F-16, F-22 and F-35A fighter jets launch during Exercise Checkered Flag 16-1.

Checkered Flag is a large theater-level combat training exercise which gives a large number of legacy and fifth-generation aircraft the chance to practice combat training together.

The week-and-a-half long exercise focuses on the involvement of the F-22 Raptor, F-35A Lightning II’s and legacy aircraft training in a large-force exercise to enhance combat airpower capabilities.