Lights out: Photos from Emerald Warrior 25.2

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command takes a photo of a contaminated area during a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear training event as part of Emerald Warrior 25.2 in California, July 30, 2025. The multi-domain training is part of the Department of the Air Force’s first-in-a-generation Department-Level-Exercise series, demonstrating the capacity to execute and sustain advanced operations in contested, dynamic environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Johnathon King)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Lights out: Photos from Emerald Warrior 25.2

U.S. Air Force Air Commandos assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command prepare to extract from a U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II to establish a forward arming and refueling point during Emerald Warriror 25.2 in California, July 29, 2025. Emerald Warrior is part of the Department of the Air Force’s first-in-a-generation Department-Level-Exercise series, demonstrating the capacity to execute and sustain advanced operations in contested, dynamic environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Johnathon King)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Lights out: Photos from Emerald Warrior 25.2

U.S. Air Force Air Commandos assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command prepare to exit a U.S. Air Force C-146A Wolfhound aircraft and establish a perimeter during Emerald Warrior 25.2, Arizona, July 28, 2025. AFSOC employs Agile Combat Employment concepts that validate the ability to sustain operations and generate airpower to the joint force while deployed to distributed locations with limited support. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Luke Hirsch)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Lights out: Photos from Emerald Warrior 25.2

A U.S. Air Force Air Commando assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command prepares to exit a U.S. Air Force C-146A Wolfhound aircraft and establish a perimeter during Emerald Warrior 25.2, Arizona, July 28, 2025. SOC enables the joint force by delivering SOF Mobility, Strike, ISR, and Air-to-Ground capabilities across the spectrum of competition and conflict. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Luke Hirsch) (This photo has been altered for security purposes by blurring out faces.)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Lights out: Photos from Emerald Warrior 25.2

A U.S. Air Force Air Commando assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command prepares to exit a U.S. Air Force C-146A Wolfhound aircraft and establish a perimeter during Emerald Warrior 25.2, Arizona, July 28, 2025. art of the Department of the Air Force’s Department-Level Exercise series, Emerald Warrior enhances the combat readiness of Air Commandos forces by training to match the speed and scale of complex operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Luke Hirsch)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Lights out: Photos from Emerald Warrior 25.2

A U.S. Air Force Air Commando assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command dons their night vision goggles aboard a U.S. Air Force C-146A Wolfhound during Emerald Warrior 25.2, Arizona, July 28, 2025. Joint, combined trainings like Emerald Warrior enhance AFSOC’s combat readiness and demonstrates our ability to seamlessly operate together. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Luke Hirsch)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Lights out: Photos from Emerald Warrior 25.2

A U.S. Air Force Air Commandos assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command, checks his weapon prior to departure from a U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II during Emerald Warrior 25.2, over California, July 28, 2025. AFSOC enables the joint force by delivering SOF Mobility, Strike, ISR, and Air-to-Ground capabilities across the spectrum of competition and conflict. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Thomas Hansford)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Lights out: Photos from Emerald Warrior 25.2

U.S. Air Force Air Commandos assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command prepare for landing at a forward arming and refueling point during Emerald Warrior 25.2 over California, July 28, 2025. Part of the Department of the Air Force’s Department-Level Exercise series, Emerald Warrior enhances the combat readiness of Air Commandos forces by training to match the speed and scale of complex operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Thomas Hansford) (Part of image has been blurred for operational security)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Lights out: Photos from Emerald Warrior 25.2

Published Aug. 7, 2025
Air Force Special Operations Command

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --

To meet the needs of today’s strategic environment, Air Force Special Operations Command builds warfighters through deliberate training. Emerald Warrior prepares forces to operate in the most demanding conditions, providing the perfect venue to adapt and overcome tactical challenges.

Held in multiple locations across Arizona and California, July 21 – Aug. 11, 2025, Emerald Warrior pushes Airmen to their limits in realistic scenarios, ensuring they gain the skills and knowledge needed to successfully execute critical missions.

This iteration of Emerald Warrior, part of the Department of the Air Force’s Department-Level Exercise series, challenged Air Commandos to deliver synchronized military operations at a large scale and expedited pace to the Indo-Pacific region.

Please direct media inquiries to AFSOC Public Affairs at (850) 884-5515 or afsoc.pa.org@us.af.mil.