USA | These Are The Most Incredible Photos The Air Force Took In 2014

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Staff Sgt. Jonathan Snyder/USAFA T-38 Talon flies in formation with the B-2 Spirit of South Carolina during a training mission Feb. 20, 2014, over Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. The B-2 Spirit is a multirole bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions.



The past year was a busy time for the US Air Force.

Aside from coordinating and carrying out airstrikes against ISIS and other militant groups around the world, the branch also had to maintain its typically high level of readiness. The branch compiled a year in review, showcasing the US Air Force in action.

These are some of the most striking images the branch captured over the past year :



A soldier conducts a jump from a C-130 during the Japanese-American Friendship Festival at Yokota Air Base, Japan.

In September, soldiers also executed jumps out of a C-130 at the Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan.

Osakabe Yasuo/USAF
Soldiers execute jumps out of a C-130 Hercules Sept. 3, 2014, at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan. The Soldiers are assigned to the 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) and the C-130 is assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron.



During 2014, the long-delayed F-35 next-generation fighter was moved to its new home at Luke Air Force Base, in Arizona. Here is one F-35 being escorted by an F-16.

Jim Hazeltine/US Air Force




The Air Force helped Marines load cargo during the closure of bases throughout Afghanistan during the past year, as the US-led combat mission in the country wrapped up.

Staff Sgt. Jeremy Bowcock/USAF




Drone operators were also constantly called upon throughout 2014. An MQ-1B Predator, left, and an MQ-9 Reaper taxi to the runway in preparation for takeoff at Creech Air Force Base, in Nevada.

Airman 1st Class Christian Clausen/USAF
An MQ-1B Predator, left, and an MQ-9 Reaper taxi to the runway in preparation for takeoff June 13, 2014, on Creech Air Force Base, Nev. The aircraft are assigned to the 432nd Wing, which trains pilots, sensor operators and other remotely piloted aircraft crewmembers, and conducts combat surveillance and attack operations worldwide.




In November, the Air Force carried out training operations alongside the Army and the Marines in Idaho.

Staff Sgt. Roy Lynch/USAF


Training took several forms throughout the year. Here, Air Force ROTC cadets observed the refueling of a B-2 over New Jersey as part of an orientation flight program.

Master Sgt. Mark C. Olsen/USAF



Here, a C-17 is guided into an aerial refueling mission during a training flight.

Staff Sgt. Alexander Martinez/USAF




Beyond airframes, personnel train in a variety of other combat-related skills. Here, Staff Sgt. Michael Sheehan fires a man-portable aircraft survivability trainer, or MAST, at Saylor Creek Range at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho.

Tech. Sgt. JT May III/USAF
Staff Sgt. Michael Sheehan fires a man-portable aircraft survivability trainer, or MAST, at Saylor Creek Range March 13, 2014, at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. The MAST is used to train aircrews to react to surface to air missiles threats during live training exercises. Members of the 266th Range Squadron play an invaluable role in Gunfighter Flag 14-2 by providing support to U.S. and coalition forces for future deployments. Sheehan is a 266th RANS ground radar operator technician.



The Air Force's 2014 In Photos - Business Insider

 

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In November, the Air Force carried out training operations alongside the Army and the Marines in Idaho.

Staff Sgt. Roy Lynch/USAF


Training took several forms throughout the year. Here, Air Force ROTC cadets observed the refueling of a B-2 over New Jersey as part of an orientation flight program.

Master Sgt. Mark C. Olsen/USAF


Here, a C-17 is guided into an aerial refueling mission during a training flight.

Staff Sgt. Alexander Martinez/USAF

Beyond airframes, personnel train in a variety of other combat-related skills. Here, Staff Sgt. Michael Sheehan fires a man-portable aircraft survivability trainer, or MAST, at Saylor Creek Range at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho.

Tech. Sgt. JT May III/USAF
Staff Sgt. Michael Sheehan fires a man-portable aircraft survivability trainer, or MAST, at Saylor Creek Range March 13, 2014, at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. The MAST is used to train aircrews to react to surface to air missiles threats during live training exercises. Members of the 266th Range Squadron play an invaluable role in Gunfighter Flag 14-2 by providing support to U.S. and coalition forces for future deployments. Sheehan is a 266th RANS ground radar operator technician.


Dedicated personnel within the Air Force train to be firefighters capable of responding to a range of emergencies at a moment's notice. Here, an airman puts on his helmet as part of training in ventilation techniques.

Senior Airman Christopher Callaway/USAF


Members of the 334th Training Squadron combat controllers and the 335th Training Squadron special operations weather team ready themselves for a physical training session.

Kemberly Groue/USAF


Here, Air Force service members take part in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, which is open to all service members.

Staff Sgt. Austin Knox/USAF


Of course, just like in every service branch, the Air Force puts a premium on discipline. At Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Tech. Sgt. Chananyah Stuart unsparingly reminds a trainee of the procedures for entering the dining facility.

