U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 555th Fighter and Fighter Generation Squadrons prepare and operate F-16 Fighting Falcons to practice integrated air missile defense during Combat Archer U.K. at RAF Lakenheath, England, April 9, 2025. Combat Archer U.K. provided live-fire air-to-air experience against threat-representative unmanned systems. By hosting Combat Archer U.K. in Europe, U.S. Air Forces Europe saved millions of dollars, allowing them to enhance the mission while staying on the right side of the cost curve. (U.S. Air Force video by Airman 1st Class Zachary Jakel)

The USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) heads toward the 47-foot motor vessel Lucky Harvest adrift around 125 nautical miles west of Guam on May 16, 2025. A U.S. Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from Air Station Barbers Point in Hawai’i remained on scene with the vessel until the Myrtle Hazard crew arrived, rescued the mariner still aboard and took the vessel safely in tow headed to Guam. (U.S. Coast Guard video by Lt. Camden Cecchini)

An MH-60 Knighthawk helicopter crew from U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 hoist a mariner from the 47-foot motor vessel Lucky Harvest around 9:30 a.m., around 125 nautical miles west of Guam on May 16, 2025. A U.S. Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from Air Station Barbers Point in Hawai’i remained on scene with the vessel until the USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) arrived, rescued the second mariner, and took the vessel safely in tow, headed to Guam. (U.S. Coast Guard video by Lt. Nick Fuist)

In Hawaii, U.S. Army leaders and allies from across the globe attended the Land Forces Pacific Symposium and exhibition in Honolulu. On Camp Navajo, Arizona, U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers competed in the Region VII Best Warrior Competition 2025. In the Republic of Korea, U.S. Marine Corps, Republic of Korea Air Force and U.S. Air Force participated in the Osan Power Days airshow, at Osan Air Base.

Day 4 of the Region VII Best Warrior Competition focuses on the marksmanship under pressure for the competitors through events like M4A1 and M17 qualifications, stress tests, long distance shooting, timed events and more. Region VII Best Warrior Competition builds lethal readiness; competitors must meet challenges with technical proficiency, combat readiness, combat tactics, and leadership skills to succeed.

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds F-16 Fighting Falcons land at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., May 15, 2025. The Thunderbirds are among several aerial performers featured in JB MDL's 2025 Power in the Pines Open House and Air Show. (U.S. Air Force video by Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 2-7 Infantry Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division stage and move out to the training site during Combined Resolve 25-02 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels Training Area, Hohenfels, Germany on 15 May, 2025. Combined Resolve is a US-led, NATO and partner-integrated exercise in the European Theater focused on combined arms interoperability (US Army photo by Sgt. First Class Richard Hoppe, Released).

Members of the Minnesota National Guard help the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources fight the Camp House Wildfire near Brimson May 15, 2025. Currently, the Camp House, Jenkins Creek, and Munger Shaw Wildfires are burning North of Duluth, spreading across more than 32,000 acres. Governor Tim Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard to support local authorities adding nearly 30 Airmen and Soldiers, and three refueling trucks, one CH-47 Chinook and three UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters to the overall effort. Altogether, the three fires have consumed approximately 50 square miles of forest; an area similar in size to the city of Minneapolis. “We’re assisting our fellow Minnesotans because we are Minnesotans,” said Minnesota’s Adjutant General, Army Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke. “We live here. We work here. And we serve here. Our Guard members take great pride in supporting our communities during challenging times. We’ll continue to coordinate closely with local authorities and do everything we can to protect lives and property.” (Minnesota National Guard video by Master Sgt. Megan Shaner)

Paratroopers from 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, conduct a force-on-force combat training exercise for Swift Response 25 during DEFENDER 25 in Norway, May 15, 2025. DEFENDER 25 increases the lethality of the NATO alliance through large-scale tactical training maneuvers and long-range fires, builds unit readiness in a complex joint, multinational environment and leverages host nation capabilities to increase the U.S. Army’s operational reach. During three large-scale combat training exercises—Swift Response, Immediate Response, and Saber Guardian—Ally and partner forces integrate and expand multi-domain operations capability, demonstrating combined command and control structures and readiness to respond to crisis and conflict. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Terry Vongsouthi)

U.S. Army soldiers with A Co. 1-501 Armored Rifle Battalion, 1st Armored Division Combat Aviation Brigade make a simulated forced landing in an AH-64E Apache attack helicopter and attempt to evade capture by simulated opposing forces using Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) tactics during Operation Combined Resolve 25-2 May 15, 2025 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels Training Area, in Hohenfels, Germany. NATO joint forces are ready and postured with combat-credible capability to assure, deter, and defend in an increasingly complex security environment. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jacob Dunlap)

