VMFA 225 Vikings take on RED FLAG-Alaska 26-3

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II takes off from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, for the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex during RED FLAG-Alaska 26-3, Aug. 17, 2026. As the largest instrumented air, ground and electronic combat training range in the world, the JPARC provides miles of airspace, one conventional bombing range, and two tactical bombing ranges containing 510 different types of targets and 45 threat simulators, both manned and unmanned. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Andre Medina)

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VMFA 225 Vikings take on RED FLAG-Alaska 26-3

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jeremy Vitro, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 225 powerline mechanic, prepares an F-35B Lightning II for takeoff during RED FLAG-Alaska 26-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 19, 2026. In addition to aircrew, RF-A provides training for deployed maintenance and support personnel in sustainment of large-force deployed air operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kelsey Tucker)

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VMFA 225 Vikings take on RED FLAG-Alaska 26-3

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Zachary Vanwettering, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 225 F-35B Lightning II pilot, sanitizes his mask before a flight at RED FLAG-Alaska 26-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 19, 2026. RF-A replicates Pacific operational conditions, integrating joint and coalition forces in training from simulated forward operating bases to improve response capability across the range of contingencies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kelsey Tucker)

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VMFA 225 Vikings take on RED FLAG-Alaska 26-3

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft prepare for flight during RED FLAG-Alaska 26-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 19, 2026. Homeland defense requires layered, integrated operations extending beyond U.S. borders, coordinated across combatant commands and with allied and partner forces. RF-A provides realistic air combat training to sustain that capability and support power projection. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kelsey Tucker)

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VMFA 225 Vikings take on RED FLAG-Alaska 26-3

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Braden Curtis, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 225 flight equipment technician, cleans the visor of a flight helmet during RED FLAG-Alaska 26-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 19, 2026. In addition to aircrew, RF-A provides training for deployed maintenance and support personnel in sustainment of large-force deployed air operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kelsey Tucker)

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VMFA 225 Vikings take on RED FLAG-Alaska 26-3

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Braden Curtis, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 225 flight equipment technician, wears a VMFA 225 patch during RED FLAG-Alaska 26-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 19, 2026. RF-A directly supports the Peace through Strength strategy by improving combat readiness and warfighting skills. This training raises the cost of aggression and reinforces a credible deterrence posture. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kelsey Tucker)

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VMFA 225 Vikings take on RED FLAG-Alaska 26-3

Published Aug. 21, 2026
By Staff Sgt. Kelsey Tucker
354th Fighter Wing

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II takes off from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, for the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex during RED FLAG-Alaska 26-3, Aug. 17, 2026. As the largest instrumented air, ground and electronic combat training range in the world, the JPARC provides miles of airspace, one conventional bombing range, and two tactical bombing ranges containing 510 different types of targets and 45 threat simulators, both manned and unmanned. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Andre Medina)