Silent Linchpins: Non-Destructive Inspection Airmen power Luke’s mission through

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Riley McDonald, 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron non-destructive inspection journeyman, prepares for an inspection on a F-35A Lightning II, Feb. 17, 2026, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The F-35 undergoes repeated takeoffs, landings, and high-performance maneuvers during daily training operations. Routine and specialized inspections conducted by NDI Airmen help to detect early signs of material fatigue before they become major structural issues. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Tekorey Watkins)

PHOTO BY: Airman 1st Class Tekorey Watkins

VIRIN: 260217-F-QT044-1087.JPG

FULL SIZE: 1.26 MB

Additional Details

CAMERA

NIKON Z 6_2

LENS

NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S

APERTURE

28/10

SHUTTERSPEED

1/200

ISO

2500

IMAGE IS PUBLIC DOMAIN

This photograph is considered public domain and has been cleared for release. If you would like to republish please give the photographer appropriate credit. Further, any commercial or non-commercial use of this photograph or any other DoD image must be made in compliance with guidance found at https://www.dimoc.mil/resources/limitations, which pertains to intellectual property restrictions (e.g., copyright and trademark, including the use of official emblems, insignia, names and slogans), warnings regarding use of images of identifiable personnel, appearance of endorsement, and related matters.

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