Responding to the threat posed by ISIS/ISIL, NATO has deployed AWACS surveillance aircraft to support the US-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. NATO’s advanced Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft are helping to make the skies safer by providing greater situational awareness, and thereby boosting and enhancing the Coalition’s overall “air picture”. Operating from Konya Airfield in Turkey, NATO’s AWACS aircraft have been supporting the Coalition with air surveillance and situational awareness since October 2016. Following a decision by NATO Heads of State and Government in May 2017, the AWACS aircraft will also conduct airspace management for the Coalition. The coordination of airstrikes is not part of the mandate. AWACS aircraft only fly in international airspace or over Turkey. AWACS aircraft (Boeing E-3A) are capable of detecting aircraft hundreds of kilometres away, meaning that they can monitor Iraqi and Syrian airspace from inside Turkish airspace. NATO’s deployment of AWACS aircraft is a tangible contribution to the counter-ISIS/ISIL effort and a signal of NATO’s determination to help fight terrorism. By providing AWACS support, NATO is demonstrating its resolve to tackle security challenges coming from the Middle East and North Africa.

General Robert Brown, commanding general, U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC), answers questions about exercise Yama Sakura (YS) 75 and the importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance. YS 75 is a U.S. Army Pacific joint, bilateral, command post exercise between U.S. Army I Corps and Japan Ground Self Defense Force Northern Army taking place at Camp Higashi-Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan.

Approximately 10,000 combined U.S. service members, along with the Japan Self-Defense Force, or JSDF, participated in exercise Keen Sword, which is the largest joint/bilateral field training exercises created to increase combat readiness between the two forces.

On this Ni2, a trio of bells are returned to Balangiga in the Philippines, 4-1 Field Artillery take part in a gunnery exercise in Korea, and Yama Sakura comes to an end in Japan.

F-16 Fighting Falcons take off and land

Famed comedian Rob Schneider at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys, South Korea, gives a television interview thanking the troops, his thoughts on Korea, and a brother being stationed in Korea with the Army. (Interview by Staff Sgt. Armando R. Limon, American Forces Korea Humphreys)

25th Combat Aviation Brigade Black Hawk and Apache helicopters conduct a flyover over the Division Run during Tropic Lightning Week on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Dec. 17, 2018. The 25th Infantry Division is celebrating its 77th birthday with their annual Tropic Lightning Week. The Division was formed October 1, 1941 at Schofield Barracks and saw combat during the Japanese attack across Oahu on December 7, 1941. Tropic Lightning Division is celebrating their birthday in December due to a robust training schedule in October. There will be competitions between the battalions to earn the coveted Guadalcanal Cup. 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment has won the cup the last three Tropic Lightning Weeks. The birthday celebration will end on Friday, December 21 with a Division Pass and Review at historic Weyand Field. (U.S. Army video by 1st Lt. Ryan DeBooy & Staff Sgt. Ian Morales)

B-Roll of an EOD detonation during a knowledge exchange between U.S. explosive ordnance disposal technicians and Nigerien partners on Nigerien Air Base 201, Agadez, Niger.

As the premiere training wing for MQ-9 Reaper and F-16 Viper pilots and sensor operators, we are equipped to prepare tomorrow’s warfighter for victory, and get back to our expeditionary roots. Pilots and maintainers assigned to the 311th Fighter Squadron deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., to train with Marine and Navy pilots. This joint training provides F-16 Viper pilots in upgrade training their first opportunity to practice flying against other platforms. It also provides maintenance and operations support personnel the opportunity to prepare for working in a deployed environment. Training in the joint service environment is critical to integrating into multi-domain operations around the globe with sister services. (U.S. Air Force video by Tech. Sgt. Jeffry Howerton)

The 189th and 188th Airlift Wings participated in a medical readiness training exercise in Guatemala as a part of the National Guard's state partnership program.

A three ship formation of T-38 talons fly over Northern California March 29, 2018.

A three ship formation of T-38 talons fly over Northern California March 29, 2018.

A three ship formation of T-38 talons fly over Northern California March 29, 2018.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and the 7th Engineer Dive Detachment combine forces to locate MIA remains in Vietnam.

JBMDL bi-weekly newscast.

The 25th Infantry Division is celebrating its 77th birthday with their annual Tropic Lightning Week. The Division was formed October 1, 1941 at Schofield Barracks and saw combat during the Japanese attack across Oahu on December 7, 1941. The Tropic Lightning Division is celebrating their birthday in December due to a robust training schedule in October. There will be competitions between the battalions to earn the coveted Guadacanal Cup. 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment has won the cup the last three Tropic Lightning Weeks. The birthday celebration will end on Friday, December 21 with a Division Pass and Review at historic Weyland Field. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Alvin Reeves)

SAN ANTONIO (Dec. 17, 2018) Hospital Corpsman "A" school instructors discuss the new curriculum of corps school. The curriculum includes more hands-on, Navy-specific medical training for students to keep in line with the Navy surgeon general's readiness priority. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jonathan B. Trejo/Released)

On this look Around the Air Force Alaskan Airmen keep the mission going and help in recovery efforts after a 7.0 earthquake. Hosted by SSgt Greg Cerny.

On this look Around the Air Force, Hurricane Hunters wrap up a busy hurricane season and Joint Base McGuire - Dix - Lakehurst breaks ground on a facility that will service twenty four KC-46 Pegasus aircraft. Hosted by A1C Angelo Rosario.

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T-1 taxi on Laughlin AFB, Texas

On this look Around the Air Force, Secretary Wilson is happy with the progress of the B-21 program and F-35 pilots conduct initial operational tests and evaluations. Hosted by SrA Jasmine Vanderheyden.

On this look Around the Air Force F-35s may move to Tyndall AFB, Airmen deliver supplies during Operation Christmas Drop, and two Airmen compete for spots on the USA bobsled team. Hosted by SrA Jasmine Vanderheyden.

T-1 taxi on Laughlin AFB, Texas

181217-N-AG490-0001 NORFOLK, Va. (Dec. 17, 2018) Sailors aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge depart from port for deployment. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Maxwell Anderson)

181217-N-AG490-0001 NORFOLK, Va. (Dec. 17, 2018) Sailors aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Arlington Depart from port for deployment. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Maxwell Anderson)

A U.S. Air Force Missile Retriever Ship attached to the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group, is shown run aground near Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Dec. 12, 2018. The ship was beached during the strong winds of Hurricane Michael. Sailors from the Mobile Diving Salvage Unit TWO homeported at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Ft. Story, partnered with Tyndall personnel to return the vessel to the water. (U.S. Air Force video by Senior Airman Isaiah J. Soliz)

A U.S. Air Force Missile Retriever Ship attached to the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group, is shown run aground near Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Dec. 12, 2018. The ship was beached during the strong winds of Hurricane Michael. Sailors from the Mobile Diving Salvage Unit TWO homeported at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Ft. Story, partnered with Tyndall personnel to return the vessel to the water. (U.S. Air Force video by Senior Airman Isaiah J. Soliz)

Interview with Dr. John Byrd, the lab director at the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.