Step into the highlights of 2024 with our Air Force Materiel Command "Year in People" photo spread! From groundbreaking achievements and inspiring moments, to team celebrations and unforgettable milestones, these images capture the heart and soul of our year. Witness the passion, dedication, and teamwork that made 2024 a year to remember.
Join us in looking back at the moments that defined our journey and set the stage for an even brighter future.
Together we are one AFMC…powering the world’s greatest Air Force.
Senior Airman Quanteris Guy, 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Red, examines an AIM-9 missile during the annual weapons load competition March 8, 2024, at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The quick-paced competition pitted the F-16 Fighting Falcon Blue team against the F-15 Eagle Red team in a test of knowledge, proficiency, speed and skill for year-end bragging rights. The winners will be announced during a ceremony in April. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.) 
Assistant Fire Chief Tiana Bykowski poses in the fire station July 31, 2024, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Bykowski is the highest-ranking female civilian Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention in the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Cynthia Griggs) 
Tech. Sgt. Collin Stratton, 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron, secures his single-point nozzle adapter to an R-11 fuel truck Nov. 6, 2024 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The SN adapter, an innovation created by Stratton, makes fuel sampling easier and safer by reducing the steps required to gain the sample. Fuel samples are taken to ensure aircraft fuel is free of water and other contaminants. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.) 
Staff Sgt. Alisa Boyle, test participant, wears a full-body suit with marker lights in the Motion Capture Lab, part of the Signature Tracking for Optimized Nutrition and Training, or STRONG, Lab at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Aug. 20, 2024. Boyle participated in a test as part of the Kinetisense validation project, an effort using cameras and LIDAR to detect movement, ultimately addressing mobility concerns and potential injury risks. The STRONG Lab, part of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s 711th Human Performance Wing, Human Effectiveness Directorate, is a premier exercise science facility that unites research with the needs of military human performance and operational support teams. (U.S. Air Force photo by Richard Eldridge) 
Wendy M. Walden, acting executive director of the Air Force Sustainment Center and one of the 2023 AFSC Bot Rodeo judges, asks a participant how long it took to develop their bot during the question-and-answer portion of their presentation.
Held at the Tinker Business and Industrial Park in Oklahoma City, the Bot Rodeo showcases various exercises spotlighting the Robotic Process Automation process at different stages and brought together nearly 300 Air Force personnel both in-person and online. (U.S. Air Force photo by Grady Epperly) 
Members from the 78th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, and the 709th Airlift Squadron out of Dover AFB, Delaware, begin to unload parts of a C-47A aircraft from the inside of a C-5 aircraft at Robins AFB July 19, 2024. The C-47A was disassembled by the Warner Robins 402nd Expeditionary Depot Maintenance Squadron with assistance by the 773rd Logistics Readiness Squadron at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, and transported to Robins AFB to be fully restored by the Museum of Aviation and put on display for the public. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tommie Horton) 
Misty Fordham, 574th Commodities Maintenance Group Structural Repair Flight sheet metal mechanic, installs a pressure seal to a C-130 aircraft emergency hatch at Robins North in Macon, Georgia, March 1, 2024. C-130 aircraft parts are overhauled at the Robins North Facility and returned to the aircraft to complete the maintenance process. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tommie Horton) 
Gen. Duke Z. Richardson, left, Air Force Materiel Command commander, presents a trophy to Capt. William Mead, currently participating in the U.S. Air Force Engineer and Scientist Exchange Program with the German Armed Forces, during the inaugural AFMC Accelerator at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Oct. 30, 2024. Mead was selected as the winner with his innovative idea, the mAIM Advantage. The event, hosted by the AFMC Commander's Accelerated Initiatives Office, aims to transform the ideas of Airmen into actionable solutions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Brian Dietrick) 
John Sowder, Chief of Maintenance Training Instruction, demonstrates the Ogden Air Logistics Complex Training Branch’s virtual reality training program in a state-of-the-art immersive classroom Feb. 12, 2024, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. This innovative program within the Ogden ALC caters to both new hires and veteran workforce. (U.S. Air Force photo by Todd Cromar) 
Chaplain (Capt.) Robert A. Henry, 66th Air Base Group chaplain, rehearses the “Hanscom Rap” in his office at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., Feb. 15. Henry wrote a “Hanscom Rap” as a fresh way to talk about the many organizations on base, the importance of the installation’s overall mission and to inspire people and help them build spiritual resilience. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jerry Saslav). 
