A U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, assigned to the 157th Fighter Squadron at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina Air National Guard, prepares to launch an F-16 Fighting Falcon during surge flying operations Feb. 7, 2015. The surge encompasses high tempo flying as part of vital training for deployments. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Ashleigh S. Pavelek/Released)