Summary and Key Points: The U.S. Air Force's "elephant walks," where aircraft taxi in close formation before takeoff, have become symbolic demonstrations of military readiness.
-A notable example occurred in January 2020 at Hill Air Force Base with 52 F-35 Lightning II fighters. This exercise showcased the unit's combat readiness, with each F-35 costing $44,000 per flight hour.
-The exercise not only tested operational capabilities but also sent a powerful message about the U.S.