Braving the cold during RF-A
U.S. Air Force Capt. Brent Smith, a pilot assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, prepares an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft for takeoff Oct. 19, 2016, during RED FLAG-Alaska (RF-A) 17-1, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. RF-A enables joint and international units to sharpen their combat skills by flying simulated combat sorties in a realistic threat environment, which allows them to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures while improving interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cassandra Whitman)