U.S. Defense News

Position Vehicles

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, position their vehicles in preparation for upcoming missions during Decisive Action Rotation 16-09 at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif., Sept. 6, 2016. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Jasmine Ballard, Operations Group, National Training Center)

Autonomous Vehicle

U.S. Army autonomous vehicle, palletized load system, arrives at the Port of Shuaiba in Kuwait on June 24, 2023. The U.S. Central Command and U.S. Army Central are leading the way in innovation with autonomous vehicles, enabling the integration of emerging technologies. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sebastion Rothwyn)

Tanks in Town 2024

U.S. Army 1st Lt. John Jacinto, assigned to 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, attaches an American flag to an M2A3 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle during the Tanks in Town commemoration event in Mons, Belgium, Sept. 1, 2024. Tanks In Town commemorates the liberation of the City of Mons by the U.S. 3rd Armored Division on Sept. 2, 1944. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Richard Morgan)

Tanks in Town 2024

Locals and American tourists interact with World War II vehicles and equipment during the Tanks in Town commemoration event in Mons, Belgium, Aug. 31, 2024. Participants were treated to displays including a variety of military vehicles, along with a Bradley Fighting Vehicle from 1st Cavalry Division. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Richard Morgan)

NATO Forces bolster solidarity at the heart of exercise Saber Guardian 23

Leaders from the Romanian Second Infantry Division brief the wet gap crossing exercise in Bordusani, Romania, on a terrain model, June 6, 2023 as part of Saber Guardian 23. Saber Guardian 23, a component of DEFENDER 23, is an exercise co-led by Romanian Land Forces and the U.S. Army at various locations in Romania to improve the integration of multinational combat forces by engaging in different events such as vehicle road marches, medical training exercises, and river crossings. DEFENDER 23 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa led exercise focused on the strategic deployment of continental United States-based forces, employment of Army Prepositioned Stocks, and interoperability with Allies and partners. Taking place from 22 April to 23 June, DEFENDER 23 demonstrates USAREUR-AF’s ability to aggregate U.S.-based combat power quickly in Eastern Europe, increase lethality of the NATO Alliance through long-distance fires, build unit readiness in a complex joint, multi-national environment, and leverage host nation capabilities to increase USAREUR-AF’s operational reach. DEFENDER 23 includes more than 7,000 U.S. and 17,000 multi-national service members from more than 20 nations who will participate including, but not limited to: Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States. (U.S. Army Photo by Capt. Avery Smith)

NATO forces hold call-for-fire certification in Poland

U.S. Army Sgt. Justin Durant, of San Angelo, Texas, a paratrooper assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, takes notes on a drop site during joint fire observation exercise alongside Polish forces May 22, 2014, near Borne Sulinowo, Poland. The 173rd has Soldiers training alongside their NATO allies in Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to demonstrate U.S. commitment to the alliance and increase interoperability between forces. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Marilyn Spencer, 382nd Public Affairs Detachment/Released)

Allied Strength Across Waters: Wet Gap Crossing with NATO Forces

U.S. Army Capt. Joel Self, the commander of the 43rd Multi-Role Bridge Company, 20th Engineer Battalion, watches his company ferry equipment to the far side of a water obstacle at Drawsko Pomorskie Training Center, Poland, May 15, 2024. This wet gap crossing exercise was a pivotal portion of DEFENDER 24 and demonstrated the ability to overcome various terrain in the European region. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Michael Mastrangelo)

Allied Strength Across Waters: Wet Gap Crossing with NATO Forces

Members of the 12th Armoured Brigade Brigade Combat Team, 3rd (U.K.) Division, utilize an Improved Ribbon Bridge to cross the Drawa River during DEFENDER 24 at Drawsko Combat Training Center, Poland, May 16, 2024. The Improved Ribbon Bridge allows NATO allies to move and maneuver armored capabilities across water obstacles. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Michael Mastrangelo)

Attack Wing prepares for joint NATO exercise

Cargo sits on a k-loader ready to be loaded on to a C-5 Galaxy as the 147th Attack Wing prepares for Ample Strike 21.. AMSE 21 is a Czech Republic-led, multi-national live exercise that supports the NATO Military Training Exercise Program and is scheduled from Sept. 6-18, 2021, that offers advanced Air/Land Integration Training to Joint Terminal Attack Controllers in coordination with MQ-9 Reaper aircraft and F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft. During the exercise, aircraft and participants will conduct day and night operations in the Czech Republic to improve NATO allies and partner nation interoperability in simulated highly contested environments.

