Lyles

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM -- Airman 1st Class Desmond Lyles, a crew chief deployed from the 77th Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, SC, to the 363rd Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron, communicates with an F-16CJ pilot while co-workers pull weapon pins on the aircraft prior to taking off for a mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Hannen)

Buff sortie

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM -- A B-52 Stratofortress heads towards Iraq March 24 armed with a combination of air-launched cruise missiles and joint direct attack munitions. The venerable bomber is playing a key role in Operation Iraqi Freedom. This B-52 is from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., and is assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron. (U. S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Cesar Rodriguez)

Perkins

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Staff Sgt. William Perkins, a weapons loader, controls the loading of an air-launched cruise missile into the belly of a B-52 Stratofortress on March 20. B-52s and support troops from the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., are deployed as part of the 7th Air Expeditionary Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christina M. Rumsey)

Buffing up

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Staff Sgts. John Beldin and Landon Favors, B-52 Stratofortress weapons loaders, prepare an air-launched cruise missle for loading on a B-52 here March 20. Aircraft and support troops from the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., are deployed as part of the 7th Air Expeditionary Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christina M. Rumsey)

Mission Continues

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" resumed flying practice here Sept. 13, 2001. "Its an important mission to get the colors airborne today," said Brig. Gen. Dan Darnell, commander of Nellis' 57th Wing. "It's important for all (Americans) to realize our military is a sign of strength." Due to recent events in New York and Washington, D.C., the squadron cancelled its Sept. 15-16 appearance at the California International Air Show in Salinas, Calif. (U.S.Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Charles Ramey)

Thunderbirds

FILE PHOTO -- The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, performs precision aerial maneuvers demonstrating the capabilities of Air Force high performance aircraft to people throughout the world. The squadron exhibits the professional qualities the Air Force develops in the people who fly, maintain and support these aircraft. The Thunderbirds squadron is an Air Combat Command unit composed of eight pilots (including six demonstration pilots), four support officers, three civilians and more than 130 enlisted personnel performing in 25 career fields. The Lockheed Martin (formerly General Dynamics) F-16 Fighting Falcon represents the full range of capabilities possessed by the Air Force's tactical fighters. This highly maneuverable multi-role fighter has proven itself to be one of the world's best precision tactical bombers and air-to-air combat aircraft. The only modifications needed to prepare the aircraft for its air demonstration role are installing a smoke-generating system in the space normally reserved for the 20mm cannon, and the painting of the aircraft in Thunderbird colors. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Iron Knights

NEW MEXICO -- The F-117A Nighthawk Stealth fighter from the 49th Fighter Wing, 9th Fighter Squadron "Iron Knights," from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. Flies a training mission over the New Mexico desert. The F-117 is the world's first operational aircraft designed to exploit low-observable stealth technology. The unique design of the single-seat F-117A provides exceptional combat capabilities. Air refuelable, it supports worldwide commitments and adds to the deterrent strength of the U.S. military forces. The F-117A can employ a variety of weapons and is equipped with sophisticated navigation and attack systems integrated into a state-of-the-art digital avionics suite that increases mission effectiveness and reduces pilot workload. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Andy Dunaway)

Heavy bomber

FILE PHOTO -- Air Combat Command's B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. The bomber is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes up to 50,000 feet. It can carry nuclear or conventional ordnance with worldwide precision navigation capability. In a conventional conflict, the B-52 can perform air interdiction, offensive counter-air and maritime operations. During Desert Storm, B-52s delivered 40 percent of all the weapons dropped by coalition forces. It is highly effective when used for ocean surveillance, and can assist the U.S. Navy in anti-ship and mine-laying operations. Two B-52s, in two hours, can monitor 140,000 square miles of ocean surface. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Buff trio

ROYAL AIR FORCE FAIRFORD, England -- Three B-52 Stratofortresses from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., taxi to the runway here. The B-52s are forward deployed to RAF Fairford to support NATO Operation Allied Force. The B-52s have been launching missiles in support of allied NATO air strikes. Air Combat Command's B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Fighting Falcon fueling

FILE PHOTO -- An F-16 pilot keeps his Fighting Falcon steady during an aerial refueling from a KC-135R Stratotanker of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. Clearly visible is the refueling boom and tail section of the KC-135R as fuel is transferred to the F-16. The fighter is assigned to the 78th Fighter Squadron, 20th Fighter Wing, Shaw AFB, S.C. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Greg L. Davis.)