June 23, 2023 | By Greg Hadley
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Air Defender 2023, the largest air exercise in NATO’s history, wrapped up June 23 in Europe.
Over the course of two weeks, around 220 aircraft and 10,000 personnel from 25 countries practiced large-scale air warfare, including Red Air aggressors to help allied “Blue” crews learn to work together against a common foe.
The exercise was led by Germany’s Luftwaffe and concentrated over three regions of Germany, with participants also leveraging operating locations in the Czech Republic, Estonia, and Latvia.
Some 100 U.S. Air Force 100 aircraft joined in, most from the Air National Guard. USAF officials said units from 35 states would fly F-35s, F-16s, F-15s, A-10s, KC-135s, KC-46s, C-130s, and C-17s in Air Defender. Images and releases shared during the exercises showed a B-1 bomber and an MQ-9 drone joining in as well.
Here is a selection of some of the best photos from the event.
A-10s
U.S. Air Force Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 124th Fighter Wing, Idaho National Guard, taxi into Lechfeld Air Base, Germany during exercise Air Defender (AD23), June 19, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph R. Morgan
U.S. Airmen assigned to the 123rd Airlift Wing, Kentucky National Guard practice refueling operations in an austere environment, transferring fuel directly from on aircraft to another during exercise Air Defender (AD23), June 19, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph R. Morgan
U.S. Airmen assigned to the 123rd Airlift Wing, Kentucky National Guard practice refueling operations in an austere environment, transferring fuel directly from on aircraft to another during exercise Air Defender (AD23), June 19, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph R. Morgan
U.S. Airmen assigned to the 124th Fighter Wing, Idaho National Guard and the 123rd Airlift Wing, Kentucky National Guard practice refueling operations in an austere environment, transferring fuel directly from on aircraft to another during exercise Air Defender (AD23), June 19, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph R. Morgan
A U.S. Air Force pilot assigned to the 124th Fighter Wing, Idaho National Guard, lands an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft at Lechfeld Air Base, Germany after a joint flight mission with German and Greek counterparts during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23), June 13, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Becky Vanshur
U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, 127th Wing, Michigan National Guard, practice air-to-ground munitions training at Ādaži training range, in Ādaži, Latvia, June 14, 2023. Training involved communication between U.S. pilots and joint terminal attack controllers from the Latvian national armed forces. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Schumann
U.S. Air Force Col. Paul Kanning, 175th Operations Group commander, 175th Wing, Maryland National Guard, shakes the hand of Airman 1st Class Jacob Kosubinsky, a crew chief assigned to the 175th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, before his flight in an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 104th Fighter Squadron, for exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23) operations, June 9, 2023, at Amari Air Base, Estonia. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Laura Weaver
U.S. Air Force weapons specialists assigned to the 175th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 175th Wing, Maryland National Guard, load an AGM-65 maverick onto an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 104th Fighter Squadron for exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23) operations, June 9, 2023, at Amari Air Base, Estonia. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Laura Weaver
A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 124th Fighter Wing, Idaho National Guard is parked on the flightline as the sun sets at Lechfeld Air Base, Germany prior to exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23) June 6, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Becky Vanshur
While the Air Force plans to retire its entire A-10 fleet in the coming years, the popular close air support aircraft featured prominently at Air Defender, with Guard units from Idaho, Maryland, and Michigan all sending ‘Warthogs.’
F-16s & F-15s
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 140th Wing, Colorado National Guard, taxis prior to take-off during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23) at Schleswig-Jagel Air Base on June 19, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Michelle Y. Alvarez
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Annalisa Neal, aircraft general specialist, assigned to the 140th Wing, Colorado National Guard, supervises the end of runway inspection prior to an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft launch during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23) at Schleswig-Jagel Air Base on June 19, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Michelle Y. Alvarez
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jordan “Waldo” Wilkie, pilot, 140th Wing, Colorado National Guard, taxis an F-16C+ Fighting Falcon aircraft at Jagel Airfield, Germany, during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23), June 16, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Sarah M. McClanahan
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt Annalisa Neal, crew chief, 140th Wing, Colorado National Guard, marshalls an F-16C+ Fighting Falcon aircraft at Jagel Airfield, Germany, during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23), June 16, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Sarah M. McClanahan
A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle assigned to the 159th Fighter Wing, Louisiana National Guard, takes off during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23) at Hohn, Germany, June 15, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Larissa Lambert
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jimmy Graves, a crew chief with the159th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 159th Fighter Wing, Louisiana National Guard, performs a pre-launch functional on an F-15C Eagle aircraft with aircrew during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23) at Hohn, Germany, June 15, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Larissa Lambert
A U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle aircraft assigned to the 104th Fighter Wing, Massachusetts National Guard, launches in preparation for exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23) at Hohn Air Base, Germany June 12, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Hanna Smith
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 52nd Fighter Wing, takes off from the flight line at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, during Air Defender 23 (AD23), June 13, 2023. The 480th Fighter Generation Squadron is the only active duty Air Force fighter unit participating in the German-led multinational exercise. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Anthony Plyler
ANG units from Colorado, Massachusetts, Louisiana, Alabama, and the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, contributed fighters as well.