123rd Air Control Squadron Trains with NATO Partners

Lithuanian Armed Forces Capt. Algirdas Biliutavicius, a fighter controller, trains on large force employment tactics during a joint training exercise March 22, 2024 in Blue Ash, Ohio. Success in contested environments depends on how well U.S. forces combine with the broad range of allied and partner capabilities and expertise to secure our common interests and promote our shared values. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Shane Hughes)

America’s Airfield serves as 2024 NATO Summit hub

A UH-1N Huey helicopter prepares to lift off from Joint Base Andrews, Md., July 11, 2024. The aircrew provided a vantage point for an aerial documentation mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Olushino Bolden Jr.)

NATO air refueling

Mission accomplished. An Arizona Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker finishes refueling a NATO E-3A Sentry over northern Germany during a training mission Nov. 16. Airmen from the 161st Air Refueling Wing based in Phoenix are supporting aircrew training operations Nov. 9-20 at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, Germany. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Gabe Johnson)

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Namesake Visit

Aviation Electrician's Mate 1st Class Frank Weyer, from Jonesville, Michigan, assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) aircraft intermediate maintenance department, speaks with a member of the Albion community during a panel with Ford's Sailors for a Gerald R. Ford Institute for Leadership in Public Policy and Service event at Albion College in Albion, Michigan, September 2, 2022. Twelve Ford Sailors traveled to Michigan for the ship’s annual namesake visit to learn about the legacy of President Gerald R. Ford and connect with local community members in Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor and Albion. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zack Guth)

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Incline Experiment

April 16 – Naval Station Norfolk – Personnel from Huntington Ingalls Industries-Newport News Shipbuilding Division perform a test with a forklift on USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) flight deck during a ship's weighted incline experiment. This test, conducted to induce the ship's roll, helps calculate the ship's center of gravity. The data gathered will be used to determine the ship's stability under various design loading conditions. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jeff Troutman)

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Gun Shoot

August 10, 2021 – Atlantic Ocean – Gunner's Mate 1st Class Dustin Jones, from Dayton, Ohio, assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) weapons department, loads an M240 machine gun for Lt. Cmdr. Paul Castillo, Ford’s ordnance handling officer from San Diego, during a qualification shoot on the fantail. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean following the successful completion of the final Full Ship Shock Trial explosive event. The U.S. Navy conducts shock trials of new ship designs using live explosives to ensure that warships can meet mission requirements under harsh battle conditions. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Novalee Manzella)

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Moves

October 25, 2019 – Newport News, Va. – The Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) passes the decommissioned Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) at Huntington Ingalls Industries-Newport News Shipyard. Ford departed the shipyard, returning to sea for the first time since beginning its post-shakedown availability in July 2018, to conduct sea trials. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Cory J. Daut)

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)

August 21, 2023 – Mediterranean Sea – The world's largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), transits the Mediterranean Sea. Forces from the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group are engaged in bilateral training with Turkish Naval and Air Forces in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, aimed at enhancing interoperability and promoting regional peace and stability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson Adkins)

110th EBS members keep BTF ops running through the fog

August 23, 2024 – Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley, Australia – A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber departs for a Bomber Task Force aerial refueling mission. The B-2's capability for aerial refueling enables it to execute long-range operations, allowing it to reach any location worldwide to deliver precision strikes on demand. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kenneth W. Norman)

B-2 Spirit arrives for BTF deployment to RAAF Base Amberley, Australia

August 17, 2024 – Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley, Australia – U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 110th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron carry out post-flight operations on a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber during a Bomber Task Force deployment. The U.S. sustains a strong, credible bomber force to enhance the security and stability of its allies and partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kenneth W. Norman)

Two B-2 Spirits return to RAAF Amberley after BTF mission

August 22, 2024 – Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley, Australia – A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber lands after completing a long-range Bomber Task Force operation. These missions contribute to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, ensuring prosperity and security for all. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kenneth W. Norman)

