A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit aircraft takes off to support Operation MIDNIGHT HAMMER at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, June 2025. During this 36-hour mission, the Missouri National Guard’s 131st Bomb Wing integrated with the regular Air Force and Joint Force to execute U.S. Central Command's overnight strike on three Iranian nuclear facilities, exemplifying the National Guard’s role in providing full-spectrum, expeditionary B-2 global strike and combat support capabilities to the joint fight. (Courtesy Photo)

Soldiers assigned to the 153rd Troop Command, New York Army National Guard monitor operations during Exercise Buffalo Falls, June 5, 2025. The Homeland Response Force exercise emphasized rapid coordination across cyber, logistics, and command elements during a simulated domestic crisis. (New York Air National Guard photo by Capt. Jason Carr)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Seth Broghammer and Senior Airman Jordan Jenniges, weapons specialists assigned to the 140th Fighter Wing, prepare an F-16 Fighting Falcon during a weapons load competition at Joe Foss Field, South Dakota, June 7, 2025. Weapons load competitions allow Airmen to showcase their efficiency, readiness, precision, and teamwork. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Kyle St. Pierre)

From left, Sgt. Edward Acda, Lt. Col. Vern Perez, Sgt. 1st Class Celine Taitano, Capt. Ryan Arellano, Staff Sgt. Jovencio Mortera, and Sgt. Avery Tyquiengco of the Guam National Guard participate in Balikatan Cyber Defense Exercise, Manila, April 27, 2025. Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the U.S. and Philippine armed forces designed to strengthen the alliance, showcase the capable combined force, and demonstrate the commitment to regional security and stability. (Courtesy asset)

Master Sgt. Philip Nelson and Master Sgt. Jonathan Wilson of the 168th Communications Flight pose for a photo while installing broadband satellite, and 5 G Cellular Service in Shishmaref, Alaska. The installation, completed over five demanding days, was part of a larger initiative funded by a $29.5 million grant awarded to Alaska Tribal Networks, a nonprofit focused on expanding broadband access to rural villages. The recent Shishmaref deployment marked the beginning of a broader plan that includes coordinating the provision of Broadband satellite and 5G fixed and mobile wireless services in 45 communities across the Arctic. Nelson and Wilson of the 168 CF and ATS Lead Technician Brian Vaughn collaborated closely with the Department of Defense's Innovative Readiness Training program to execute the installation in Shishmaref. They extended the existing Starlink service from a community building into a 4G/5G broadcast signal, blanketing the entire village with reliable connectivity. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

Royal Thai Air Force Gp. Capt. Watcharapol Nualpenyai (right) speaks with Washington Air National Guard Capt. Josh Pelto during a future logistics framework working group at an Airman-to-Airman Talks in Pattaya, Thailand, May 13, 2025. Airman-to-Airman Talks facilitate discussions between the U.S. and Thailand to share best practices and build stronger relationships through collaboration and planning. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Francine St Laurent)