combat_aviationist

A B-2 Spirit leads a formation including a B-1 Lancer, B-52 Stratofortress, A-10 Warthog, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-15 Eagle, and F-22 Raptor—aircraft assigned to Air Combat Command and Global Strike Command—during the Hyundai Air and Sea Show in Miami, Florida, on May 24, 2025. Each aircraft played a unique role in demonstrating the comprehensive reach of the U.S. Air Force, from legacy bombers to cutting-edge fifth-generation fighters. Known as a Freedom Formation, the event underscored the Air Force’s capability to project force anywhere, anytime, as a key component of national defense. @usairforce photo by Staff Sgt. Lauren Cobin #airpower #hyundaiairandseashow #freedomformation #b2 #b1 #b52

On June 4, 2025, Ukraine released footage of a massive drone strike—Operation Spiderweb—targeting Russian airbases. A swarm of 117 FPV drones, reportedly launched from inside Russia, struck strategic bombers including Tu-95s, Tu-160s, and A-50s, destroying or damaging over 41 aircraft. The attack marks one of the most devastating blows to Russia’s long-range aviation in the war. #Ukraine #DroneStrike #Tu95 #WarFootage #fyp

The Convair B-58 Hustler was the first operational supersonic bomber, capable of sustained Mach 2 flight. Entering service in 1960, it carried nuclear weapons and pioneered high-speed, high-altitude strategic bombing during the Cold War. #b58

U.S. Army tanks, Bradley Fighting Vehicles, Paladin howitzers, and other equipment arrive in Washington, D.C., and Jessup, Maryland, ahead of the 250th birthday parade of the United States Army in June 2025. The vehicles departed Fort Cavazos, Texas on June 2 and traveled nearly 2,000 miles by rail to participate in the historic celebration. (U.S. Army videos by Spc. Rebeca Soria, Sgt. Bernabe Lopez, and Sgt. Jose Escamilla/III Armored Corps) #tanks #army #parade

Air Force Global Strike Command unveiled its first demonstration tri-bomber/fighter formation at the Hyundai Air and Sea Show at Miami Beach, Florida, May 24, 2025. The seven-ship formation displayed the Air Force’s array of capabilities used in defending the United States to thousands in attendance on the beach. U.S. Air Force video by Staff Sgt. Bailee A. Darbasie

B-52 cockpit footage: midair refueling from KC-135 during BTF Europe May 2025 @usairforce video by Staff Sgt. Bryan Guthrie @minotafb #b52 #kc135

Throwback to my visit to the Intrepid Museum in September 2023 — standing on the deck of history! #throwbackthursday

Tomcats Forever

Happy Top Gun Day on this Tomcat Tuesday! Did you know Maverick’s actual F-14 Tomcat from the original Top Gun is on display aboard the USS Lexington? Look closely and you’ll spot the names 'Maverick' and 'Goose' on the canopy. It’s also the Tomcat I’ve visited the most. #f14 #topgunday #topgun

F-35As roar out of Luke AFB @lukeafb and tear low across the rugged terrain —cockpit view. Video by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay @airmanmagazine #f35

Throwback to my 2021 visit to Kansas City Barbeque in San Diego—better known as the iconic Top Gun bar! This is where Goose played 'Great Balls of Fire' and Maverick sang his heart out. The original piano's still there, and the vibe is pure 80s movie magic. @kansascitybbque #topgun #tomcruise #f14

VMFA-323 conducts routine exercises over the South China Sea during Exercise Balikatan 25 @marines #vmfa323 #f18