CAP flies over Vandenberg

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A Civil Air Patrol GA8 Airvan takes off from the flightline here Friday, Jan. 29, 2010. The Civil Air Patrol showcased the benefits they can provide to the Vandenberg mission, as well as conducted warm-up training for mission pilots. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Senior Airman Bryan Boyette)

CAP flies over Vandenberg

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Col. Richard Wright, the 30th Mission Support Group commander, and Col. L.C. Coffey III, the 30th Launch Group commander, discuss details about their flight with retired Lt. Col. Steve Clark, a deputy commander with with the Vandenberg Composite Squadron 101 here Friday, Jan. 29, 2010. The Civil Air Patrol showcased the benefits they can provide to the Vandenberg mission, as well as conducted warm-up training for mission pilots. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Senior Airman Bryan Boyette)

Nellis Air Force Base 60th Anniversary Air Show

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Visitors gather around the MQ-9 "Reaper" during the 60th Anniversary Air Show here on Nov. 10. The "Reaper" is a unmanned aerial vehicle capable of hunting and killing emerging battlefield targets, as well as providing real-time surveillance and reconnaissance data to battlefield commanders and intelligence specialists. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Matthew Plew)

Nellis Air Force Base 60th Anniversary Air Show

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- A scale model of an F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike fighter sits on display during the 60th Anniversary Air Show here Nov. 10. The F-35 Lightning II is a single-seat, single-engine, stealth-capable military strike fighter, a multi-role aircraft that can perform close air support, tactical bombing, and air-to-air combat. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Matthew Plew)

Nellis Air Force Base 60th Anniversary Air Show

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Visitors stop to look at the F-22 Raptor during the 60th Anniversary Air Show here on Nov. 10. The Raptor is an air superiority fighter that uses stealth technology, but is also equipped for ground attack, electronic warfare and signals intelligence roles as well. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Matthew Plew)

Nellis Air Force Base 60th Anniversary Air Show

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- A B-17 Flying Fortress lands after a World War II tribute during the 60th Anniversary Air Show here on Nov. 10. The B-17 was a heavy bomber aircraft developed for the U.S. Army Air Corps, and was primarily employed in the daylight precision strategic bombing campaign of World War II against German industrial and civilian targets. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Matthew Plew)

Helicopter Squadron's diverse training aids in mission success

Staff Sgt. Adam Lasher, a former flight engineer for the 76th Helicopter Squadron, does a preflight check to ensure the helicopter is air worthy.

Helicopter Squadron's diverse training aids in mission success

Huey soars above the cloudy skies of Vandenberg on a training mission.

Helicopter Squadron's diverse training aids in mission success

A crew from the 76th Helicopter Flight train using practices rescue techniques off the central coast of California. The 76th HF provides fire suppression post-launch disaster control and local wildland vegetation management.

Vandenberg Airmen put eyes in the sky

Master Sgt. Timothy Griggs (left) and Senior Airman Mirandy Mazzuca, both unmanned aerial vehicle pilots with the 30th Security Forces Squadron, pilot and conduct light checks on a Raven, one of Vandenberg’s UAVs. The Raven provides security, reconnaisance, surveillance capabilities and more. (Courtesy photo)