Lt. Gen. Linda Hurry, left, Air Force Materiel Command Deputy Commander, poses for a group photo with annual awards winners at the 2024 AFMC Continuous Improvement and Innovation Training Summit Aug. 13-15 at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Club. During the summit, attendees explored a wide range of topics, methodologies, processes, and problem-solving frameworks tailored to the Air Force's unique demands. (U.S. Air Force photo by Brian Dietrick) 
Master Sgt. Jason Audette, 75th Operations Support Squadron, in the air traffic control tower Oct. 9, 2024, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Audette is the Hill AFB representative on the Airfield Operations Strong Team, which will launch mental health and resiliency initiatives for the airfield operations community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Cynthia Griggs) 
PJ Allen, an aviation technician at the 564th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, stands in front of the KC-135 April 17, 2024. Allen was one of six children that survived the Oklahoma City Murrah Bombing April 19, 1995. (U.S. Air Force photo by Clayton Cummins) 
Air Force Materiel Command honored award winners during the 2023 AFMC Annual Excellence Awards ceremony at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force April 17, 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ashley Richards) 
Senior Airman Boomer Hearn, 412th Logistics Readiness Squadron, shares a laugh with Gen. Duke Z. Richardson, commander, Air Force Materiel Command, during a visit to Edwards Air Force Base California, March 26. Richardson personally recognized Hearn and other top performers from across Edwards. (Air Force photo by Lindsey Iniguez) 
Edwards Air Force Base’s Blue Eagles Honor Guard trained two members of the Royal Air Force to properly conduct a flag-folding ceremony in honor of Stella Brecht, a British World War II Allied Veteran who had recently passed away. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lindsey Iniguez) 
Angelo State University President Ronnie Hawkins, Jr., right, teaches the ASU Ram sign to Air Force Sustainment Center Commander Lt. Gen. Stacey Hawkins after signing a Memorandum of Understanding and an Educational Partnership Agreement at the campus April 12. The agreements pave the way for student internships, research opportunities and other collaborations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Amy Schiess) 
Zane Adams, a 5th grade student from Cummings Valley Elementary School in Tehachapi, Calif. , explores Computer Aided Design with Sarah Achziger, STARBASE Edwards instructor, Aug. 22, 2024 at Edwards Air Force Base. The STARBASE program, funded by the DoD, aims to ignite students’ passion for science and technology through hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications of STEM concepts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys) 
A 412th Security Forces Squadron member searches for a suspect during an active shooter exercise at Edwards Air Force Base, California, March 7. (Air Force photo by C.J. Raterman) 
Aaron Williamson, right, AI training facilitator, observes training attendees as they familiarize themselves with various AI tools and technologies during the Artificial Intelligence for Acquisition Training Program at the University of Dayton Research Institute Feb. 6, 2024. Sponsored by the Department of Defense’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, the three-day training focused on understanding, identifying, procuring, leveraging, and implementing AI solutions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Brian Dietrick) 
Gen. Duke Z. Richardson, left, Air Force Materiel Command commander, listens to Steelie Graham, right, 572nd Commodities Maintenance Squadron Dowty Propeller supervisor, as he explains the propeller overhaul and repair process to AFMC Civic Leader Program members at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Oct. 22, 2024. The CLP tour group learned about the process of repairing and replacing C-130 propellers to generate readiness of the airframe that has more than 70 years of service in the Department of Defense. (U.S. Air Force photo by Joseph Mather) 
Austin D. Beverley, a project manager from the 309th Software Engineering Group, demonstrates how to use an augmented reality headset during the Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture Oshkosh airshow in Oshkosh, Wi., July 25. Austin, along with several other civilian Airmen from Ogden Air Logistics Complex in Ogden, Utah to support Air Force Sustainment Center’s exhibit during the week-long event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Michael Tackitt) 
Air Force services Airmen participate in a simulated mortuary affairs search and recovery exercise during the Force Support Contingency Training-Silver Flag beta test June 20, 2024, at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. The five-day course is designed to prepare Airmen in the services career field for essential tasks needed in a deployed environment. The beta test, one of four being conducted, will help align services training curriculum and requirements to meet the needs of the Air Force Force Generation deployment model. (U.S. Air Force photo by Emily Mifsud) 