U.S. Soldiers participate in an unknown distance ruck march during the V Corps Best Squad Competition on Grafenwoehr Training Area, Bavaria, Germany, May 15, 2025. The winners of the best squad competition will advance to represent V Corps in the U.S. Army Europe and Africa best squad competition in August. The competition tests squad proficiency in warrior tasks and battle drills and identifies the most cohesive, highly trained, disciplined, and fit squad– while demonstrating a commitment to the Army Values and Warrior Ethos. (U.S. Army video by Spc. Sar Paw) Shot List: (00;05;00)- Title Card (00;05;00-01;19;29)- Soldiers rucking and conduct layout

U.S. Army Paratroopers with 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, conducts a combined joint force-on-force combat training exercise in Setermoen, Norway May 15, 2025. The battalion, alongside U.S. Marines, in Setermoen, Norway May 15, 2025. The battalion, alongside U.K. paratroopers from 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment, Norwegian soldiers from Cavalry Company, Armoured Battalion, Brigade Nord, and Hungarian Rangers, conducted the training as part of Swift Response 25, a supporting exercise of DEFENDER 25, to enhance joint interoperability, combat lethality, and operational readiness. Demonstrating global deterrence and the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly deploy U.S.-based combat power in Europe and the Arctic region alongside Allies and partners, DEFENDER 25 brings U.S. troops together with forces from 29 Allied and partner nations to build readiness through large-scale combat training from May 11-June 24, 2025. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jeff VanWey)

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 2-7 Infantry Battalion and Echo Company, 10th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, participate in the Army’s Transforming in Contact initiative during Operation Combined Resolve 25-2 at Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, May 15, 2025. The initiative aims to increase the lethality of Army formations by creating agile, mobile units capable of responding to complex combat scenarios. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Samantha Hill)

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 27th Infantry Regiment and Echo Company, 10th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, participate in the Army’s Transforming in Contact initiative during Operation Combined Resolve 25-2 at Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, May 15, 2025. The initiative aims to increase the lethality of Army formations by creating agile, mobile units capable of responding to complex combat scenarios. (U.S. Army video by Spc. Justin Fallon)

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron partner with NATO allies to conduct a mass casualty exercise on a C-130H Hercules aircraft at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 15, 2025. Throughout the mass casualty exercise, 24 medical technicians from the Royal Netherlands Air Force, Polish air force, Belgian air force, and Royal Danish Air Force were able to learn and teach critical techniques for the transport and care of patients on board the C-130H aircraft. (U.S. Air Force video by Senior Airman Edgar Grimaldo)

Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division conduct joint training alongside Norwegian Armed Forces, British Parachute Regiment soldiers, and U.S. Marines at the Setermoen Training Area during Exercise Defender 25 at Setermoen, Norway, on May 15, 2025. The multinational training enhances interoperability, readiness, and Arctic warfighting capabilities among NATO partners.

NORFOLK, Va. (May 15, 2025) -The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) returns to Naval Station Norfolk following a three-month deployment to U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations. Normandy deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility to protect U.S. interests in the region and strengthen maritime partnerships through bilateral, trilateral, and multinational maritime operations and theater security cooperation activities. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Derek Cole)

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BLAZ, Guam (May 15, 2025) -- U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Greg Huffman relinquishes command of Joint Task Force - Micronesia to U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Josh Lasky during a ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, Guam, May 15. (U.S. Navy video by Reynaldo Rabara)

