AF Year in Photos

A U-2 Dragon Lady pilot poses for a portrait inside a pressure suit at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., Oct. 31, 2019. Pilots who fly into the rim of the atmosphere require a specialized and custom suit fit to their measurements to keep their bodies at a normal altitude while reaching extreme elevations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Alexandre Montes)

An MQ-9 Reaper sits on the flightline as the sun sets, Nov. 20, 2019, at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. The Reaper provides dominant, persistent attack and reconnaissance 24/7/365. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Rio Rosado)

Members of the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team stand at attention during the playing of The Star-Spangled Banner prior to the IPL 500 Festival Parade in Indianapolis, May 25, 2019. The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard presented the colors alongside a joint service color guard comprised of service members from Indiana. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Jonathan W. Padish)

Senior Airman Michael Hirsch, 492nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit maintainer, secures a panel on an F-15E Strike Eagle during exercise Combat Hammer at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Aug. 14, 2019. Combat Hammer is part of the U.S. Air Force Weapon Systems Evaluation Program, which is designed to evaluate the reliability, maintainability, suitability and accuracy of precision guided munitions as well as high technology air-to-ground munitions from tactical deliveries against realistic targets with realistic enemy defenses. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew)

U.S. and Italian Air Force F-35 Lightning IIs, F-16 Fighting Falcons and a B-52 Stratofortress, fly in formation over the Adriatic Sea during exercise Astral Knight 19, June 4, 2019. Astral Knight takes place throughout various locations in Europe, involves more than 900 Airmen and supports the collective defense and security of NATO allies and U.S. forces in Europe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua R. M. Dewberry)

An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launches during an operational test at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., Oct. 2, 2019. The test demonstrates the United States’ robust, flexible and ready nuclear deterrent tailored to deter 21st century threats and reassurance to U.S. allies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. J.T. Armstrong)

A C-130 Hercules from the 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard, fires off flares over Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center, Wyo., during a training mission, Sept. 24, 2019. The 153rd Airlift Wing's primary mission is to provide combat airlift to the state of Wyoming and the nation. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jon Alderman)

First Lt. Acosta, 494th Fighter Squadron weapons system officer, exits an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 18, 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Anna-kay Ellis) (The service member’s first name was omitted for security reasons.)

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright, Ra Young-Chang, chief master sergeant of the Republic of Korea, and other senior enlisted leaders pose for a photo during an F-22 Raptor jet engine test cell function check at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 10, 2019. Wright visited JB Elmendorf-Richardson during exercise Red Flag-Alaska 19-2 to meet with his senior enlisted leader counterparts from throughout the Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jonathan Valdes Montijo)

A 385th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Airman performs post-flight inspections on a KC-135 Stratotanker after an aerial refueling mission at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Sept. 24, 2019. During the mission, the KC-135 aircrew provided aerial refueling for F-15E Strike Eagles and F-16 Vipers at an undisclosed location. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Russ Scalf)

F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 52nd Fighter Wing line up in formation on the runway for a show-of-forces display at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Oct. 1, 2019. The 52nd FW has a suppression of enemy air defenses mission and must be able to respond to emerging competitors. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua R. M. Dewberry)

Members of the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard conduct training in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., Oct. 7, 2019. The four-man team practiced a variety of movements and rifle tosses as the sun set on the National Mall. The mission of the Honor Guard is to represent Airmen to the American public and the world. (Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Muncy)

Staff Sgt. Shane Stilson, 4th Space Launch Squadron mission assurance technician, stands in a Self-Contained Atmospheric Protective Ensemble suit at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., Aug. 3, 2019. The Airmen don SCAPE suits for protection while performing duties near rocket fuel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Clayton Wear)

Senior Airman Terri Harris, 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron expeditionary theater distribution center journeyman, inspects the shelf life of perishable items in an ETDC at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Aug. 13, 2019. Items found to be expired are sent to be tested or disposed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mozer O. Da Cunha)

