Aerial Refueling Operations

Impressive aerial views of military aircraft during refueling missions, showcasing various aircraft types in action over clouded skies.

U.S. Air Force B-52 Bomber

A U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint assigned to the 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron for aerial refueling over the Sea of Japan, Jan. 22, 2024. The RC-135 supports theater and national level consumers with near real time on-scene intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination capabilities.

DF-ST-85-11882. Country: Unknown

A B-1B Lancer from the 28th Air Expeditionary Wing (EW), receives fuel at sunset from a KC-10 Extender from the 60th Air Expeditionary Group (AEG), while on a bombing mission in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: 60th Air Expeditionary Group

030218-F-3961R-009. Subject Operation/Series: COPE TIGER 2003 Country: Unknown

A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 171st Air Refueling Squadron, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan (SANGB) refuels several A-10 Thunderbolt II's from the 107th Fighter Squadron, also from SANGB, during the bases Air Show Family Day on July 8, 2022. Many world-renowned aerial demonstration teams performed for thousands of spectators during the Air Show to honor the ‘Next 100 years of SANGB Aviation.

5th Air Force Commander, Lieutenant General Paul Hester, flying a F-15C Eagle, receives fuel from a KC-135R Stratotanker piloted by Major James Seaward, Lieutenant David Eisenbrey, (copilot), CHIEF MASTER Sergeant Gregory Durand, (boom operator), Thechnical Sergeant David Steiner, (boom operator), and Colonel William Kunzweiller, (18th Operations Group Deputy Commander) from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, while 67th Fighter Squadron Commander, Lieutenant Colonel James "Dude" Browne waits for his turn in a F-15C Eagle during a training mission over the Pacific Ocean near Okinawa, Japan. Both units are from the 18th Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan. Base: Pacific Ocean State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

An RC-135 Stratoliner aircraft from the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 1700th Air Refueling Squadron Provisional during Operation Desert Shield.

A left underside view of a B-52G Stratofortress aircraft of the 43rd Strategic Wing taking off during Theater Force Employment Exercise IV. Subject Operation/Series: THEATER FORCE EMPLOYMENT EXERCISE IV Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force B-52 Bomber

An air-to-air left side view of a 495th Tactical Fighter Squadron F-111F aircraft refueling from a KC-135E Stratotanker aircraft of the 128th Air Refueling Group, Wisconsin Air National Guard, during OPEN GATE '89. Open Gate is a Joint Chiefs of STAFF/NATO Exercise designed to simulate air and sea power tactics required to keep the Straits of Gibraltar open during a crisis. Subject Operation/Series: OPEN GATE '89 Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, Al Udied Air Base, Qatar, refuels a North Atlantic Treaty Organization E-3 Sentry Jan. 7, 2014, over Northeast, Afghanistan. The crew of the Stratotanker provided fuel for coalition aircraft during their over ten hour combat sortie.

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the 197th Air Refueling Squadron flies behind a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 197th ARS after a training mission above Arizona, Aug. 6, 2022. The 161st Air Refueling Wing out of the Goldwater Air National Guard Base, conducts refueling missions with their regional partners at Luke Air Force Base regularly to help ensure mission readiness.

An overhead view of a 60th Bombardment Squadron B-52G Stratofortress aircraft. The Stratofortress is carrying AIM-84A Harpoon missiles. Country: Unknown

A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 203rd Air Refueling Squadron fuels an F-22 Raptor, from the 199th Fighter Squadron, on June 27, 2023 near the coast of Hawaii. The refueling exercise was part of Operation Centennial Contact, commemorating 100 years of aerial refueling.

June 25, 2009 - A U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry aircraft conducts a flight off the coast of South Korea.

A KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft from the 108th Air Refueling Wing, Air National Guard, McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey refuels an A-10 Thunderbolt out of the 104th Fighter Wing, Barnes, Massachusetts. The refueling was part of an orientation flight that took place at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey. State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

In-flight view of an E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft, seen from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft boom operator's section, heading toward the tanker to be refueled. The Airborne Warning and Control System is from the 961st Airborne Warning and Control Support Squadron, involved in Exercise Pacific Consort. Subject Operation/Series: PACIFIC CONSORT Country: Australia (AUS)

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortess has just been refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron during Cope North Exercise, Feb. 22, 2011. The U.S. Air Force and Japanese Air Self-Defense Force conduct Cope North annually at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to increase combat readiness and interoperability concentrating on coordination and evaluation of air tactics, techniques and procedures.

