AF Week in Photos U.S. Air Force Logo Feb. 21, 2025 U.S. Strategic Bombers soar across Arabian Peninsula U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers from Minot Air Force Base’s 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron returned to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility this week, flying multiple missions over the Arabian Peninsula and Red Sea without landing, as part of U.S. Strategic Command’s Bomber Task Force mission series. Bomber Task Force missions provide a deployed presence of long-range strike capabilities through Air Force Global Strike Command’s bomber inventory consisting of the B-1B Lancer, B-2 Spirit, and B-52 Stratofortress. Beyond their role as a deterrent through an active presence, the bombers have served to amplify U.S. strike capabilities against Iranian-Affiliated Militia Groups throughout the past year. Notably, the U.S. leveraged the B-1B for strikes against 85 targets in Syria and Iraq following the deaths of three U.S. Soldiers at Tower 22, the first B-2 stealth bomber strikes on Houthi-controlled facilities in Yemen in October 2024, and a non-routine 45-day deployment of B-52s in late 2024 supporting a range of operational and training objectives across the region. Bomber Task Force missions demonstrate the U.S. military’s ability to rapidly deploy combat power anywhere in the world and integrate it with Coalition and partner forces to enhance U.S. Central Command’s ability to promote security and stability in the region. Imagery of operations and activities within the U.S. Air Forces Central theater of operations is publicly available through the Defense Visual Information Distribution service at www.dvidshub.net/unit/AFCENT. For more information on U.S. Air Forces Central, please contact Public Affairs at afcent.publicaffairs@us.af.mil. Details Download B-1s train with US, ROKAF fighter aircraft Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers participated in planned bilateral training with Republic of Korea Air Force, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps fighter aircraft in training airspace above South Korea, Feb. 20. Three U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 51st Fighter Wing, Osan Air Base, ROK, four ROK Air Force F-35A Lighting IIs from the 17th Fighter Wing, Cheongju Air Base, ROK, and four U.S. Marine F-35B Lightning IIs from the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, joined the bombers for simulated precision strike and air interdiction training, validating the two nations’ combined ability to conduct strikes and operated together in a contested environment. “Advanced training like today’s event ensures we’re able to maintain the high levels of readiness necessary for our combined defense posture,” said Lt. Gen. David Iverson, Seventh Air Force commander. “Each time our aircrew plan, execute and debrief together, we build proficiency in our tactics, techniques and procedures to defend the Alliance, if required.” The bombers, assigned to the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, are currently deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, in support of Bomber Task Force 25-1. They were escorted into the Korean theater of operations by ROK Air Force F-15K Slam Eagles from the 11th Fighter Wing, Daegu Air Base, ROK. Details Download HALO jump U.S. Air Force pararescuemen assigned to the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron conduct High Altitude Low Open parachute jumps from a C-130 Hercules near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Feb. 13, 2025. The technique minimizes risk to supplies, equipment or personnel as they are airdropped from high altitudes over enemy airspace. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jana Somero) Details Download Checks and balances Ground crew members conduct post-flight checks on a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress at RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, after completing a Bomber Task Force 25-2 deployment mission, Feb. 18, 2025. BTF 25-2 is a routine deployment of strategic bombers to Europe, aimed at reinforcing the United States’ commitment to regional security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kristen Heller) Details Download Let the sparks fly Senior Airman Sean Consolazio, 60th Maintenance Squadron aircraft metals technician, practices oxy cutting a piece of metal at the fabrication flight at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., Feb. 13, 2025. The Aircraft Metals Technology section of the fabrication flight is responsible for welding, machining and utilizing additive manufacturing to create precision parts to ensure aircraft and support equipment remain operational. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kenneth Abbate) Details Download Jet wash An F-35A Lightning II takes off from Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., during exercise Bamboo Eagle 25-1, Feb. 11, 2025. The Airmen, from the 388th Fighter Wing's 421st Fighter Squadron at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, are participating in BE 25-1, a U.S. Air Force Warfare Center exercise designed to enhance cooperation, agility and combat readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Micah Garbarino) Details Download St. Elmo’s Fire U.S. Air Force Capt. Russell Ellis, a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot, flies a routine tanker mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility as St. Elmo's Fire, a weather phenomenon observable in atmospheric electric fields, flashes across the window, Jan. 22, 2025. The KC-135 is the backbone of U.S. Air Forces Central's global reach aerial refueling capability and delivers critical support to joint and coalition aircraft in order to guarantee war-winning airpower throughout the CENTCOM AOR. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jackson Manske) Details Download Desert Falcons U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons fly a presence patrol over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 11, 2025. Fighting Falcons fly routine patrols to deter aggression and bolster the regional defensive posture in the CENTCOM AOR. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jackson Manske) Details Download Ready to fight Senior Airman Juan Mata, Security Forces specialist with the 521st Contingency Response Squadron, mans a defensive fighting position during exercise Pacific Dagger Feb. 7, 2025, at Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass. Pacific Dagger is conducted by various defense forces to enhance operational readiness and strengthen international partnerships, with its specifics varying based on the participating nations and mission objectives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Tristan McIntire) Details Download Helo ops A 37th Helicopter Squadron UH-1N Huey comes in for a landing to pick up a 90th Missile Wing task response force Airman during a convoy response force demonstration at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., Feb. 11, 2025. The demonstration provided U.S. Strategic Command senior leaders with insight into the Air Force’s role in the nuclear enterprise and its procedures for moving intercontinental ballistic missiles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael A. Richmond) Details Download Sic ‘em Staff Sgt. Brady Christensen, 56th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, KKora, 56th SFS military working dog and Staff Sgt. Henry Pearson, 56th SFS MWD handler, showcase bite drills during an Honorary Commander immersion, Feb. 4, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. The demonstration highlighted the expertise of MWD teams in detecting threats and protecting personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mason Hargrove) Details Download Agile Spartan A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker takes off during Operation Agile Spartan 25.1 within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 31, 2025. During the multi-day Agile Combat Employment exercise, the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing deployed multiple KC-135s to a forward operating location in support of U.S. Central Command’s theater campaign strategy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Robert Nichols) Details Download Raptors and Talons F-22 Raptors and T-38 Talons from the 1st Fighter Wing conduct an elephant walk at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., Jan. 31, 2025. This demonstration highlighted the wing's capability to mobilize forces rapidly in high-stress scenarios. The 1st FW’s primary mission is to deliver dominant airpower, supporting global operations, rapid deployment and homeland defense. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Matthew Coleman-Foster) Details Download Airtime U.S. Air Force Academy’s Kadyn MacPherson competed in the 1-meter springboard championship during the Air Force Diving Invitational on Jan. 30, 2025, at the Academy’s Cadet Natatorium in Colorado Springs, Colo. The event showcased impressive talent, with a multitude of cadets finishing in the top 12 of their respective events, highlighting the depth and competitiveness of the team. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner) Details Download Bird bath A B-1B Lancer assigned to the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., undergoes a clear water rinse upon return from a Bomber Task Force 25-1 mission at Andersen AFB, Guam, Jan. 27, 2025. The rinse is a maintenance procedure designed to prevent aircraft corrosion by removing contaminants such as salt, dust and other debris from the aircraft’s exterior surfaces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brittany Kenney) Details Download Mission-ready U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Derrius Amis, 379th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron services specialist, and Senior Airman Kameron Kensington, 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron installation patrolman, perform an aft engagement drill during a tactical leadership course within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 23, 2025. Utilizing the Mission-Ready Airman concept, students from various career fields received training with M4 carbines to build readiness for installation security scenarios. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zeeshan Naeem) Details Download 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. To view all Week in Photos collections, click here.