B-2 Spirit under the moon down under

August 19, 2024 – Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley, Australia – A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber is parked on the flightline, poised to execute Bomber Task Force missions. These operations enhance national security objectives, showcasing the speed, flexibility, and readiness of strategic bombers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Anthony Hetlage)

B-2 prep for Pacific BTF

August 26, 2024 – Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley, Australia – U.S. Air Force maintenance personnel from the 110th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron carry out routine upkeep on a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber during a Bomber Task Force deployment. These missions bolster national security objectives by leveraging the speed, flexibility, and readiness of strategic bombers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Anthony Hetlage)

B-2 Spirit stealth bomber lands at Amberley

August 16, 2024 – Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley, Australia – A U.S. Air Force Airman performs post-flight procedures on a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. The bomber's arrival supports a Bomber Task Force mission aimed at ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region, contributing to the prosperity and security of the area. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Whitney Erhart)

U.S. Sailors Work With Colombian Sailors

Sailors install Combined Enterprise Regional Information Exchange System (CENTRIXS) equipment aboard the Chilean frigate Comandante Toro (OPV 82) moored at Colombian Base Naval Logistica ARC "Bolivar" during UNITAS LXIV. This exercise, the world's longest-running maritime exercise, is hosted by Colombia and involves multinational forces from 20 partner nations, including 26 warships/vessels, three submarines, 25 aircraft, and approximately 7,000 personnel. UNITAS focuses on joint maritime operations to enhance tactical proficiency and increase interoperability, integrating unmanned air, surface, and submarine systems. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hunter S. Harwell)

MWSS-271 EOD make craters with Icelandic coast guard during Exercise Northern Viking 24

U.S. Marines and Sailors collaborated with the Icelandic coastguard explosive ordnance disposal team to create controlled craters as part of base recovery after attack training during Northern Viking 24 (NV24). The exercise allowed Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 (MWSS-271) to maintain a warfighting mentality and readiness, ensuring 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing can be forward deployed and engaged at any time. NV24 enhances interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Iceland, and Allied nations, supporting multi-domain command and control in the defense of Iceland and sea lines of communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Sailors conduct routine operations

Airman Richard Berdugo, from San Antonio, secures aircraft equipment in the hangar bay of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) while in-port at Naval Base Kitsap. The Ronald Reagan serves as a combat-ready force to protect and defend the United States, while supporting alliances, partnerships, and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ryan Freiburghaus)

Sailors Conduct Small Boat Operations

Sailors assigned to the deck department aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the world’s largest aircraft carrier, operate a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) during a search and rescue exercise. The Ford is currently pierside at Naval Station Norfolk undergoing routine maintenance. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Gladjimi Balisage)

USAF, RAAF and French Navy aircrew and aircraft maintenance operations during Pacific Angel 24-1

A Royal Australian Air Force C-27J Spartan is stationed on the flightline during Pacific Angel 24-1. This four-day exercise focuses on search and rescue operations and includes a subject matter expert exchange. Papua New Guinea Defense Force personnel are receiving training and sharing knowledge with U.S. Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force experts on aircraft maintenance, adverse terrain survival, and swift water personnel recovery. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. DeAndre Curtiss)

USAF, RAAF and PNGDF training efforts culminate with aeromedical evacuation FTX during Pac Angel 24-1

Royal Australian Air Force and Papua New Guinea Defence Force medical personnel practice overseeing the well-being of a “patient” aboard a RAAF C-27J Spartan during Pacific Angel 24-1. This exercise emphasizes the exchange of tactics and techniques between participating countries, with a focus on integrating new medical standards into the Papua New Guinea Defence Force’s procedures. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Carson Jeney)

USAF, RAAF and French Navy aircrew and aircraft maintenance operations during Pacific Angel 24-1

A Royal Australian Air Force C-27J Spartan sits on the flightline during Pacific Angel 24-1. This four-day exercise focuses on search and rescue operations and includes a subject matter expert exchange. Papua New Guinea Defense Force personnel are receiving training from U.S. Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force experts in areas such as aircraft maintenance, adverse terrain survival, and swift water personnel recovery. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. DeAndre Curtiss)