AF Week in Photos U.S. Air Force Logo Jan. 16, 2026 Tip of the spear Airmen perform essential checks on an F-22 Raptor following military actions in Venezuela in support of Operation Absolute Resolve in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, Jan. 3, 2026. As part of the larger U.S. military operation that included airstrikes and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, F-22s were temporarily deployed to support air operations and maintain air superiority in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Katelynn Jackson) Details Download Red light ops Staff Sgt. Joshua Lapooh, a tactical air control party specialist with the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron, documents targeting information during a night training exercise at Saylor Creek Range, Idaho, Jan. 9, 2026. The specialists directed A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots from the 190th Fighter Squadron through training gun runs to improve their proficiency in supporting ground forces in low-light conditions. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Mercedee Wilds) Details Download De-icing Airmen from the 157th Maintenance Group and 64th Air Refueling Squadron de-ice a KC-46 Pegasus during cold weather operations at Pease Air National Guard Base, N.H., Jan. 6, 2026. De-icing fluid removes snow and ice from the aircraft's surfaces, a critical step to ensure safe flight during cold weather operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by 2nd Lt. Victoria Nelson) Details Download Gateway to the Air Force Trainees from Flights 081-097 march in the 737th Training Group's graduation parade at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Jan. 8, 2026. The ceremony marks their transition to Airmen upon completion of Air Force Basic Military Training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ismael Ortega) Details Download Historic moment A T-7A Red Hawk is displayed during its arrival ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, Jan. 9, 2026. The 99th Flying Training Squadron is the first Air Force unit to receive the new aircraft, which replaces the T-38 Talon and modernizes pilot training for Air Education and Training Command. (U.S. Air Force photo by Zelideth Rodriguez) Details Download Supplying the Force U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 35th Fighter Wing coordinate cargo transport at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Jan. 7, 2025. The cargo will sustain future F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft operations to enhance the 35th Fighter Wing’s readiness to employ fifth-generation airpower capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jessel Fabara) Details Download Off-season practice Maj. Melanie Kluesner, an F-35A Demonstration Team pilot, performs high-speed aerial maneuvers during a practice demonstration at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Jan. 6, 2026. The team practices during the off-season to maintain proficiency. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Rupiper) Details Download Return to training U.S. Air Force Academy cadets walk up a library staircase during the first day of the spring semester at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., Jan. 7, 2026. The start of the semester marks the cadets' return to academic and military training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner) Details Download Ready for action C-17 Globemaster IIIs assigned to the 911th Airlift Wing are lined up on the flightline at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pa., Jan. 2, 2026. The C-17 is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area. (U.S. Air Force photo by James Fritz) Details Download Fuel inspection Tech. Sgt. Jairo Hernandez, 188th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels laboratory noncommissioned officer in charge, inspects jet fuel at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Ark., Jan. 6, 2026. The inspection ensures fuel is free of contaminants and meets strict quality standards before being used in aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Patricia Teare) Details Download Night flight An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 175th Fighter Squadron, South Dakota Air National Guard, takes off from Joe Foss Field, S.D., Dec. 16, 2025, during night flying operations. Night training prepares aircrews to operate in various visibility and weather conditions. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Luke Olson) Details Download Plasma cutter Tech. Sgt. Cameron Gibbs, an aircraft metals technology specialist with the 121st Air Refueling Wing, practices plasma cutting at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio, Jan. 7, 2026. Gibbs fabricates metal parts essential for the operation of the wing's KC-135 Stratotankers. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman Samir Harris) 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.