AF Week in Photos U.S. Air Force Logo May 23, 2025 Taking the oath Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg administers the oath of office to Dr. Troy Meink, officially swearing him in as the 27th Secretary of the Air Force during a ceremony at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., May 16, 2025. Surrounded by senior defense officials, family members and colleagues, Meink took the oath as he assumed leadership of the Department of the Air Force, which oversees both the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Space Force. (DoD photo by Senior Airman Madelyn Keech) Details Download Field recon Tactical air control party Airmen from the 148th Air Support Operations Squadron complete a field reconnaissance exercise at Fort Indiantown Gap in Annville, Pa., May 17, 2025. The exercise focused on preparing for real-world missions by simulating close air support coordination and communication, land navigation and convoy movement operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman Kyan Stockman) Details Download Vertical climb A F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 95th Fighter Squadron soars through the skies during exercise Checkered Flag 25-2 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., May 14, 2025. This large-scale aerial exercise brings together advanced fighter and support aircraft to sharpen the tactical skills of pilots and maintainers alike, reinforcing their ability to deliver rapid, lethal combat airpower in support of global operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zeeshan Naeem) Details Download Catching a lift U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Scott Ruffcorn participates in a 5K ruck march during Police Week at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., May 14, 2025. Police Week recognizes law enforcement who gave the ultimate sacrifice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paula Arce) Details Download Get low An Airman assigned to the 355th Security Forces Squadron low crawls under barbed wire during Police Week's Battle of the Badges at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., May 14, 2025. The event featured timed obstacles simulating law enforcement scenarios to challenge participants’ skills under pressure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Devlin Bishop) Details Download Homeward bound A B-2 Spirit stealth bomber returns to Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., after completing a forward deployment to Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory, May 9, 2025. The deployment, which lasted several weeks, was part of a routine Bomber Task Force mission designed to project U.S. global power and strengthen partnerships with regional allies. While stationed at Diego Garcia, the B-2 and its supporting aircrew conducted strategic deterrence missions, long-range training sorties and integration exercises with joint and coalition forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kenneth W. Norman) Details Download Emergency response U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Esther Crane, 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron aeromedical evacuation technician, searches through a medical kit during a routine readiness exercise at Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 8, 2025. Members of the 18th AES undergo extensive training to respond to various emergency medical scenarios, ensuring they are prepared to evacuate, treat and transport wounded military and civilian personnel at a moment’s notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez) Details Download Friendship Festival A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 35th Fighter Squadron is parked on the flightline as fireworks light up the night during the Japanese-American Friendship Festival 2025 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 18, 2025. The two-day event welcomed tens of thousands of visitors and provided an opportunity to celebrate and deepen the U.S.-Japan alliance. Through aircraft displays, cultural exchanges and live entertainment, the festival helped strengthen the enduring bonds between Yokota AB and the surrounding communities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe) Details Download Water salute Col. Alfred Rosales, 49th Wing deputy commander, is sprayed with water after his fini-flight at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., May 8, 2025. The tradition of getting sprayed with water, also known as a water salute, is a tradition that acknowledges the service member’s dedication and service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicholas Paczkowski) Details Download Computer maintenance Senior Airman Daniel Bernier, 633rd Communications Squadron asset management technician, deconstructs a laptop to access the solid-state drive at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., April 24, 2025. Base equipment custodian office and management technicians perform multiple duties, including training, data management, compliance standards and future proofing technology for the installation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gerald Ligeralde) Details Download Extending the mission A U.S. Air Force HH-60W Jolly Green II assigned to the 46th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron approaches a U.S. Air Force HC-130J Combat King II assigned to the 211th Rescue Squadron for refueling over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, May 5, 2025. The 46th ERQS specializes in rescuing isolated personnel from austere environments and in adverse weather. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Keegan Putman) Details Download Beyond the smoke Senior Airman Robbie Ellington, 96th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, uses a C-THRU Navigator on his helmet to see in a smoke-filled room May 6, 2025, at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Eglin AFB firefighters were one of only two Defense Department units to test the equipment for a Homeland Security assessment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.) 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.