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" perform over Atlantic City, N.J., Aug. 20, 2019. Since 1953, the Thunderbirds have served as America’s premier air demonstration squadron, entrusted with the vital mission to recruit, retain and inspire past, present and future Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Cory W. Bush)

Former Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein and guests watch a T-38C Talon “Missing Man” formation flyover during a memorial service celebrating the life of retired Lt. Col. Richard “Dick” E. Cole at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, April 18, 2019. Cole, the last surviving Doolittle Raider, was the co-pilot of a B-25 Mitchell for then-Col. Jimmy Doolittle during the storied Doolittle Tokyo Raid during World War II. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

Maj. Paul Lopez, F-22 Demonstration Team commander, flies above the U.S. Navy Blue Angels' iconic diamond formation over Beaufort, S.C., April 25, 2019. The historic flight featured two of the world's premier aerial demonstration teams side-by-side for the first time ever. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Samuel Eckholm)

Members of the 8th Civil Engineer Squadron smooth concrete on the flight line at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, May 2, 2019. The 8th CES applied rapid airfield damage repair methods to fix a rupture that caused damage to the flightline. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Edwards)

Air National Guardsmen with the 152nd Airlift Wing from Reno, Nev., drop water during the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System training and recertification week at Grand Canyon Hills, Colo., May 6, 2019. The 302nd AW at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., hosted the annual training in which guard and reserve Airmen trained for the 2019 fire season. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Amber Sorsek)

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein talks with Barbara M. Barrett before she takes the administrative oath of office as the 25th Secretary of the Air Force at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., Oct. 18, 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo by Wayne Clark)

Airmen assigned to the 628th Aerial Port Squadron winch an R-11 refueler aboard a C-17 Globemaster III during exercise Palmetto Challenge, May 21, 2019, at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C. The exercise develops and maintains full-spectrum readiness and ensures forces are equipped and trained to conduct rapid global mobility operations in support of Air Mobility Command and Defense Department priorities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua Maund)

Retired Staff Sgt. Kristina Coble swims freestyle during the 2019 Department of Defense Warrior Games in Tampa, Fla., June 29, 2019. The Warrior Games were established in 2010 to enhance the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded, ill and injured service members and expose them to adaptive sports. (DoD photo by EJ Hersom)

Cadets from the class of 2023 immerse themselves in water after completing the Assault Course at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., July 25, 2019. The course is part of phase two of basic cadet training which takes place at Jacks Valley at the U.S. Air Force Academy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Joshua Armstrong)

Flight instructors from the 56th Security Forces Squadron carry shooting targets to a training site during shoot, move and communicate training, Dec. 12, 2019, at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. The mission of the 56th SFS is to provide a combat credible integrated defense force through the mastery of core competencies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexander Cook)

Capt. Daniel Lagomarsino, 75th Fighter Squadron A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot, and his girlfriend, Kacey Borden, share an embrace as Lagomarsino returns from a deployment at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Jan. 25, 2019. The 75th FS returned from Southwest Asia after a six-month deployment in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Andrea Jenkins)

Maj. Paul Lopez, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander, flies a twilight demonstration during aviation celebration, EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis., July 28, 2019. Founded in 2007, the F-22 demo team showcases the unique capabilities of the world's premier fifth-generation fighter aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Samuel Eckholm)

Staff Sgt. Sarah Meadows, a 36th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, writes a holiday greeting on a box of humanitarian aid during Operation Christmas Drop at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 10, 2019. The 2019 missions carry on this tradition of international goodwill after nearly seven decades of valuable training for aircrews and more than one million pounds of charitable goods delivered. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ryan Brooks)

Kylan Nathey, a field operations manager, carries a cross from Chapel 2 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Feb. 15, 2019. The chapel was severely damaged by Hurricane Michael, a Category 4 storm that made landfall on Oct. 10, 2018. The demolition marked the beginning of a long process to clear out damaged structures to make way for new construction. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Javier Alvarez)

