U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron maneuver an excavator onto a C-130H Hercules aircraft at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Nov. 3, 2025. The on-load highlights the squadron’s adaptability and precision in executing airlift missions from austere locations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christian Silvera)

Airmen with the 109th Airlift Wing participate in Flight-Line Orientation Training, a program to familiariz Flight Engineers and Maintainers with eachother's roles to enhance unit readiness and cpabilities.

22nd Communication Squadron technicians work together to integrate the base’s emergency services into Kansas’s Emergency Services Internet Protocol Network (ESInet) at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, Dec. 5, 2025. McConnell became the first Air Force installation to connect its 911 system over fiber, improving emergency response readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Paula Arce)

Tennessee governor, Bill Lee, speaks to the Airmen of the 134th Air Refueling Wing during a historical ceremony at Mcghee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Knoxville, Tennessee, December 7, 2025. The ceremony was held to announce the decision to home the KC-46A Pegasus at the 134th Air Refueling Wing. The next-generation aircraft provides a significant increase in global reach, readiness and resilience. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Tech. Sgt. Cassandra Johnson)

A special operations refueler here carries a hose during a Forward Arming and Refueling Point tryout at the 193rd Special Operations Wing June 17, 2025. The Airman demonstrated his physical and mental strength to complete challenges in under 15 minutes to qualify for a specialized FARP team, which will further the capabilities and mission of the 193rd SOW. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman Austin Stern)

Master Sgt. Geoff Cerrone, a loadmaster assigned to the 139th Airlift Squadron, part of the 109th Airlift Wing, prepares a LC-130 Hercules for departure at McMurdo Station, Antarctica. The 109th Airlift Wing flies the only ski-equipped LC-130s in the world and supports the National Science Foundation research efforts in Antarctica every year. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Gabriel Enders)