F-35s
A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont National Guard, taxis after landing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, June 9, 2023, in preparation of the German-led exercise, Air Defender 23 (AD23). Exercises such as Air Defender provide vital opportunities, not only for multiple United States services to work together, but also for integrated, total force training with National Guard units and our Partner nations’ militaries to ensure interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Anthony Plyler)
A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont National Guard, conducts a touch and go maneuver at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, June 9, 2023, prior to the German-led, multinational exercise, Air Defender 23 (AD23). Combined training and exercises with allies and partners demonstrate our shared commitment to promoting a Europe that is whole and free. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Anthony Plyler)
Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont National Guard, taxi to an aircraft shelter on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, June 7, 2023, in preparation for Air Defender 23 (AD23). U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Anthony Plyler
A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont National Guard, lands at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, June 7, 2023, prior to the German-led, multinational exercise, Air Defender 23 (AD23). U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Anthony Plyler
The Vermont Air National Guard’s 158th Fighter Wing, the first Guard wing to get the F-35, sent its fifth-generation fighters.
C-130s
A Romanian C-27 Spartan aircraft lands in front of a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules assigned to the 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri National Guard, during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23) at Wunstorf Air Base, Germany, June 19, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck
A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft assigned to the 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri National Guard, lands at Wunstorf Air Base during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23) in Wunstorf, Germany, June 19, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck
From left: U.S. Air Force Capt. Joey Wertz and Lt. Col. Ben Trembath, both pilots for the 187th Airlift Squadron (AS), and Master Sgt. Matt Thronton, a flight engineer for the 187th AS, 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming National Guard, pilot and monitor the C-130 Hercules aircraft system on a flight to Poland during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23) from Wunstorf Air Base, Germany, June 15, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Paul Helmig
A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft with the 152nd Airlift Wing (AW), Nevada National Guard, leads a C-130 Hercules aircraft assigned to the 153rd AW, Wyoming National Guard, during a flight for exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23) near Wunstorf Air Base, Germany, June 15, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Paul Helmig
An aircrew of a C-130 Hercules aircraft assigned to the 165th Airlift Wing, Georgia National Guard, flies over Wunstorf Air Base in a C-130 Hercules during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23) in Wunstorf, Germany, June 14, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck
A C-130 Hercules aircraft assigned to the 165th Airlift Wing, Georgia National Guard, is marshaled at Saarbrucken Airport during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23) in Saarbrucken, Germany, June 14, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck
A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules, assigned to the 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming National Guard, flies over Wunstorf Air Base, Wunstorf, Germany, June 13, 2023, during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23). U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Michelle Ulber
U.S. Airmen with the 124th Fighter Wing Idaho National Guard, arrive at Lechfeld Air Base in Bavaria, Germany, on a U.S. Air Force C-130J Hercules aircraft assigned to the 123rd Airlift Wing, Kentucky National Guard, June 6, 2023 in preparation for exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23). U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Becky Vanshur
A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft, with the 152nd Airlift Wing, Nevada National Guard, begins to taxi in preparation for exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23) at Wunstorf Air Base, Wunstorf, Germany, June 6, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Caila Arahood
Workhorse C-130 Hercules cargo/transport aircraft played a key role as well.
Other Aircraft
A U.S. B-1B Lancer from the 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, lands at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, Romania, June 12, 2023. As part of German Air Defender 23, the B-1B Lancers received the first-ever hot-pit refueling in Romania. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Allison Payne
A U.S. B-1B Lancer from the 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, lands at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, Romania, June 12, 2023. As part of German Air Defender 23, the B-1B Lancers received the first-ever hot-pit refueling in Romania. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Allison Payne
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Mathew Grzyb, a boom operator with the 128th Air Refueling Wing, Wisconsin National Guard, refuels the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, assigned to the 127th Wing, Michigan National Guard, June 5, 2023 during the air bridge on the way to exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23). U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Lauren Kmiec.