Royal Air Force Flight Lt. Alexander O’Rourke takes a moment for a photo with a member of the Air Force Security Forces Center Logistics Detail at Fort Bliss, Texas. (Courtesy photo) 
Maj. Robin Walton and Senior Master Sgt. Phillip Acord present the Mission Area Working Group 3 briefing about resilience and base recovery after an attacked at Installation and Mission Support Weapons and Tactics Conference 2024.1 May 8 at Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center headquarters, JBSA-Lackland, Texas. This year, the focus of I-WEPTAC presentations was on advancing fielding of capabilities to meet Great Power Competition requirements. Walton is the deputy branch chief for the Air Force Civil Engineer Center Facility Sustainment, Restoration and Modernization Program. Acord is the senior enlisted leader of the AFCEC Civil Engineer Maintenance, Inspection, and Repair Team. (U.S. Air Force photo by Craig Z. Rodarte) 
Dr. Fahima Ouchen, Senior Research Engineer with KBR, prints with silver conductive ink using an nScrypt 3Dn extrusion printer for a flexible electronics application. In the background, Dr. Carrie Bartsch, Senior Electronics Research Engineer with AFRL, supervises a printing experiment with an Optomec Aerosol Jet AJ200 printer. (U.S. Air Force photo by Keith C Lewis) 
Maj. Gen. John Newberry, commander of the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, answers questions from audience members during a Memorial Day ceremony May 23, 2024, at HP Inc. in Rio Rancho, N.M. The company invited Newberry to talk about the significance of Memorial Day and answer employees’ questions about the military. (U.S. Air Force photo by Aimee Malone) 
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the Dayton community displayed their mutual support and pride for each other on and off the court during the Big Hoopla festivities, culminating in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament First Four. (U.S. Air Force photo by Daniel Peterson) 
Air Force Materiel Command Chief Master Sgt. James (Bill) E. Fitch II, Command Chief Master Sergeant, shares his top leadership practices with participants during Agile Patriot 2024 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force July 9, 2024. The annual conference is a professional development opportunity for junior AFMC military and civilian Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Brian Dietrick) 
Maj. Michael Kazakoff, 72nd ABW Comptroller Squadron commander, provides feedback during an Open Ranks Inspection on Wing Staff Agencies Airmen, Oct 16, 2024, at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. Open Ranks Inspections is a tradition to ensure morale and discipline. Inspectors ensure Class A uniform compliance, customs, courtesies, and adherence to appearance standards, providing immediate corrections and feedback. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Kaseyann Cornwall) 
At left, Jerrel “Jay” Scriven, a member of the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, is ready to spar with teammate Zach Schramm at the Mighty Eagle Sumo Club in San Antonio. Scriven's sumo journey was rocket-like as he went from a spark of interest to world competitor rikishi in less than a year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Luke Allen) 
Left, Airman 1st Class Marcellous Faustin and Airman Wyatt Todd, 775th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters, report weather conditions during a prescribed burn at the Ogden Bay Waterfowl Management Area, Utah, April 12, 2024. The burn addressed an approximately 2,000 acre area of invasive phragmites weeds. Burning is the most thorough, fastest and least costly way to help renew and restore the area for wildlife. (U.S. Air Force photo by R. Nial Bradshaw) 
Capt. William Mead, left, currently participating in the U.S. Air Force Engineer and Scientist Exchange Program with the German Armed Forces, discusses his innovative idea, the mAIM Advantage, with Lt. Gen. Linda Hurry, Air Force Materiel Command deputy command, during the inaugural AFMC Accelerator at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio Oct. 30, 2024. The event, hosted by the AFMC Commander's Accelerated Initiatives Office, aims to transform the ideas of Airmen into actionable solutions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Brian Dietrick) 
Airman 1st Class Joe Trybus and Airman 1st Class Tyler Tenney with the 66th Training Squadron’s survival, evasion, resistance, escape pre-team 25-02, low-five during a four-mile ruck as part of a physical training test at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., Oct. 29, 2024. The SERE career field is one of few that require a unique PT test alongside the standard Air Force PT test including pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, a two-mile run and a four-mile ruck. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tiffany Del Oso) 
