DOW Support to the Southern Border

Air Force personnel operate a road grader to level streets after heavy snowfall at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 6, 2026.

U.S. Air Force Academy cadets walk up a library staircase during the first day of the spring semester at the academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., Jan. 7, 2026.

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Cameron Gibbs, an aircraft metals technology specialist assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing, practices plasma cutting at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio, Jan. 7, 2026. Gibbs and fellow technicians precisely fabricate the metal parts essential for the operation of the KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the wing, playing a vital role in the success of the Air Force mission.

An airman deices a KC-46 aircraft during cold weather operations at Pease Air National Guard Base, N.H., Jan. 6, 2026.

Air Force's Jayda McNabb drives to the basket around University of Nevada Las Vegas' Meadow Roland during a game at Clune Arena in Colorado Springs, Colo., Jan. 3, 2026.

Air Force Maj. Melanie Kluesner, a pilot assigned to the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team, performs high-speed aerial maneuvers during a practice demonstration at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Jan. 6, 2026. The team practices during its off-season to ensure it is always sharp and ready to demonstrate the capabilities of the F-35A and the Air Force.

Air Force Master Sgt. Joe Paulus plays for the Happy Hooligan hockey team against the North Dakota Army National Guard team at a charity game in West Fargo, N.D., Jan. 2, 2026.

An Air Force crew chief guides an F-35A Lightning II following actions in Venezuela in support of Operation Absolute Resolve, Jan. 3, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the Caribbean to support the U.S. Southern Command mission, War Department-directed operations and President Donald J. Trump's priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking and protect the homeland.

A soldier assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border interacts with a member of U.S. Customs and Border Protection during a joint patrol in El Centro, Calif., Dec. 31, 2025.

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jairo Hernandez inspects jet fuel at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Ark., Jan. 6, 2026.

Airmen conduct a controlled explosion within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 31, 2025. The team practiced a technique used to ignite nearby terrain, making the ground more challenging to pass for approaching adversaries

An airman adjusts specialized stanchion systems and adjustable wall fixtures during Pale Serpent at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Dec. 29, 2025. The exercise supported U.S. Africa Command's ability to respond to regional emergencies by preparing medical and evacuation teams to operate under realistic conditions.

Air Force Col. Joshua Wiitala and Chief Master Sgt. Jeffery Sipos pose for a photo during a tour of the Tournament of Roses parade floats and vehicles in Pasadena, Calif., Dec. 30, 2025. The Rose Parade this year will include a B-2 Spirit aircraft flyover.

A Marine assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border puts a post for a National Defense Area sign into the ground in El Centro, Calif., Dec. 26, 2025. This marks the fifth such area established along the southern border.

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Cody Moses shocks a volunteer from the Coastal Carolina University football team with a Taser during an Independence Bowl tour at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 27, 2025. The tour gave players an opportunity to experience airmen’s training and equipment.

Space Force 2nd Lt. Kimo Martinez, right, salutes his father, retired Air Force Col. Kato Martinez, during a winter commissioning ceremony at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, Dec. 21, 2025.

Coast Guardsmen conduct unmanned aircraft systems training aboard the Cutter Robert Ward off the coast of San Pedro, Calif., Dec. 18, 2025. The training expands the crew's operational reach and sharpens response capabilities while saving time and resources.

An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon participates in night flying operations at Joe Foss Field, S.D., Dec. 16, 2025. The training was designed to prepare aircrews to safely execute missions across a range of visibility and weather conditions.

Air Force 1st Lt. Brayden Mathis takes flight in an A-10C Thunderbolt II over Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Dec. 16, 2025.

An Air Force Band member, dressed as Santa, greets an audience during a holiday concert at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, Dec. 13, 2025.