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket PSN VI launches from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., Feb. 21, 2019. The satellite launch provided communication and internet services for Indonesia and Southeast Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dalton Williams)

Staff Sgt. William Coleman, 96th Civil Engineer Squadron, inspects a folded American flag during the Eglin Air Force Base Honor Guard graduation ceremony, March 1, 2019, at Eglin AFB, Fla. Approximately 18 new Airmen graduated from the 120-plus-hour course. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)

The United Launch Alliance’s Delta IV rocket launches with a Wideband Global SATCOM WGS-10 satellite from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., March 15, 2019. The satellite brings enhanced communication capability for command and control of U.S. military forces on the battlefield. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Satran)

A U.S. Air Force special operations force medical element works with Royal Danish Air Force medical personnel to treat simulated patients aboard a C-146A Wolfhound during flight operations for casualty evacuation and critical care training as part of exercise Emerald Warrior 19 at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Jan. 17, 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Gregory Brook)

Airmen assigned to the 5th Maintenance Squadron lower the vertical stabilizer on a B-52H Stratofortress at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Feb. 10, 2019. The crew chiefs took turns operating the jackscrew that held the weight of the vertical stabilizer. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Jesse Jenny)

Airman 1st Class Matthew Crozier, 11th Civil Engineer Squadron structural apprentice, left, assists Fabian Moore, welder, as he welds a metal bar in place at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Feb. 13, 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Noah Sudolcan)

Janet Colon-Lopez, wife of Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Ramon "CZ" Colon-Lopez, helps her husband put on his new jacket during a change of responsibility ceremony at Conmy Hall, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., Dec. 13, 2019. Colon-Lopez is the first Air Force senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Dominique A. Pineiro)

Gen. Timothy Ray, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, shows approval after disembarking his first ride in the MH-139A Grey Wolf with Col. Michael Jiru, Air Force Materiel Command, at Duke Field, Fla., Dec. 19, 2019. The helicopters will provide security and support for the nation’s intercontinental ballistic missile fields which span Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, Colorado and Nebraska. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)

Members of the North Carolina Air National Guard and Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York, prepare lunch during drill weekend at the North Carolina Air National Guard Base, Charlotte, N.C., Jan. 12, 2019. The food services Airmen were preparing for the Air Force active duty and reserve Hennessy Award competition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Anthony Ballard)

A UH-1N Iroquois with the 1st Helicopter Squadron sits on the flightline at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Nov. 1, 2019. The 1st HS provides support to the Washington, D.C., area and JB Andrews. The 1st HS conducts high-priority airlift missions and provides contingency response in the National Capital Region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Noah Sudolcan)

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright speaks with U.S. Air Force Honor Guardsmen at a football game at FedEx Field in Landover, Md., Sept. 15, 2019. Honor Guardsmen presented the colors in front of thousands of football fans as part of their mission to represent Airmen to the American public. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Delano Scott)

Staff Sgt. Danielle Zandi, 23d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew chief, conducts a weapons-load demonstration during the 2019 Thunder Over Georgia Air Show at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Nov. 3, 2019. Approximately 50,000 people attended the two-day event, which was headlined by the Navy Blue Angels demonstration team. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hayden Legg)

An F-15C Eagle and two F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, painted with their respective squadron heritage color scheme, rendezvous with a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 100th Air Refuelling Wing during a flypast over the MSPO Expo in Kielce, Poland, Sept. 3, 2019. The MSPO Expo is an international defense industry exhibition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew)

Barbara M. Barrett takes the administrative oath of office as the 25th Secretary of the Air Force at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., Oct. 18, 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo by Wayne Clark)

Staff Sgt. Alexander Shaikh, 60th Maintenance Squadron non-destructive inspections technician, runs a magnetic particle concentration test at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., Nov. 5, 2019. When magnetized, the solution will show the NDI Airmen if there are any cracks in the tested item. (U.S. Air Force photo by Nicholas Pilch)

