspace capabilities necessary to compete, deter and win in a high-end fight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte)
U.S. Air Force aircraft armament systems specialists assigned to the 125th Fighter Wing in Jacksonville, Florida, load weapons onto an F-15C Eagle aircraft, Sept. 7, 2022. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech Sgt. Chelsea Smith)
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Stephen “Shark” Pierce, an F-15C Eagle fighter pilot, waves before departure at the Jacksonville Air National Guard Base, Florida, Sept. 14, 2022. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Michael Monlezun)
An F-15C Eagle aircraft assigned to the 125th Fighter Wing, Florida Air National Guard, takes off during night flying at the Jacksonville Air National Guard Base, Sept. 14, 2022. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Michael Monlezun)
A 67th Fighter Squadron Exercise Pitch Black 2022 patch is displayed during PB22 Open Day at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, Australia, Aug. 27, 2022. PB22 is the latest in long standing, multilateral exercises designed to enhance participating countries’ air operations. This year, 17 nations are participating in PB22, and is scheduled from Aug. 19 to Sept. 8, 2022. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Savannah L. Waters)
Eagles assigned to the 67th Fighter Squadron sit on the parking ramp in preparation for Pitch Black 2022 night missions at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, Aug. 31, 2022. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Katie Mueller)
Eagles assigned to the 67th Fighter Squadron sit on the parking ramp in preparation for Pitch Black 2022 night missions at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, Aug. 31, 2022. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Katie Mueller)
U.S. Air Force Col. Lee Bouma, 173rd Fighter Wing commander, prepares to start the engine of an F-15 Eagle in preperation for a flight at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Aug. 15, 2022. The 173rd Fighter Wing spent two weeks flying and training with the F/A-18s from the Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101 (VMFAT-101) and the F-35s from the Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 502 (VFMAT-502). (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Shirar)
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Cody Burkett, 173rd Fighter Wing, observes preflight operations at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Aug. 15, 2022. The 173rd Fighter Wing spent two weeks flying and training with the F/A-18s from the Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101 (VMFAT-101) and the F-35s from the Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 502 (VFMAT-502). (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Shirar)
U.S. Air Force Major Thomas McGee, 173rd Fighter Wing F-15 instructor pilot, preflights his aircraft in preperation for a flight at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Aug. 15, 2022. The 173rd Fighter Wing spent two weeks flying and training with the F/A-18s from the Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101 (VMFAT-101) and the F-35s from the Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 502 (VFMAT-502). (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Shirar)