Dr. Thaddeus (Tadj) Asel focuses on the growth of oxide semiconductor materials such as Gallium Oxide to address the need for smaller and higher power electronics. This lab focuses on the growth of oxide semiconductor materials such as Gallium Oxide to address the need for smaller and higher power electronics. This is done by molecular beam epitaxy where a beams of atomic species are utilized to form the crystalline structure on a crystal lattice matched substrate. The work done in this lab explores and develops these material system to their fullest potential for DAF power electronic needs. (U.S. Air Force by Keith C. Lewis) 
Gen. Duke Z. Richardson, left, Commander, Air Force Materiel Command, stands with Chief Master Sgt. David A. Flosi, center, outgoing AFMC Command Chief Master Sergeant, and Chief Master Sgt. James (Bill) E. Fitch II, right, incoming AFMC Command Chief Master Sergeant, while Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Joslin, AFMC First Sergeant, holds the command colors during the AFMC Command Chief Change of Responsibility Ceremony in the Sarris Auditorium, AFMC Headquarters, Feb. 15. During the ceremony, Flosi transferred his duties and responsibilities to Fitch. (U.S. Air Force photo by Brian Dietrick) 
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force supports Read Across America 2024. By promoting reading and encouraging children to read more, Read Across America helps to improve literacy rates in the country. (U.S. Air Force photo) 
Maj. Jonathan Palka, 413th Flight Test Squadron, sets up his helmet prior to a MH-139A Grey Wolf final flight from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, June 27, 2024. The flight marked the last MH-139A to leave Eglin after approximately four years of developmental testing with the 413th Flight Test Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.) 
Col. Aaron Tucker, chief of the Air Force Research Laboratory High Speed Systems Division, speaks during the Oct. 2, 2024, ceremony held in the von Kármán Gas Dynamics Facility at Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn., to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the partnership between the AFRL and Arnold Engineering Development Complex. A unit of the Air Force Test Center, AEDC is headquartered at Arnold AFB. The partnership created the AFRL High Speed Aerodynamics Branch, which focuses on hypersonic research, at Arnold. (U.S. Air Force photo by Keith Thornburgh) 
Fire Captain Jeff Spivey, a firefighter assigned to the 778th Civil Engineer Squadron, participates in confined space training on a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Sept. 18, 2024. Beyond testing response procedures, the training also served as an opportunity for Robins fire and emergency services to certify three new members to the level of confined space rescue technician. (U.S. Air Force photo by Patrick Sullivan) 
Volunteers at the National Museum of the US Air Force were recognized for their hours of dedicated service to the museum at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet held April 26 at the museum. (U.S. Air Force photo) 
Lt. Col. Kathryn Boucher, 66th Air Base Group deputy staff judge, and her son, Logan, enjoy a ride during Summer Bash held at Hanscom Air Force Base, June 28. More than 1,400 attended the event that included a live band, games, pony rides, inflatables, and culminated in a fireworks display. (U.S. Air Force photo by Todd Maki) 
During the beta testing of the Combat Support Instructor Course at Fort Bliss, Texas, Airmen actively took part in a field training exercise on August 16, 2024. The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center created the innovative Combat Support Instructor Course (CSIC), which was unveiled during the initial 2024 Installation and Mission Support Weapons and Tactics Conferences. These conferences aimed to enhance agile combat support operations in the current era of heightened global competition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Armando Perez) 
Gary Hogg, Air Force Materiel Command, completes his C-130H preflight checks prior to a historic flight Sept. 25, 2024 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The significance of this typical routine test flight was that Hogg would surpass 10,000 hours as a pilot in the C-130. This is the most hours ever recorded by a pilot in the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.) 
Senior Airman Ariel Hastings, 66th Medical Squadron Mental Health technician, holds a sign with an encouraging message during a National Suicide Prevention Month event at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., Sept. 4. Base officials greeted members of the workforce at the installation entry control gates to provide a warm welcome as they arrived for duty. (U.S. Air Force photo by
Mark Herlihy) 
Master Sgt. Raymond Rocheleau, 66 Security Forces Squadron standardizations and evaluations superintendent, speaks during his Bronze Star Medal presentation ceremony at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass. Oct. 17. Rocheleau was awarded the medal for his leadership and actions while deployed to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. (U.S. Air Force photo by Todd Maki) 
Members of the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center take a photo together Sept. 18, 2024, at the Air and Space Forces Association’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Md. (Courtesy photo illustration) (This image was manipulated by blurring text.) 
