A CV-22 Osprey connects to an MC-130H Combat Talon II air-refueling receptacle during a training mission at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Sept. 7, 2016. The Osprey is a versatile, self-deployable aircraft that offers increased speed and range over other rotary-wing aircraft, enabling Air Force Special Operations Command aircrews to execute long-range special operations missions.

A Beechcraft twin-engine aircraft performs a routine at sunset during the Sound of Speed Air Show above the Rosecrans Memorial Airport in St. Joseph, Mo., Aug. 26, 2016. The air show was hosted by the Missouri Air National Guard’s 139th Airlift Wing to thank the surrounding community for its support.

An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launches during an operational test Sept. 5, 2016, at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.

Emergency medical technicians participating in the 2016 EMT Rodeo exit a CV-22 Osprey at Melrose Air Force Range, N.M., Aug. 25, 2016. Cannon Air Force Base’s EMT Rodeo tests the skills of medical professionals from across the Air Force through a series of innovative, high-pressure scenarios.

The Thunderbirds fly over Crater Lake, Oregon, during their return to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Aug. 29, 2016. The Thunderbirds performed at the Airshow and Warrior Expo at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Aug. 27-28.

An F-35A Lightning II pilot flies over the Atlantic Ocean for the aircraft’s first trans-Atlantic flight June 30, 2016. The fighter is a part of the Air Combat Command Air Force F-35A Heritage Flight team, which flew to Fairford, England, for the Royal International Air Tattoo. 

The U.S. Air Force Academy “Wings of Blue” perform during an air show at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M, May 28, 2016. The air show provided an opportunity to celebrate the long-standing relationship between the 27th Special Operations Wing and the local community.

A C-130 Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron flies near Mount Fuji, Japan, during a routine sortie Jan. 26, 2016, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The 36th AS regularly conducts training missions to remain proficient in the necessary skills to support any contingency

An MC-130H Combat Talon refuels a CV-22B Osprey during the honorary commanders change of command ceremony on Hurlburt Field, Fla., Sept. 25, 2015. The honorary commander program allows local community leaders frequent opportunities to visit Hurlburt Field and learn about the mission, participate in base functions and to express their views on issues of mutual…