AF Week in Photos U.S. Air Force Logo April 17, 2026 Flares deployed An F-15EX Eagle II releases flares over the Gulf Coast, Fla., April 3, 2026. Flares act as infrared countermeasures designed to distract and defeat heat-seeking missiles by creating alternate heat sources away from the aircraft. Test wings continue evaluating next-generation survivability, radar and sensor capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Thomas Barley) Details Download Global engagement Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Wolfe welcome Indian Air Force Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., April 8, 2026. The leaders met to strengthen bilateral cooperation and enhance interoperability between the U.S. Air Force and Indian Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Chad Trujillo) Details Download Bomber ready U.S. Air Force Airmen conduct preflight operations prior to a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber departure in the U.S. Strategic Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Epic Fury, March 29, 2026. The B-2 provided long-range precision strike capabilities, allowing it to penetrate contested environments and hold high-value targets at risk. (U.S. Air Force photo) Details Download Wings of blue U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Carter Beswick, a Wings of Blue parachutist, maneuvers during a demonstration jump at Feria Internacional del Aire y del Espacio (FIDAE) 2026 in Santiago, Chile, April 11, 2026. The team showcases discipline and strengthens international partnerships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Andrea Jenkins) Details Download Airpower in action An F-35A Lightning II flies over the 56th Fighter Wing during Luke Days 2026 at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., March 22, 2026. The event highlights the precision and professionalism required to generate combat airpower and sustain national defense. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Belinda Guachun-Chichay) Details Download Rescue ready A special missions aviator assigned to the 41st Rescue Squadron prepares to land in an HH-60W Jolly Green II at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., March 27, 2026. SMAs oversee mission systems and provide critical input to enhance crew coordination and operational effectiveness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Bre Lewis) Details Download Fuel the fight A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refuels a U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II during Operation Epic Fury in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, April 5, 2026. The KC-135 extends the operational reach of coalition aircraft by providing critical aerial refueling support to sustain continuous air operations. (U.S. Air Force photo) Details Download Fini-flight celebration Col. James Long II, 6th Air Refueling Wing deputy commander, is sprayed with champagne following his fini-flight at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., April 7, 2026. Long completed more than 4,400 flight hours across four aircraft during his career. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Angelica Richardson) Details Download Mobility return A C-17 Globemaster III taxis on the flightline after returning Airmen from deployment at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., April 1, 2026. The mission highlighted rapid global mobility capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Brian Collett) Details Download Explosive experts Staff Sgt. Jesse Farrell, 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal team leader, measures inert ordnance during a readiness exercise at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 26, 2026. EOD Airmen simulated explosive hazard response procedures to prepare for real-world scenarios and maintain safe operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jaiyah Lewis) Details Download Raptor rising A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor takes flight in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Epic Fury, March 20, 2026. During the operation, the F-22 established air superiority by detecting threats, protecting strike packages and enabling coalition aircraft to operate freely in contested airspace. (U.S. Air Force photo) Details Download Precision inspection U.S. Air Force Airman Samuel Mulleavey, 86th Maintenance Squadron non-destructive inspection apprentice, performs a magnetic particle inspection at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, April 7, 2026. NDI specialists detect potential defects in aircraft systems and equipment before they escalate into hazards. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Paden Henry) 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.