Kessel Run Senior Materiel Leader, Col Richard Lopez, presents Kessel Run's mission brief. (U.S. Air Force photo by Richard Blumenstein) 
Fourteen Airmen solidified their dedication to the memory of their brothers and sisters in arms as they received the Honor Guard badge during an Honor Guard Graduation Ceremony on March 29. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lindsey Iniguez) 
Lt. Gen. Donna Shipton, commander, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, conducted a center wide virtual town hall from the AFLCMC headquarters building on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Nov. 06, 2024. Joining Shipton for the discussion was AFLCMC’s executive director, Dennis D’Angelo, her deputy commander, Col. John Kurian, AFLCMC’s command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Timothy Wieser, and the center’s lead chaplain Col. Joshua Payne. Shipton kicked off the town hall with an update on the ongoing efforts to re-optimize for great power competition (GPC). She then highlighted some significant accomplishments that occurred throughout the center during the past year. The chaplain offered some thoughts on how to navigate the constant changes occurring throughout the Air Force. The panel members then answered a host of questions posed to them from the virtual attendees. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jim Varhegyi) 
Senior Airman Jacob Elsea, 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Blue, helps guide in a GBU- onto his aircraft during the unit’s quarterly weapons load competition Nov. 1 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The quick paced competition pitted the F-16 Fighting Falcon Blue team against the F-15 Eagle Red team in a test of knowledge, proficiency, speed and skill. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.) 
Maverick Solomon, Ogden Air Logistics Complex, poses in his office July 23, 2024, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. (U.S. Air Force photo by Cynthia Griggs) 
Finalists of the Air Force Materiel Command Accelerator pose for a group photo during the inaugural event at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Oct. 30, 2024. The event, hosted by the AFMC Commander's Accelerated Initiatives Office, aims to transform the ideas of Airmen into actionable solutions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Brian Dietrick) 
Senior Airman Nevanta Gamble, 96th Healthcare Operations Squadron, watches as Airmen fold an America flag during the Honor Guard graduation ceremony, April 26, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Approximately 13 new Airmen graduated from the 120-plus-hour course. The graduation performance includes flag detail, rifle volley, pallbearers and bugler for friends, family and unit commanders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.) 
The U.S. Air Force Band of Flight brass ensemble, Spirit of Freedom, perform at the Fraze Pavilion in Kettering, Ohio, Aug. 22, 2024. The band, stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, held a free concert to thank the local community for their continued support and honor military members and veterans. (U.S. Air Force photo by Daniel Peterson) 
The U.S. Air Force Band of Flight rock band, Flight One, perform for a crowd at the EAA AirVenture airshow in Oshkosh, Wis., July 27, 2024. Flight One, based out of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, represented Air Force Materiel Command at the largest annual fly-in convention in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Daniel Peterson) 
Members of the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center's Cyber Space Systems Division pose for a photo. The teammates oversee the sustainment and upgrades of communications systems at all Department of the Air Force installations. They also conduct assessments of installations communication infrastructure, helping communications squadron commanders identify and mitigate risk. (Courtesy photo) 
Airmen from the 75th Medical Group triage a simulated contaminated patient during a timed
decontamination training exercise July 11, 2024, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The Airmen
decontaminated mock casualties as the final part of a three-day patient “decon” course where they learned to initiate field treatment and decontaminate victims in the event of a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear incident. (U.S. Air Force photo by Cynthia Griggs) 
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Stacey Hawkins, Air Force Sustainment Center Commander, and Airman 1st Class Neila Rae Mangiliman, 72nd Healthcare Operations Squadron outpatient records technician, cut a cake during the 77th Air Force Ball, Sept. 21, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Adrian Salazar) 
Airmen from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, parade through hallways filled with students and teachers from Syracuse Junior High School April 11, 2024, in Syracuse, Utah. The parade, with around 40 Airmen and included the color guard from Northridge High School (Layton, Utah), military veterans and a performance from the junior high’s band, was held to celebrate the Month of the Military Child. (U.S. Air Force photo by Cynthia Griggs)