In a combat zone, every second counts—and every drop of blood can save a life. That’s why U.S. Army paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade are testing a new method to get blood to the battlefield faster and safer: drones. During Swift Response 2025, a multinational exercise under the larger DEFENDER 25 series, the 173rd’s Charlie “Lifeline” Company, 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, integrated drone-based blood resupply into a full-scale Hospital Exercise (HOSPEX) at Pabrade Training Area, Lithuania, May 15, 2025. “Aerial resupply of blood is pretty cool for us,” said Capt. Jessica Knoll, commander of Charlie Company. “One big initiative we’re working on is getting whole blood as far forward as possible. Having drone capability means we’re not risking soldiers driving into hostile areas just to deliver blood. A drone—not to say it’s expendable—but it’s more expendable than a soldier’s life.” The TRV-150 drone was used to deliver simulated blood to Role 1 field care locations, bridging the gap between point of injury and higher-level medical care. This innovation reduces risk to medics while improving survivability in austere environments. “This is our third time working with Flying Basket to drop blood using drones,” Knoll said. “We’ve tested a few methods—paratroopers jumping with blood at Saber Junction, pushing blood out of airplanes—but this drone delivery is really buying down risk. Instead of sending an entire medic crew forward, we can now send a drone with Class VIII supplies or blood.” The exercise included U.S. Army units such as the 160th Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment (FRSD), 519th Field Hospital, 68th Theater Medical Command, and the 7384th Blood Detachment. NATO Role 2 Enhanced medical teams and Lithuanian Armed Forces medics joined in trauma lanes and mass casualty drills, enhancing multinational medical interoperability. “So far, we’ve flown about 3 kilometers with the drone, but it’s capable of more,” Knoll added. “That’s just what we’ve trained for now.” Knoll emphasized the importance of preparing for large-scale combat operations (LSCO), where forward medical capabilities are crucial. “It’s about saving lives, reducing risk, and making sure our warfighters stay in the fight,” Knoll said. RAW SOUND BITES BELOW “Aerial resupply of blood is pretty cool for us,” said Capt. Jessica Knoll, commander of Charlie Company, 173rd Brigade Support Battalion. “One of our big initiatives is getting whole blood as far forward as possible. Having drone capability means we’re not sending soldiers toward the forward line of troops, where their FLAs or whatever vehicle they’re in could be taken out by enemy fire." “We have a drone—not to say it’s expendable—but it’s more expendable than a soldier’s life. By dropping blood with the line medic or Role I, we can get it forward without as much risk as we’re used to.” “We didn’t drop with a drone at Saber Junction, but we did have paratroopers jump with the blood,” she said. “We’ve also pushed blood out of airplanes on our jumps. This is our third time working with Flying Basket to drop Collins boxes or other types of containers with blood.” “We’re going to see an LSCO fight—that’s the next fight we’re looking at. Lots of people are going to get hurt,” she said. “We need to treat at the point of injury, evacuate quickly, and save as many lives as possible to get them back into the fight. We have to keep the warfighter in the fight and get as many return-to-duties as we can.” “Drone delivery really buys down risk,” Knoll said. “Instead of sending an entire medic crew forward, we can send the drone with Class VIII supplies or blood.” “Being in the 173rd and being in Europe, it’s awesome that we get to work with so many partner units—not just NATO allies, but also the 160th Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment, 519th Field Hospital, 68th Theater Medical Command, and the 7384th Blood Detachment,” she said. “So far, we’ve been able to fly it about 3 kilometers,” she said. “It can go farther than that, but it’s just not something we’ve trained yet.” The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance. (U.S. Army video by Capt. Jennifer French)

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, alongside multinational medical teams, integrated drone-based blood resupply as part of the multinational Hospital Exercise (HOSPEX) during Swift Response 2025 at Pabrade Training Area, Lithuania, May 15, 2025. The TRV-150 drone delivers simulated blood to field care locations, enhancing survivability and speed in austere conditions. The exercise validates forward medical operations in a realistic, multinational environment, tactical medical evacuation, and damage control surgery from Role 3 to Role 1. U.S. units participating include the 173rd Airborne Brigade, 160th Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment (FRSD), 519th Field Hospital, 68th Theater Medical Command, and the 7384th Blood Detachment. NATO Role 2 Enhanced medical teams and Lithuanian Armed Forces medics conduct joint trauma lanes and mass casualty drills, building interoperability and combat medical readiness across the Alliance. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance. (U.S. Army video by Capt. Jennifer French)

A multinational contingent participated in a force-on-force training as part of SwiftResponse supporting exercise of Defender Europe in Setermoen, Norway May 14, 2025. US DEFENDER 25 increases the lethality of the NATO alliance through large-scale tactical training maneuvers and long-range fires, builds unit readiness in a complex joint, multinational environment and leverages host nation capabilities to increase the U.S. Army’s operational reach. During three large-scale combat training exercises—Swift Response, Immediate Response, and Saber Guardian—Ally and partner forces integrate and expand multi-domain operations capability, demonstrating combined command and control structures and readiness to respond to crisis and conflict. Participating nations included the United States, United Kingdom, Hungary and host nation Norway.

Paratroopers from the 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, along with Norwegian, British and Hungarian troops participate in a joint force on force exercise, May 15, 2025 in Setermoen, Norway. Demonstrating global deterrence and the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly deploy U.S.- based combat power in Europe and the Arctic region alongside Allies and partners, DEFENDER 25 brings U.S. troops together with forces from 29 Allied and partner nations to build readiness through large-scale combat training from May 11-June 24, 2025.