Master Sgt. Jeffrey Allen/USAF
Tech. Sgt. Chananyah Stuart reminds a trainee of the procedures for entering the dining facility Sept. 26, 2014, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Stuart is extra demanding on his trainees from the very beginning because he believes it sets them up for success. Stuart is a 323rd training Squadron military training instructor.



2014 also included integration exercises for the various service branches — such as Exercise Valiant Shield, which was held in Guam in September.

Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Trevor Welsh/USAF


After a practice demonstration over Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, aircraft from the Thunderbirds, one of the Air Force's demonstration squads, wait for clearance to land.

Staff Sgt. Larry E. Reid Jr./USAF


Here, an F-22 performs aerial demonstrations at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, in Alaska.

Staff Sgt. Joseph Araiza/USAF


The Air Force also lent some of its older aircraft out as memorials during 2014. Here, airmen tow an F-15 to the Warner Robins, Georgia city hall for a memorial display.

Tech. Sgt. Regina Young/USAF
Airmen maneuver through traffic lights while towing an F-15 Eagle down Watson Boulevard Sept. 6, 2014, to the Warner Robins City Hall, Warner Robins, Ga. The aircraft was loaned to the city by the Georgia Air National Guard’s 116th Air Control Wing to serve as a static display for a new veteran’s memorial. The Airmen moving the aircraft are assigned to the 116th Maintenance Group.



The Air Force deployed a vast range of aircraft in 2014. Here, a T-38 Talon flies in formation with a B-2 during a training mission.

Staff Sgt. Jonathan Snyder/USAF


In April, a host of C-130Js and WC-130Js flew in formation over the Gulf Coast during Operation Surge Capacity, a training mission.

Senior Airman Nicholas Monteleone/USAF


Here, U-2 pilots prepare to land in a TU-2S, a trainer aircraft for pilots before they undertake actual missions in the U-2.

Airman 1st Class Bobby Cummings/USAF


Members of the 101st Rescue Squadron also practiced a simulated rescue and tested the defensive capabilities of a HH-60 Pavehawk.

Senior Airman Christopher S. Muncy/USAF
A HH-60 Pavehawk with the 101st Rescue Squadron conducts training Nov. 25 2014, around Westhampton Beach, N.Y. During this time the aircrew tested the aircraft's defensive systems and conducted the simulated rescue of a downed Airman.



The US Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team performs at Mount Rushmore. Between the rise of ISIS and fears of Russian aggression in eastern Europe, 2014 presented the US Air Force with a range of challenges that it continues to try to meet head-on.

1st Lt. Nathan Wallin/USAF

Read more: The Air Force's 2014 In Photos - Business Insider

 

[Scorpion]

B-2 is my favorite bird.

Amazing photos. Will be back to take a look at the other and do some analysis.

 

[xTinx]

If you don't think about the inevitable fate that awaits some of those soldiers and equipment, then I would definitely commend these pictures for portraying strength and invincibility.

 

[galmal]

Love the photo of the Honor Guard in front of Mount Rushmore - the symbolism is really strong and emotional. I also love the photo of the Special Ops team on the pool, they look so relaxed and comfortable but ready to do what needs to be done. But I think my favorite is the photo of the F-15 rolling down the road - can you imagine what it would be like to see that coming at you? Thanks for great photos.

 

[missbishi]

What fantastic photos there are. I especially like the photograph of the jump - it captures the movement very well.

 

[kd3pc]

Simply an amazing display of what 18-32 year olds can do with the correct training is taken and expectations are set.

A big thank you to them all for protecting our country and the freedoms we hold dear.

 

[Nate5]

These are fantastic photos, and I thank you for sharing them! It's great that we get a candid look at the US military and the day to day training that goes on. I commend these people for serving their country, and I hope these photos can bring more appreciation and attention to what they do to defend our freedoms.

 

[003]

The aircrafts are really stunning. But it's pretty scaring when we get deeper into it that they are to be used against the attacks of another countries. They look good, and aside that they embody their countries' protection prowess, they also pose for the threat of war. They aren't merely architectural or engineering feats, they are also of military. Imagine, how one country would feel if they aren't able to reproduce the same quality of armaments and arsenal, they would most feel likely threatened and be just submissive.

 

[kittyworker]

The aircrafts are really stunning. But it's pretty scaring when we get deeper into it that they are to be used against the attacks of another countries. They look good, and aside that they embody their countries' protection prowess, they also pose for the threat of war. They aren't merely architectural or engineering feats, they are also of military. Imagine, how one country would feel if they aren't able to reproduce the same quality of armaments and arsenal, they would most feel likely threatened and be just submissive.

Thats actually a point I had never really considered before when viewing pictures of planes and the like. They look awesome, but their intimidation factor can also be pretty daunting. You always thinking about the 'Nuclear deterrent' but I guess its a bit more than that now. Nukes are pretty much a non factor in todays military because anyone who would use them, doesn't have them, and those that do cant use them because of the fallout from the international community. So if they really aren't much of a deterrent anymore thats the solution? Really mean looking tanks/aircraft.

 

[bettyredd]

I am honored to see these amazing photos of our brave soldiers in action. The aircraft's are truly incredible to see, and these photos are clear reminder of what a great military our country has and how proud we should be.