Capt. Andrew Olson, F-35 Lightning II Demonstration Team pilot and commander, performs aerial maneuvers during the Aero Gatineau-Ottawa Airshow in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, Sept. 7, 2019. The demonstration team consists of 10 Airmen who showcase the world’s most technologically advanced fifth-generation fighter jet. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexander Cook)

Senior Airman Demarcus Miles, 96th Security Forces Squadron, talks into a radio during a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive exercise at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Nov. 7, 2019. The Air Force Materiel Command exercise evaluated the Airmen’s ability to meet wartime and contingency taskings of employing and sustaining the force while maintaining the ability to survive and operate. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)

Airman James Eyler, a 56th Helicopter Maintenance Unit crew chief, washes a HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Oct. 22, 2019. The primary mission of the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter is to conduct day or night personnel recovery operations within hostile environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ericka A. Woolever)

Two B-52H Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the 96th Bomb Squadron fly in formation during Bomber Task Force Europe 20-1 over the Baltic Sea, Oct. 23, 2019. Strategic bombers contribute to stability in the European theater as they are intended to deter conflict rather than instigate it, demonstrating the credibility of U.S. forces to address the current global security environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Duncan C. Bevan)

Capt. Ben Shea, 91st Operations Support Squadron minuteman combat crew commander, and 2nd Lt. Taylor Yost, 740th Missile Squadron deputy minuteman combat crew commander, review missile alert facility checklists at MAF Delta-01, Max, N.D., Oct. 26, 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alyssa M. Akers)

A pararescueman assigned to the 38th Rescue Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Ga., fast-ropes from an HH-60G Pave Hawk, April 25, 2019, in Eufaula, Ala. The 41st and 38th RQS conducted water operations training that included tethered duck and live alternate search and extraction methods. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Taryn Butler)

The Air Force’s X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle Mission 5 successfully landed at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility, Fla., Oct. 27, 2019. The X-37B OTV is an experimental test program used to demonstrate technologies for a reliable, reusable, unmanned space test platform for the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

A C-130J Hercules prepares to take off from a dirt runway during phase three of the 29th Weapons Squadron C-130 Weapons Instructor Course at Red Devil Landing Zone, Colo., Oct. 17, 2019. The six-month course consists of four phases, building C-130 tactical experts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aaron Irvin)

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright presents a coin to Senior Airman Richard O’Rourke, 317th Airlift Wing client systems technician, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Aug. 1, 2019. O’Rourke was recognized for excellence in his duties over the previous year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class River Bruce)

Airmen prepare a 555th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon for takeoff from Aviano Air Base, Italy, Oct. 28, 2019. The 555th FS deployed in support of U.S. Air Forces Central Command. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Caleb House)

A U.S. Air Force Academy class of 2023 basic cadet tests the Assault Course at Jacks Valley on the grounds of the academy, July 22, 2019. The assault course is a physically and mentally strenuous course in which basic cadets are put through combat-like situations with simulated small arms fire, artillery explosions and obstacles during the final phase of their training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

An AC-130J Ghostrider gunship assigned to the 73rd Special Operations Squadron takes off from Hurlburt Field, Fla., Sept. 26, 2019. The Ghostrider, the newest, most advanced gunship in the world, is used for close air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance missions to support special operations forces worldwide. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph P. Leveille)

Airmen from the 56th Maintenance Group honor former prisoners of war and those listed as missing in action during a 24-hour vigil run at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., Sept. 20, 2019. During the event, Airmen ran while carrying a POW/MIA flag in observance of National POW/MIA Recognition Day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jacob Wongwai)

A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft conduct a combat air patrol mission over an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Sept. 21, 2019. The A-10 provides coalition forces with close air support and precision-strike capacity for targeting enemy revenue sources. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Russ Scalf)

