A Special Tactics operator from the 24th Special Operations Wing surveys and prepares a closed section of U.S. Highway 32 in order to land and receive several A-10 Thunderbolt IIs assigned to the 127th and 355th Wings as well as C-146A Wolfhounds assigned to the 492nd and 919th Special Operations Wings during exercise Northern Strike 21 Aug. 5, 2021, in Alpena, Mich. Special Tactics Airmen are the Air Force’s special operations ground force, experienced in conducting global access missions such as establishing austere landing zones around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff. Sgt Ridge Shan)