Gen. Yasunori Morishita, commanding general of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, sits in an interview with Tim Martin of Wall Street Journal during the Land Forces Pacific (LANPAC) Symposium and Exhibition, May 15, 2025, in Honolulu, Hawaii. LANPAC is the premier forum for land power discussions in the Indo-Pacific region. Hosted by the Association of the United States Army and supported by U.S. Army Pacific, LANPAC 2025 brings together representatives from more than 30 Indo-Pacific nations, including a dozen Chiefs of Armies, to address critical security challenges and how to solve complex challenges in the region with members of academia and industry. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Abreanna Goodrich)

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, alongside multinational medical teams, integrated drone-based blood resupply as part of the multinational Hospital Exercise (HOSPEX) during Swift Response 2025 at Pabrade Training Area, Lithuania, May 15, 2025. The TRV-150 drone delivers simulated blood to field care locations, enhancing survivability and speed in austere conditions. The exercise validates forward medical operations in a realistic, multinational environment, tactical medical evacuation, and damage control surgery from Role 3 to Role 1. U.S. units participating include the 173rd Airborne Brigade, 160th Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment (FRSD), 519th Field Hospital, 68th Theater Medical Command, and the 7384th Blood Detachment. NATO Role 2 Enhanced medical teams and Lithuanian Armed Forces medics conduct joint trauma lanes and mass casualty drills, building interoperability and combat medical readiness across the Alliance. DEFENDER 25 is the largest annual U.S. Army exercise in Europe incorporating approximately 25,000 soldiers from 29 Allied and partner nations to rehearse the ability to rapidly deploy forces, integrate and expand multi-domain operations capability, and demonstrate combined command and control structures. Simultaneous operations will take place during three exercises—Swift Response, Immediate Response, and Saber Guardian—across 15 countries, building readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO Allies, and partner nations from May 11-June 24, 2025. (U.S. Army video by Capt. Denny Mui, SGT Kalypso Destinyjasm Braynen, SGT Dustin Michael Broaddus)

The 173rd Airborne Brigade and Lithuania Armed Forces alongside multinational medical teams, operate together in a mass casualty exercise as part of the multinational Hospital Exercise (HOSPEX) during Swift Response 2025 at Vepriai Rocket Base, Lithuania, May 15, 2025. U.S. units participating include the 173rd Airborne Brigade, 160th Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment (FRSD), 519th Field Hospital, 68th Theater Medical Command, and the 7384th Blood Detachment. NATO Role 2 Enhanced medical teams and Lithuanian Armed Forces medics conduct joint trauma lanes and mass casualty drills, building interoperability and combat medical readiness across the Alliance. DEFENDER 25 is the largest annual U.S. Army exercise in Europe incorporating approximately 25,000 soldiers from 29 Allied and partner nations to rehearse the ability to rapidly deploy forces, integrate and expand multi-domain operations capability, and demonstrate combined command and control structures. Simultaneous operations will take place during three exercises—Swift Response, Immediate Response, and Saber Guardian—across 15 countries, building readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO Allies, and partner nations from May 11-June 24, 2025. (U.S. Army video by Capt. Denny Mui)

Joe Spegele, a liaison officer for the National Security Space Institute (NSSI), U.S. Space Forces – Europe and Africa (SPACEFOREUR-AF), discusses the primary objectives of the space and electromagnetic warfare operations academics, as well as the desired outcomes from the instruction during African Lion 2025 (AL25) in Agadir, Morocco, May 15, 2025. Spegele also highlighted the hands-on portion of the course, emphasizing the utilization of the Hawaii National Guard's NITE OWL LITE system, a geolocation apparatus for signals intelligence. This space-focused academics course enhanced the U.S. joint force's ability to navigate contested information environments, integrate seamlessly with allied forces and maintain communication dominance in future multinational operations. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (U.S. Army video by Staff Sgt. Aaliyah Craven)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. government military officials participated in the closing ceremony for Exercise Balikatan 25 at Camp Aguinaldo in the Philippines. Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the U.S. and Philippine Armed Forces designed to strengthen the alliance, showcase the capable combined force, and demonstrate the commitment to regional security and stability. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Mitchell Johnson)

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment train with Guatemalan Infantryman on machine guns and loading magazines at Delta Fuego, Guatemala on May 14, 2025 as part of CENTAM Guardian 25

Day 3 of the Reion VII Best Warrior Competition consisted of several events including land navigation, an 18-mile ruck, movement under fire, and medical lanes in Bellemont, Ariz. on May 14, 2025. The Best Warrior competition is where our future leaders ae tested- pushing soldiers to their limits and preparing them to be the most lethal force on the battlefield.