A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 127th Wing, Michigan National Guard, fly in formation behind a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 128th Air Refueling Wing, Wisconsin National Guard, June 5, 2023. Exercise Air Defender integrates both U.S. and Allied air-power to defend shared values, while leveraging and strengthening vital partnerships to deter aggression around the world. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Lauren Kmiec)
Czech Republic partners watch an engine start of the MQ-9 Reaper June 12, 2023, at Caslav Air Base, Czech Republic. U.S. Air National Guard Photo by 1st LT Daniel Martinez
A 147th Attack Wing member marshals an MQ-9 Reaper June 13, 2023, at Ostrava Airport, Czech Republic. Exercise Air Defender 2023 integrates both U.S. and allied air-power to defend shared values, while leveraging and strengthening vital partnerships to deter aggression around the world. U.S. Air National Guard Photo by 1st LT Daniel Martinez
Tanker aircraft formed an “air bridge,” providing the gas needed for fighter aircraft to make it across the Atlantic and to Europe. A B-1 performed a hot pit refuel in Romania, and an MQ-9 landed in the Czech Republic.
Partner Nations
A Polish F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft passes in front of a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules, assigned to the 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming National Guard, during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23) at Krzesiny Air Base, Poland, June 15, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Paul Helmig
A Polish C-130 Hercules aircraft parks next to a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules assigned to the 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming National Guard, during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23) at Krzesiny Air Base, Poland, June 15, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Paul Helmig
A Polish PZL-130 Orlik TC-I turboprop aircraft passes in front of a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules assigned to the 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming National Guard, during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23) at Krzesiny Air Base, Poland, June 15, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Paul Helmig
A Turkish F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft takes off at Jagel Airfield, Germany, on the kickoff day of exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23), June 9, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Sarah M. McClanahan
A Hungarian Saab JAS-39C Gripen aircraft takes off at Jagel Airfield, Germany, on the kickoff day of exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23), June 9, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Sarah M. McClanahan
German Panavia Tornado aircraft taxi down the flight line at Jagel Airfield, Germany, on the kickoff day of exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23), June 9, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Sarah M. McClanahan
A U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet with Strike Fighter Squadron 213 (VFA-213), assigned to aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN-78) air department prepares to launch from Hohn Air Base, Germany, June 12, 2023 during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23). U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Nathan Wingate
A German air force PA-200 Tornado jet taxis on the runway at Siauliai International Airport, Lithuania, June 12, 2023 prior to take-off during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23). U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Caila Arahood
Of course, the U.S. wasn’t the only nation to send aircraft—fighters and transport planes from a host of countries participated.
Ground Forces
Estonian joint terminal attack controllers watch a U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 104th Fighter Squadron, 175th Wing, Maryland National Guard, perform a show of force after completion of a training sortie, June 14, 2023, at Tapa Army Base, Estonia. Exercise U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Laura Weaver
An Estonian joint terminal attack controller monitors aerial surveillance from a U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 104th Fighter Squadron, 175th Wing, Maryland National Guard, June 14, 2023, during a training sortie at Tapa Army Base, Estonia. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Laura Weaver
German air force special forces members prepare for take off aboard an H145M aircraft during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23) from Lechfeld Air Base, Germany, June 14, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph R. Morgan
German air force special forces members take off from Lechfeld Air Base, Germany aboard an H145M aircraft during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23), June 14, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph R. Morgan
German paratroopers walk on a path after landing from a jump during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23) in Saarbrucken, Germany, June 14, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck
Pilots from the 123rd Airlift Wing fly a Kentucky Air National Guard C-130J Super Hercules over Germany during exercise Air Defender 2023, June 13, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck
American and German jumpmasters prepare German paratroopers before a jump during exercise Air Defender 2023 in Saarbrucken, Germany, June 15, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck
Senior Airman Tyler Phillips (left), and Master Sgt. Chris Kinsberger, both loadmasters assigned to the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 165th Airlift Squadron, rig a static line aboard a 123rd Airlift Wing C-130J Super Hercules during exercise Air Defender 2023 in Saarbrucken, Germany, June 15, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck
Ground troops were involved in the exercise as well, coordinating close air support and jumping out of USAF C-130s.
