airmen
n. plural-onlyn. people who serve in an air force or work with military aircraft. It is the plural form of airman.
n. personnel serving in a national air force or individuals involved in the operation of military aircraft. Plural form of 'airman'.
The airmen prepared the jets for takeoff.
After the successful mission, the airmen returned to the base for a formal debriefing with their commanding officer.
The memorial was dedicated to the airmen who lost their lives during the conflict, ensuring their contribution to aerial reconnaissance would not be forgotten by future generations.
Takes plural verb agreement. While historically masculine, it is often used as a collective term for all genders in military contexts, though 'aircrew' or 'personnel' are more neutral alternatives.