An elephant walk consisting of three C-21A Learjet, two C-37A Gulfstream and six C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 86th Airlift Wing prepare for take off during a maximum generation exercise at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 9, 2025. The first elephant walks occurred during World War II during which large fleets of allied bombers lined up in formation for mass events, resembling the nose-to-tail formations of elephants walking to a watering hole. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Kenneth Baird)
Three C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 86th Airlift Wing participate in an elephant walk during a maximum generation exercise at Ramstein Air Base, May 9, 2025. The first elephant walks occurred during World War II during which large fleets of allied bombers lined up in formation for mass events, resembling the nose-to-tail formations of elephants walking to a watering hole. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dylan Myers)
A formation of C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 86th Airlift Wing perform a flyover during a maximum generation exercise at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 9, 2025. During the exercise, multiple units rapidly deployed aircraft, personnel and resources within 48 hours to showcase readiness and airpower. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tabatha Chapman)
Two C-21A Learjet and a C-37A Gulfstream aircraft participate in an elephant walk during a maximum generation exercise at Ramstein Air Base, May 9, 2025. During a maximum generation exercise, all available, fully armed aircraft are employed to prepare pilots for a mass event when called upon, demonstrating lethality and readiness in a variety of contingency scenarios. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Regan Enriquez)
A C-37A Gulfstream assigned to the 86th Airlift Wing takes off during a maximum generation exercise at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 9, 2025. Maximum generation exercises entail large-scale drills designed to test and enhance the Department of the Air Force’s ability to quickly generate and deploy airpower. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tabatha Chapman)
Three C-21A Learjet, two C-37A Gulfstream and six C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 86th Airlift Wing prepare for take off during a maximum generation exercise at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 9, 2025. The exercise involved multiple units working together to rapidly deploy aircraft, personnel and resources to support a range of missions within 48 hours. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tabatha Chapman)