Gallery: Massive formation of US military aircraft in Japan

More than 50 air vehicles from the Air Force and Navy paraded in Japan this week in a display hailed by official sources as one of the longest and most diverse formations - in terms of aircraft type - in history.

The formation is known as an "elephant walk," a massive, tight maneuver of aircraft before takeoff. The military term arose in World War II, when thousands of aircraft destined for the same mission could line up simultaneously on the runway. The shape, in the eyes of the military at the time, resembled that of a herd of transiting elephants. The term quickly gained popularity.

'Elephant walk' formation at Kadena Air Force Base

"An elephant walk like this sends a message you can’t ignore—it shows our Airmen, allies, and adversaries that we’re united, capable, and ready," said Chief Master Sgt. Brandon Wolfgang. "This kind of teamwork and presence is exactly how we maintain deterrence in the Indo-Pacific."

'Elephant walk' formation at Kadena Air Base

As a military exercise, the "elephant walk" helps sharpen coordination and response speed for launching a large contingent. From the air base, they stated that the "sheer diversity of capabilities in this exercise" put in place demonstrate "the lethality Kadena can leverage to deter adversarial aggression" in the region.

'Elephant walk' formation at Kadena Air Force Base

A US Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 355th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron during the exercise in Japan.

'Elephant walk' formation at Kadena Air Base

Two US Navy EA-18 Growlers during the routine exercise.

'Elephant walk' formation at Kadena Air Force Base

An Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron during drills.

Elephant walk' formation at Kadena Air Force Base

Takeoff of an HH-60W Jolly Green II assigned to the 33rd Rescue Squadron.

'Elephant walk' formation at Kadena Air Force Base

A US Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, takes off after the "elephant walk."

'Elephant walk' training at Kadena Air Force Base

"From maintenance and aircrew to logistics and sustainment, it’s a total team effort that reflects the strength and professionalism of the joint team at Kadena," maintained David Deptula, an Air Force colonel. According to some estimates, it is one of the most heavily-vehicled "Elephant walks" in history.