A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, takes-off during Exercise Sky Shield III August 2, 2021, at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. Sky Shield III is the third iteration of a bilateral defensive counter-air combat patrol and combat search and rescue exercise designed to validate Air Forces Central and QEAF’s combined capability to defend regional airspace. The exercise enhances resolute partnerships and improves interoperability to ensure security and stability in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kylee Gardner)