Red Flag-Alaska 26-1 kicks off

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off during Red Flag-Alaska 26-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, April 20, 2026. Realistic combat training sustains the readiness required for U.S. air and space operations. U.S. forces continue to prepare for a full range of contingencies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Mikaley Kline)

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Red Flag-Alaska 26-1 kicks off

Two U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons taxi toward the runway before takeoff during Red Flag-Alaska 26-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, April 20, 2026. Homeland defense requires layered, integrated operations extending beyond U.S. borders, coordinated across combatant commands and with allied and partner forces. RF-A 26-provides realistic air combat training to sustain that capability and support power projection. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Mikaley Kline)

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Red Flag-Alaska 26-1 kicks off

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon taxis toward the runway before takeoff during Red Flag-Alaska 26-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, April 20, 2026. Homeland defense requires layered, integrated operations extending beyond U.S. borders, coordinated across combatant commands and with allied and partner forces. RF-A 26-1 provides realistic air combat training to sustain that capability and support power projection. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Mikaley Kline)

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Red Flag-Alaska 26-1 kicks off

A U.S. Navy service member conducts pre-flight inspections on the flight line during Red Flag-Alaska 26-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, April 20, 2026. Dynamic flying operations during RF-A- 26-1 helps identify the training, equipment, and capabilities the Joint Force requires to operate in the Arctic and other challenging environments, ensuring homeland defense against a variety of threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Mikaley Kline)

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Red Flag-Alaska 26-1 kicks off

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot conducts pre-flight inspections on the flight line during Red Flag-Alaska 26-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, April 20, 2026. Defending the homeland is a core mission for U.S. military forces. RF-A 26-1 directly supports this mission by actively preparing our forces to defend against significant, persistent threats from multiple domains and avenues of approach. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Mikaley Kline)

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Red Flag-Alaska 26-1 kicks off

A U.S. Airman with the 354th Civil Engineer Squadron de-ices an F-16 Fighting Falcon before takeoff during Red Flag-Alaska 26-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, April 20, 2026. RF-A 26-1 directly supports Peace Through Strength by improving combat readiness and warfighting skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Mikaley Kline)

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Red Flag-Alaska 26-1 kicks off

Published April 22, 2026
By Tech. Sgt. Mikaley Kline
354th Fighter Wing

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off during Red Flag-Alaska 26-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, April 20, 2026. Realistic combat training sustains the readiness required for U.S. air and space operations. U.S. forces continue to prepare for a full range of contingencies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Mikaley Kline)