Maintainers and Ammo
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Brent Hawley, left, and Tech. Sgt. Cory Jones, aircraft maintainers, 127th Wing, Michigan National Guard, attaches a BDU-50 inert bomb to a U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft at Lielvārdi Air Base, Latvia, June 13, 2023 as part of agile combat employment training. With one of the longest-running partnerships, Michigan National Guard and Latvia have benefitted from more than 30 years of military-to-military engagements, helping both countries support shared defense-security goals and facilitate joint, international interactions. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Schumann
From left: U.S. Air Force Master Sgt, Dominic Scapin, a fuels systems specialist, with the 104th Maintenance Squadron, Master Sgt. George Bahlke, a quality assurance specialist, 104th Maintenance Group, and Staff Sgt. Sarah Stec, a fuels systems specialist, with the 104th Maintenance Squadron, 104th Fighter Wing, Massachusetts National Guard, install an aerial refueling receptacle on an F-15 Eagle aircraft during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23) at Hohn Air Base, Germany June 14, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Hanna Smith
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Dustin Hallett, left?, and Tech. Sgt. Derk Nyenhuis, maintainers, 127th Wing, Michigan National Guard, conducts a pre-flight check with Lt Col. Bartley Ward, A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, at Lielvārdi Air Base, Latvia, June 13, 2023 during integrated combat turn training. With one of the longest-running partnerships, Michigan National Guard and Latvia have benefitted from more than 30 years of military-to-military engagements, helping both countries support shared defense-security goals and facilitate joint, international interactions. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Schumann
Airman First Class Sebastian Suarez, 480th Fighter Squadron avionics specialist, center, performs post-landing procedures on an F-16 Fighting Falcon during the multinational exercise, Air Defender 23 (AD23) at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, June 21, 2023. Exercise AD23 integrates U.S. and allied air power to defend shared values while leveraging and strengthening vital partnerships to deter aggression worldwide. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Anthony Plyler)
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jessica Jones, right, an avionics technician assigned to the 123rd Maintenance Squadron, 123rd Airlift Wing, Kentucky National Guard, and Master Sgt. Wyatt Shupe , an electrical environmental technician assigned to the 165th Maintenance Squadron, 165th Airlift Wing, Georgia National Guard, discuss a safety valve replacement during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23) at Wunstorf Air Base, Germany, June 19, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck
U.S. Airmen, aircraft maintainers, assigned to the 123rd Maintenance Group, 123rd Airlift Wing, Kentucky National Guard, and the 165th Maintenance Squadron, 165th Airlift Wing, Georgia National Guard, work on a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules during Air Defender 2023 (AD23) at Wunstorf Air Base, Germany, June 19, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck
U.S. Airmen assigned to the 140th Wing, Colorado National Guard, inspect the exhaust of a U.S. Air Force F-16C+ Fighting Falcon aircraft at Jagel Airfield, Germany, during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23), June 16, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Sarah M. McClanahan
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Seth Corbin, crew chief, 114th Fighter Wing, South Dakota National Guard, completes a form after the refueling of an F-16C/D Fighting Falcon aircraft at Jagel Airfield, Germany, during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23), June 16, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Sarah M. McClanahan
Airmen from the 123rd Airlift Wing, Kentucky National Guard, marshal a German aircraft tug towing a C-130J Super Hercules at Wunstorf Air Base, Wunstorf, Germany, June 12, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck
Personnel on the flightline and in maintenance hangars were crucial to keeping aircraft ready to go.
Other Activities
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael A. Loh, director, Air National Guard, wears the Bundeswehr Gold Cross of Honor during a commander’s all-call during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23) at Jagel Airfield, Germany, June 16, 2023. Loh was awarded one of the German armed force’s highest military decorations by German Lt. Gen. Ingo Gerhartz, right, chief of the German air force, for his exceptional service to the Bundeswehr in the planning and operationalizing of exercise Air Defender 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Sarah M. McClanahan
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael A. Loh, director, Air National Guard, speaks to Airmen during a commander’s all-call during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23) at Jagel Airfield, Germany, June 16, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Sarah M. McClanahan
A German air force A400M aircraft, custom-foiled Air Defender 2023-themed assigned to the 64th Air Transport Squadron, Wunstorf, takes off from Lechfeld Air Base Germany during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23), June 16, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph R. Morgan
A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 133rd Contingency Response Flight, Minnesota Air National Guard, qualifies for the German Armed Forces Badge of Marksmanship during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23) at Lechfeld Air Base, Germany, Jun 12, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Becky Vanshur
U.S. Airmen assigned to the 124th Fighter Wing, Idaho National Guard, prepare to qualify for the German Armed Forces Badge of Marksmanship during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23) at Lechfeld Air Base, Germany, Jun 12, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Becky Vanshur
A U.S. Airman assigned to the 124th Fighter Wing, Idaho National Guard, prepare to qualify for the German Armed Forces Badge of Marksmanship during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23) at Lechfeld Air Base, Germany, Jun 12, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Becky Vanshur
U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. David Hoffman, chief of operations, assigned to the 165th Communications Squadron, 165th Airlift Wing, Georgia National Guard, wears an exercise Air Defender 2023 morale patch on his right sleeve during the Nation’s Day celebration hosted June 10, 2023 at Wunstorf Air Base, Germany. Nation’s Day was hosted by Air Transport Wing 62 to welcome all the service members to the base and allow the opportunity to build relationships with counterparts prior to the start of the training exercise. Exercise AD23 integrates both U.S. and Allied air-power to defend shared values, while leveraging and strengthening vital partnerships to deter aggression around the world. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Caila Arahood)
U.S. Airmen assigned to the 124th Fighter Wing, Idaho National Guard attend a briefing at Lechfeld Air Base, Germany with German and Greek counterparts during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23), June 13, 2023. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Becky Vanshur