Iron Falcon

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AIR WARFARE CENTER, UAE - Capt. Blaine Jones, 1st Fighter Wing pilot, prepares to taxi an F-22 Raptor Nov. 30, 2009. Captain Jones is on temporary duty from Langley Air Force Base, Va. Captain Howard hails from Kingman, Kan. F-22 Raptors have deployed from the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley AFB, VA to the United Arab Emirates Air Warfare Center. Aircrews have been participating in bilateral training opportunities with Coalition partners. The exercises are designed to promote security, stability and mutual interests in the region.(U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Charles Larkin Sr)

Iron Falcon

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AIR WARFARE CENTER, UAE - Senior Airman Deandre Barnes, 1st Fighter Wing crew chief, awaits orders from Capt. Blaine Jones, First Fighter Wing F-22 Raptor pilot, Nov. 30, 2009. Airman Barnes and Captain Jones are on temporary duty from Langley Air Force Base, Va. Airman Barnes hails from Jacksonville, Ark., and Captain Jones hails from Kingman, Kan. F-22 Raptors have deployed from the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley AFB, VA to the United Arab Emirates Air Warfare Center. Aircrews have been participating in bilateral training opportunities with Coalition partners. The exercises are designed to promote security, stability and mutual interests in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Charles Larkin Sr)

Operation Iraqi Freedom

A U.S. Air Force HH-60 Pavehawk from the 64th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, Joint Base Balad, Iraq, comes in for a landing during a proficiency exercise April 10, 2009, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. James L. Harper Jr.)

Atlantic Strike VI

More than 200 warfighters from around the world gathered this weekend in the little-known Avon Park Military Training Complex in central Florida to combat a simulated enemy force comprised of insurgent groups, roadside bombs and hidden snipers. In order to complete their missions, teams of blended forces must use the warfighters most flexible and powerful tool: airpower. Atlantic Strike VI, a semi-annual training event sponsored by U.S. Central Command Air Forces, is aimed at preparing Joint Terminal Attack Controllers and Joint Fires Observers for urban close air support operations. For the 800 military members spread across several operating locations, including MacDill Air Force Base, Homestead Air Reserve Base and Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., Shaw AFB, S.C., Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C. and Robins AFB, Ga., the intense training event begins today; battles continue day and night through Nov. (Photo story by Airman 1st Class Stephenie Wade)

Under cover

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (ACCNS) -- Airman 1st Class Brent Hotsinpiller, 728th Air Control Squadron satellite communications specialist, takes cover behind the wheel of a 5-ton truck. Airman Hotsinpiller was defending his convoy from attack during the squadron’s convoy training here Oct. 13. (U.S. Air Force by Staff Sgt. Robert Zoellner)

Mission prep

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — Airman 1st Class Daryle Elams, 60th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, fastens in Royal Air Force Squadron Leader Mark Chappell, a 60th Fighter Squadron pilot, before his takeoff during the 33rd Fighter Wing’s Phase II exercise in May. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jerron Barnett)