AF Week in Photos U.S. Air Force Logo Jan. 13, 2023 Fueling Draco Senior Airmen Zackary Short and Keven Torres, forward area refueling point specialists assigned to the 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, prepare to provide fuel to a U-28 Draco from a HC-130J Combat King II, enabling a rapid turnaround and launch at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 23, 2022. FARP specialists provide a unique refueling capability, extending the reach and effectiveness for a variety of aircraft, while reducing turnaround times in austere locations across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gerald R. Willis) Details Download Inverted Eagle A U.S. Air Force F-15 Strike Eagle breaks away after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 91st Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 27, 2022. The F-15’s mission is to deliver airpower and fortify U.S. commitment to deterrence and regional stability. (U.S. Air force photo by Staff Sgt. Kirby Turbak) Details Download Strengthening relationships U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. poses with Latvian Chief of Defense Lt. Gen. Leonīds Kalniņš Dec. 20, 2022, at the Latvian National Armed Forces Joint Headquarters in Riga, Latvia. Brown met with military counterparts during a visit to the region focused on strengthening bilateral defense relationships and further exploring opportunities to enhance interoperability, training and deterrence with NATO allies and partners. During the same visit to the European Command theater of operations, Brown met with U.S. Airmen serving in Germany, Poland and the United Kingdom. (Courtesy photo) Details Download Defending with a smile Airman 1st Class Abbigail Feathers, 341st Security Forces Squadron defender, verifies identification cards at the main gate at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., Dec. 20, 2022. Feathers and other defenders defend the gate of the installation 24/7 rain or shine. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Elijah Van Zandt) Details Download Let the sparks fly Tech. Sgt. Vincent Holmes, an aircraft metals technology technician with the 911th Maintenance Squadron, uses an angle grinder to cut through metal at Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pa., Dec. 30, 2022. Aircraft metals technology technicians keep the service's aircraft flying by grinding, welding, fabricating, or repairing parts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Grossi) Details Download Helping hand U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Lorenzo Bennette, 409th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Quick Reaction Force member, hands a bottle of water to a local child near Air Base 201, Niger, Jan. 6, 2023. QRF postures in and around the base allows for rapid response to developing hostile threats on or immediately around the base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Michael Matkin) Details Download Fueling the AOR, anytime, anywhere... A U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 91st Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, to receive fuel within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 30, 2022. The 91st EARS delivers fuel for U.S. and partner nation forces, extending the reach and combat effectiveness of airpower to the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Daniel Asselta) Details Download Eyes on Senior Airman Brent Kyzar, 92nd Operations Support Squadron air traffic control apprentice, uses his binoculars to locate aircraft on the flightline at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., Jan. 5, 2023. ATC Airmen are responsible for clearing pilots during takeoff and landing and also play a significant role in communicating vital flight patterns and weather information. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Stassney Davis) Details Download Close air support A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron participates in close air support training over Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, Dec. 20, 2022. The F-16, first introduced to the USAF in 1979, is a highly maneuverable multi-role fighter aircraft and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface defense. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Skyler Combs) Details Download Touchdown Air Force Falcons football player Caleb Rillos celebrates a touchdown with teammates after scoring against Baylor University, Dec. 22, 2022, during the Armed Forces Bowl at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. Air Force defeated Baylor 30-15 making this their third straight season securing double-figure wins and taking home the Armed Forces Bowl trophy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) Details Download Ready to go U.S. Air Force Capt. Matthew Gibson, a pilot assigned to the 525th Fighter Squadron at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, climbs into the cockpit of a U.S. Air Force F-22A Raptor at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 16, 2022. The deployment of newer and more advanced aircraft at Kadena AB exemplifies the Department of Defense's continued commitment to enhancing posture while building on the strong foundation of alliance with Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sebastian Romawac) Details Download Fear the Reaper U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Abigail Pennington, 332d Air Expeditionary Wing Executive Assistant to the command chief, watches Capt. Altin-Myka Hing(center, seated), 361st Expeditionary Attack Squadron pilot, fly an MQ-9 Reaper as a part of Red Tail Connection at an undisclosed location, Southwest Asia, Dec. 14, 2022. Red Tail Connection is an ongoing initiative where leadership visits shops and units from around the wing in order to gain insight into unique skillsets each Airman brings to the 332d AEW team. (U.S. Air Force photo by: Tech. Sgt. Jim Bentley) 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.