Nellis Air Force Base
Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, Nevada, the United States Air Force, hosts a unique two-week advanced aerial combat training exercise for military units worldwide. This exercise is known as Red Flag. Red Flag is conducted quarterly as a training mechanism for squadrons to sharpen their skills further and promote unit cohesion.
As an admirer of aviation, especially military aircraft, this experience is second to none. A collection of some of the world’s finest aircraft is nothing short of a spectacle and remarkable to observe. The pilots will fly multiple sorties over the Nevada test range and recover to Nellis to debrief. This training cycle gives unmatched opportunities to capture aircraft on departure and recover to Nellis.
In February 2020, I was fortunate to attend my first Red Flag in person. I took over 4,000 images that week. There were so many opportunities with such a variety of unique aircraft. The collection in this gallery represents just a few from my time at Red Flag. As you look at the images, I hope you can feel a bit of the excitement I felt capturing them. Truly an unforgettable experience. Enjoy!
The United States Air Force
General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
64th Aggressor Squadron
This striking image captures the F-16C “Ghost” (84-1220) making its final approach on February 10, 2020. The aircraft, adorned in its unique ghost-inspired livery, is seen on final, just moments before touching down.
In this dynamic shot, the F-16C “Ghost” (84-1220) is captured as it turns into the landing pattern on February 10, 2020. The distinctive ghost-inspired livery adds an extra layer of intensity to the image, showcasing both the power and precision of the F-16.
The F-16C "Ghost" (84-1220), adorned with its striking "Aggressor" paint scheme inspired by the Russian SU-57 Felon, takes off in a dramatic flex departure on February 11, 2020. The bold, angular lines and unique camouflage pattern of the aircraft stand out vividly against the sky, emphasizing its role in aggressive training exercises.
The F-16C "Ghost" (84-1220)
Side profile shot captured on February 13, 2020, showcasing the striking "Ghost" Aggressor paint scheme. This F-16, part of the 64th Aggressor Squadron, is designed to emulate the Russian Su-57 Felon, adding a unique touch to its training role in simulating adversary tactics.
F-16C ‘Wraith’ (89-2048)
Flex Departure captured on February 11, 2020. The F-16C 'Wraith' stands out with its all-black livery accented by bold red letters and trim. The aircraft, part of the 64th Aggressor Squadron, showcases its impressive maneuverability during a powerful flex departure.
F-16C ‘Wraith’ (89-2048)
Wraith on short final with landing gear down, captured on February 10, 2020. The all-black F-16C 'Wraith' with red letters and trim cuts through the sky as it makes its final approach for landing. Its landing gear extended, this striking aircraft, known for its role in aggressive combat training.
F-16C ‘Wraith’ (89-2048)
Wraith loaded for the hunt on February 12, 2020. The all-black F-16C, adorned with red letters and markings, is ready for action, showcasing its formidable weapon loadout. With a focused and menacing presence, the aircraft stands poised for its next mission, embodying the aggression and precision of a predator in the skies.
F-16C “Lizard” (86-299)
Lizard’s flex departure from Nellie on February 12, 2020. The F-16C “Lizard” features a striking camouflage pattern of green, desert tan, and brown, perfectly suited for its role. As the aircraft ascends, the unique paint scheme blends with the surrounding terrain, embodying a true aerial predator in its environment.
F-16C “Lizard” (86-299)
Lizard landing on runway 21 right with Sunrise Mountain as a backdrop on February 12, 2020. The aircraft’s distinctive camouflage of green, desert tan, and brown contrasts beautifully against the rugged landscape, while the majestic Sunrise Mountain looms in the distance.
F-16C “Lizard” (86-299)
Flex departure heading toward the Nellis Training Range for the next phase of Red Flag on February 12, 2020. The F-16C “Lizard,” with its distinctive green, desert tan, and brown camouflage, takes off with power and precision, bound for the high-intensity exercises of the Red Flag combat training.
F-16 “Blizzard” 84-0301
The F-16 "Blizzard" is an aggressor aircraft with the USAF's 64th Aggressor Squadron. On February 10, 2020, it took to the skies during Red Flag operations. The aircraft's unique winter-themed camouflage pattern is a striking example of form meeting function.
F-16 “Blizzard” 87-0267
Gear down and aligned for a landing approach to Nellis Air Force Base on February 10, 2020. This F-16, painted in the striking “Blizzard” Aggressor scheme, showcases its role in adversary training.
F-16 “Blizzard” 87-0267
A stunning topside view of the formidable F-16 in its “Blizzard” Aggressor scheme on February 10, 2020. The intricate paintwork highlights the aircraft’s sleek lines and deadly precision. This striking fighter embodies both beauty and lethality, showcasing its role in preparing pilots for real-world aerial combat scenarios.
F-16C “Desert” 87-307
This F-16C took off from Nellis AFB on February 11, 2020. The aircraft is part of the 64th Aggressor Squadron, which simulates adversary tactics during Red Flag exercises.