A 28th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron pilot hangs the American flag inside a KC-135 Stratotanker at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Sept. 24, 2019. The flags represent the commitment of the men and women of the armed forces, the global coalition to defeat terrorism and honors those who have died protecting the freedoms the flag represents. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Russ Scalf)

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein delivers a State of the Air Force speech during the Air Force Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Md., Sept. 17, 2019. The ASC Conference is a professional development seminar that offers the opportunity for Department of Defense personnel to participate in forums, speeches and workshops. (U.S. Air Force photo by Wayne Clark)

Tech. Sgt. Spencer Magers, 179th Airlift Wing Maintenance Group maintainer, conducts post-flight operations during exercise Saber Junction 2019, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sept. 18, 2019. Saber Junction, which involved nearly 5,400 participants from 16 ally and partner nations, is designed to assess the readiness of the Army's 173rd Infantry Airborne Brigade to execute land operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with participating allies and partner nations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Alexis Wade)

A C-5M Super Galaxy flies over the 2019 Thunder Over Dover Air Show, at Dover Air Force Base, Del., Sept. 14, 2019. The event featured more than 20 aircraft static displays and numerous aerial demonstrations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Quail)

Senior Airman Christina Phillips, a 57th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, secures munitions in place on an F-16 Fighting Falcon during the Load Crew of the Quarter Competition, Oct. 4, 2019 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The 57th Maintenance Group holds quarterly competitions to give Airmen an opportunity to showcase their technical prowess to an audience of peers and base leadership. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Kleinholz)

Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew, 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs photojournalist, takes a selfie while documenting two F-15E Strike Eagles and an F-15C Eagle conducting aerial maneuvers over southern England, Sept. 3, 2019. The 48th FW conducts routine training daily to ensure the unit brings unique air combat capabilities to the fight when called upon by U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 40th Flight Test Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., receives fuel from a KC-10 Extender assigned to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., during flutter testing, Aug. 23, 2019. Flutter testing evaluates the vibration characteristics of the airplane at certain speeds to assess the impact on the plane and identify potential structural weaknesses. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. John Raven)

Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Marcelite Harris’ son, Lt. Col. Steven Harris, kneels at his mother’s gravesite after her full-honors funeral at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Feb. 7, 2019. Maj. Gen. Harris was the first woman aircraft maintenance officer, one of the first two women air officers commanding at the U.S. Air Force Academy and the first woman deputy commander for maintenance. She also served as a White House social aide during the Carter administration. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff. Sgt. Rusty Frank)

Maj. Paul Lopez, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander, performs during the Chicago Air and Water Show, Aug. 17, 2019. Founded in 2007, the F-22 Demo Team showcases the unique capabilities of the world's premier fifth-generation fighter aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Samuel Eckholm)

An HC-130J Combat King II is parked on the flightline at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., Aug. 30, 2019. The aircraft was used to transport personnel and equipment to Little Rock AFB in support of Hurricane Dorian aircraft relocation efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Alder)

Airman Kristina Schneider, 312th Training Squadron student, approaches an exterior aircraft fire with a water hose outside the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy on Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Aug. 16, 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ethan Sherwood)

An RQ-4 Global Hawk remotely-piloted surveillance aircraft assigned to the 69th Reconnaissance Group, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, lands at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Aug. 5, 2019, for a rotational deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Juan Torres)

Airman 1st Class Anthony White and Senior Airman Mark McCormick, 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron survivable systems team members, perform maintenance on a launch control center blast door, Oct. 29, 2019, at a missile alert facility near Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. The survivable systems team’s primary task is to perform launch control center maintenance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jacob M. Thompson)

Pilots from the 5th and 25th Flying Training Squadrons soar through the sky in a T-38C Talon July 26, 2019, over Oklahoma. The Talon is a twin-engine, high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer used in a variety of roles across the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Taylor Crul)