F-16C “Desert” 87-307
Captured on February 13, 2020, this F-16C, adorned in its distinct desert camouflage, blends seamlessly into the arid surroundings. Its sand and earth-toned paint scheme reflects its role in simulating adversary tactics, emphasizing the importance of realism during training missions.
F-16C “Desert” 87-307
This stunning topside view of a beautiful F-16C was taken on February 10, 2020. The aircraft's sleek design and unique paint scheme highlight its role as both a formidable adversary and a work of art in the skies.
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
USAF F-22 block 20 no. 04-4073 from the 94th FS is seen banking just after take-off Nellis AFB during Red Flag 21-1 on February 12, 2020
USAF F-22A block 20 no. 04-4071 from the 433rd WA is seen overhead flex departure at Nellis AFB on
February 9, 2020
USAF F-22A block 20 no. XX-xxx from the 433rd WS is seen overhead flex departure at Nellis AFB on
February 10, 2020
USAF F-22A from the 433rd WS is seen overhead in the landing pattern at Nellis AFB on
February 9, 2020
USAF F-22A block 20 no. 06-116 from the 433rd WS 433rd landing at golden hour at Nellis AFB
on February 13, 2020
Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II
USAF 421st Fighter Squadron “Black Widows”
Hill Air Force Base, Utah
F-35A: USAF 421st Fighter Squadron “Black Widows” from Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The 421st FS is one of the most decorated fighter squadrons, awarded three Presidential Unit Citations and seven Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for Valor in Combat. Returning in echelon left formation to Nellis AFB after a training sortie.
February 14, 2020
F-35A no. 15-5126 Widow 11 USAF 421st Fighter Squadron F-35 banking to line up for a landing approach on February 13, 2020
F-35A no. 15-5255 Widow 5 USAF 421st Fighter Squadron landing approach to Nellis AFB on February 10, 2020
F-35A no. 15-5118 of the 422 TES / 53 Wing OT on departure from Nellis on February 13, 2020
McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle
F-15C Eagle 83-0027, assigned to the 433d Weapons Squadron, departs Nellis AFB for a training sortie flight over the ranges
February 13, 2020
F-15C 81-036 122 FS / 159 FW / Louisiana ANG unit assigned to 159th Operation Group based at Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Louisiana.
February 11, 2020
McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
F-16c 88-0439
With markings from the 421st Fighter Squadron, the "Black Widows" Hill AFB, Utah
February 12, 2020
F-16C 89-075
The 162nd Fighter Wing Arizona Air National Guard
Tucson, Arizona
February 12, 2020
F-16 90-702
USAF Air National Guard -112th Fighter Squadron
Toledo, Ohio
February 12, 2020
Rockwell B-1 Lancer
37th Bomb Squadron
“Tigers”
Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota
Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II
Boeing E-3 Sentry
E-3C sentry 80-0139
Radio Callsign “Disco Ball” returning during Golden hour on February 10, 2020
The United States Navy
Boeing EA-18G Growler
Electronic Attack Squadron VAQ-131 "Lancers"
Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, Washington
EG-18G BuNo.168772
Lancer’s Commanding Officer Growler on final approach on February 11, 2020
EG-18G BuNo.168772
Topside view of the Laner’s CO aircraft on landing at Nellis AFB.
Draken International
Tactical Flight Support/Aggressors
A4N N162EM
A4N N162EM
A4N N163EM
Royal Air Force
Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II
No. 617 Squadron RAF "Dambusters"
RAF Marham King's Lynn, Norfolk in England
F-35B: RAF No. 617 squadrons are based at RAF Marham · 617 Adopted its name and badge after the famous Dams Raid in 1943. The Dambusters reformed on 18 April 2018 and was equipped at RAF Marham in June 2018 with the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning, becoming the first squadron to be based in the UK with this advanced V/STOL type. The unit comprises RAF and Royal Navy personnel and operates from the Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.
F-35B: RAF No. 617 squadron ZM-141 Lands at Nellis AFB.
F-35B: RAF No. 617 squadron ZM-142 Lands at Nellis AFB.
Airbus KC2 Voyager (A330-243MRTT)
No. 101 Squadron RAF
RAF Brize Norton in Carterton, Oxfordshire in England
KC2 Voyager (A330-243MRTT) ZZ337
February 11, 2020
Royal Australian Air Force
Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet
No.1 Squadron
RAAF Amberley in Ipswich, Queensland in Australia
F/A-18F: No. 1 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force squadron based at RAAF Amberley known as the "Fighting First." RAAF F/A-18’s return to Nellis after a successful training sortie over the Nevada test range.
A RAAF F/A-18F specially painted to commemorate the Royal Australian Air Force First Squadron's 100th anniversary
Boeing EA-18G Growler
No.6 Squadron Electronic Warfare
RAAF Amberley in Ipswich, Queensland in Australia
RAAF Growler carries two external gas tanks and 3 jamming pods.
Boeing E-7A Wedgetail Early Warning Aircraft
No. 2 Squadron
RAAF Williamtown in Williamtown, New South Wales in Australia
Beechcraft Super King Air 350
Beechcraft Super King Air 350 N2316
Operated by National Nuclear Security Administration. NNSA radiation detecting aircraft
February 13, 2020