Tech. Sgt. Hai Spletstoser, a security forces specialist with the Georgia Air National Guard, walks the flightline at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Mich., July 22, 2019, during exercise Northern Strike 19. Northern Strike is a National Guard Bureau-sponsored exercise uniting service members from more than 20 states, multiple service branches and seven coalition countries. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Scott Thompson)

An MQ-9 Reaper, piloted from the ground by Maj. Stevo, MQ-9 instructor pilot, flies over the Nevada Test and Training Range, July 15, 2019. Remotely piloted aircraft Airmen are responsible for providing dominant, persistent attack capabilities for the U.S. and its allies around the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Haley Stevens)

A B-2 Spirit aircraft is prepped for launch July 17, 2019, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Whiteman AFB celebrated the 30th anniversary of the B-2’s inaugural flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Thomas M. Barley)

An F-22 Raptor assigned to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, flies in formation over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex July 18, 2019. The JPARC is a 67,000-plus square mile area providing a realistic training environment for full-spectrum engagements, ranging from individual skills to complex, large-scale joint engagements. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. James Richardson)

A 143rd Airlift Wing Airman reunites with a family member as more than 100 Airmen return home from their recent deployment in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel, July 4, 2019, at Quonset Air National Guard Base, North Kingstown, R.I. (Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Deirdre Salvas)

Fireworks explode behind a C-130J Super Hercules during the Celebrate America festival at Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 3, 2019. Celebrate America is an annual event that provides military members and their families the opportunity to enjoy games, food and bands before culminating in a fireworks display over the Yokota AB airfield to celebrate Independence Day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brieana E. Bolfing)

Tech. Sgt. Jess Tharp, an Air Force rugby player, tackles a Navy rugby player during a tournament match of the Armed Forces Women’s Rugby Championship, July 6, 2019, in Wilmington, N.C. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Cambria Lynn Ferguson)

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" perform at the F-AIR Colombia Air Show in Rionegro, Colombia, July 13, 2019. The team traveled to Colombia for the first time in more than 50 years to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Colombian Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Andrew D. Sarver)

Tech. Sgt. Rafiq Pickett, 108th Security Forces Squadron, completes an obstacle course at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., June 25, 2019. The SFS coordinated a two-week tactical training that included one week of classroom coursework and an additional week of field activities, such as active shooter, urban operations training and an obstacle course. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Andrea A. S. Williamson)

A B-52H Stratofortress prepares to join Qatar Emiri Air Force Mirage 2000s and U.S. F-35A Lightning IIs to fly in formation over Southwest Asia, May 21, 2019. The B-52H is part of the Bomber Task Force deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to defend U.S. forces and interests in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Keifer Bowes)

Senior Airman Chad Helminiak, 60th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion journeyman, and Staff. Sgt. Randolph Quarteroni, 725th Air Mobility Squadron aerospace propulsion craftsman, lower a C-5M Super Galaxy engine into place June 6, 2019, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. The engine needs to be balanced from all sides while being lowered and raised. To accomplish this, Airmen must be able to communicate effectively as a team while cranking and checking the scales attached to the engine. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Quail)

Secretary of the Air Force Barbara M. Barrett speaks at the commencement of the Air Force Space Pitch Day, Nov. 5, 2019, in San Francisco. The two-day event, hosted by the Air Force, demonstrated the Air Force's willingness and ability to work with non-traditional startups. (U.S. Air Force photo by Van De Ha)

An RC-135 Rivet Joint receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker during a mission within the U.S. Air Force Central Command area of responsibility, May 26, 2019. The Rivet Joint supports theater and national-level consumers with near real-time, on-screen intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Russ Scalf)

A Security Forces Airman with the 121st Air Refueling Wing participate in quarterly weapons training during a regularly scheduled drill at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, May 5, 2019. Airmen used simulated ammunition to practice shooting while wearing gloves and gas masks to experience weapons handling as they would in a chemical warfare environment. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Wendy Kuhn)

Senior Airman Sawyer Ezzell, a crew chief with the 123rd Maintenance Group, 123rd Airlift Wing, services the liquid oxygen system of a Kentucky Air National Guard C-130 Hercules at Aviano Air Base, Italy, May 15, 2019, as part of exercise Immediate Response 2019. The annual exercise focuses on allied airborne forces’ ability to quickly and effectively respond to crisis situations as an interoperable, multinational team. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Horton)

Two reusable rocket boosters land after the successful launch of SpaceX's Falcon Heavy Arabsat 6A April 12, 2019, at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. This marks the second launch of the Falcon Heavy rocket; the most powerful space vehicle currently flying. (U.S. Air Force photo by James Rainier)

Senior Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro and his wife, Carmen, renew their wedding vows during his retirement ceremony at the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo., April 27, 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo by Joshua Armstrong)

A pilot from the 388th Fighter Wing’s 421st Fighter Squadron prepares to launch an F-35A Lightning II during night-flying operations at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, March 26, 2019. Night flying is required for pilots to sharpen their combat skills. The 388th FW is the Air Force’s first combat-coded F-35A wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by R. Nial Bradshaw)

Scott McMurray, a U.S. Air Force Academy sophomore, performs on the pommel horse during a meet against the University of Washington at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo., March 23, 2019. The Air Force gymnastics team defeated Washington 396.100 - 378.750. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

A KC-10 Extender from the 6th Air Refueling Squadron, Travis AFB, Calif., refuels a CV-22 Osprey from the 20th Special Operations Squadron, Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., during an aerial refueling training mission over New Mexico, March 11, 2019. Travis AFB Airmen fly training missions regularly to stay current and be prepared for future mobility operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Joseph Swafford)

President Donald Trump signs S.1790, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, as senior leaders watch Dec. 20, 2019, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. The act authorizes a budget that supports the U.S. armed forces and postures the Air Force to meet the requirements of the National Defense Strategy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Spencer Slocum)

U.S. Airmen unload cargo from a C-130J Hercules assigned to the 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron in East Africa, March 4, 2019. The 75th EAS supports Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa with medical evacuations, disaster relief, humanitarian and airdrop operations. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Chris Hibben)

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer and a Qatari Mirage 2000 fly in formation over Qatar during the Joint Air Defense Exercise 19-01, Feb. 19, 2019. The aircraft participated with regional partners to test objective-based command and control actions during the exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Clayton Cupit)

An Air Force F-22 Raptor is parked on the flightline at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., Feb. 11, 2019. Jets were staged on the flightline as part of a routine night-flying training mission. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Bryan Myhr)

Secretary of the Air Force Barbara M. Barrett drives a bomb disposal robot used by the explosive ordnance disposal team deployed to the 724th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron during her visit to Nigerien Air Base 201, Niger, Dec. 21, 2019. While at the installation, Barrett learned how each unit supports the mission, from building the future of the base to defending its assets and personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III)

A 509th Bomb Wing B-2 Spirit flies over the United Kingdom during the Bomber Task Force training exercise, Aug. 29, 2019. Training with partners, allied nations and other U.S. Air Force units contributes to global readiness and strengthens enduring and strategic relationships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jordan Castelan)

U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2019 graduates toss their hats into the sky as the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” roar overhead during the Academy’s graduation ceremony in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 30, 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo by Darcie L. Ibidapo)

A patient looks through a phoropter during an eye examination training session at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pa., April 11, 2019. The training session taught optometry personnel how to properly use a phoropter to determine the prescription of glasses a patient needs to correct their vision. (U.S. Air Force photo by Joshua J. Seybert)

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform during the Thunder and Lightning Over Arizona air show at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., March 23, 2019. During the two-day air show, spectators witnessed several performances to include a Heritage Flight formation featuring the F-35A Demonstration Team. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jensen Stidham)