021007-F-7709A-013. State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air bottom left side view of the 92nd Bombardment Wing's new camouflaged B-52G Stratofortress aircraft. These B-52Gs are the first fully camouflaged aircraft of their type. Country: Unknown

981209-F-4190S-012. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT THUNDER 2 Country: Unknown

050404-F-1740G-007. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

An air-to-air right rear view of a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft refueling an F-16B Fighting Falcon aircraft. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Front view of a B-52 Stratofortress aircraft being refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft in flight, as seen from the boom operator's section. The Stratofortress is carrying AGM-109 Tomahawk air-launched cruise missiles. Country: Unknown

A Marine Fighter-Attack Squadron 323 (VMFA-323) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft intercepts a Soviet II-38 May aircraft, foreground, over the Ionian Sea. Country: Unknown

Air to air front view of 62th Military Airlift Wing's C-130 Hercules flying over the mountains near McChord AFB, Washington. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

A C-17 Globemaster assigned to the 305th Air Mobility Wing, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, refuels with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 465th Air Refueling Squadron, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, over the Atlantic Ocean, June 9, 2022.

A C-141 Starlifter aircraft from the 4th Squadron, McChord AFB, Wash., flies over the Pacific Ocean off the Washington state coastline during RODEO 94 competition. Subject Operation/Series: RODEO '94 Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041118-F-3188G-093. Base: Over Iraq Country: Iraq (IRQ)

DF-ST-89-05269. Subject Operation/Series: DISTANT MARINER Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

010809-F-7910D-009. Base: Buckley Air Force Base State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFRC

An air-to-air left side view of a Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 130 (VAQ-130) EA-6B Prowler aircraft. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A B-1B Lancer, assigned to the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, flies over the Pacific Ocean during a Bomber Task Force mission, June 20, 2022. Bomber Task Force missions provide opportunities to train alongside our allies and partners to build interoperability and bolster our collective ability to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.

DF-ST-85-11900. Base: Palmdale State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, is refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, during a Bomber Task Force mission, over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Sept. 4, 2022. BTF Missions demonstrate the U.S.s commitment to regional security and stability by showing how the U.S. will decisively respond to threats against the U.S., coalition and partner forces.

An E-3A Sentry early Airborne Warning And Control System (AWACS) aircraft receives more than 6,000 gallons of fuel over the Adriatic Sea before continuing its patrol around the Balkan region. The E-3s this one based at Geilenkirchen, Germany fly around the clock, as part of Operation JOINT FORGE, in support of ongoing NATO led Stabilization Force (SFOR) in the Balkans. This E-3 was refueled by a KC-135R Stratotanker from McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, temporarily based with the 16th Expeditionary Operations Group, a small US detachment located at Istres French air base, is charged with aerial refueling operations for US and NATO aircraft patrolling the Balkan region. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT FORGE Country: Adriatic Sea Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A B-1B bomber aircraft flies near the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV-64) during a joint U.S. Navy/Air Force exercise. Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

A KC-10 Extender assigned to Travis Air Force Base, California, refuels an A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to Moody AFB, Georgia, over California June 30, 2022. The KC-10 aircrew refueled four A-10s participating in Exercise Green Flag-West 22-08. Green Flag-West is a close air support and joint exercise administered by the U.S. Air Force Air Warfare Center and Nellis AFB through the 549th Combat Training Squadron.

A 401st Tactical Fighter Wing F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft refuels from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft as another F-16 stands by during Operation Desert Storm.

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the 197th Air Refueling Squadron flies behind a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 197th ARS after a training mission above Arizona, Aug. 6, 2022. The 161st Air Refueling Wing out of the Goldwater Air National Guard Base, conducts refueling missions with their regional partners at Luke Air Force Base regularly to help ensure mission readiness.

A Royal Air Force C-17 Globemaster approaching to land on the runway.

A overhead view of a C-5 galaxy deployed to Moron AB, Spain, on its way down range in support of the operation.(Exact date unknown). Subject Operation/Series: VIGILANT WARRIOR Country: Italy (ITA)

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the South Carolina Air National Guards, 157th Fighter Squadron refuels with the U.S Air Force KC-135 unit from the 92nd Air Refueling Wing during Relampago VII, an exercise in Barranquilla, Colombia, Aug. 30, 2022. The purpose of this exercise is to provide the Colombian Air Force with requested realistic interoperability training as allied countries, under NATO standards. South Carolina is Colombias State Partner in the State Partnership Program.

An F-15C Eagle from the 1ST Fighter Wing, Langley AFB, Virginia is being refueled by a Boeing KC-10A Extender from the 2nd Air Refueling Squadron, McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey. The KC-10A can carry more than 356,000 pounds of fuel in it's six tanks; almost twice as much as the KC-135 Stratotanker. During boom refuling operations, fuel is transferred to the receiver at a maximum rate of 1,100 gallons per minute. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

High Angle Front View of YC-15. High Angle Front View of YC-15. "Edwards AFB, CalifHigh angle front view of a U.S. Air Force YC-15 preparing to hook-up with the refueling drogue of a KC-135 tanker."

A NATO AWACS lines up with an Iowa Air National Guard KC-135 aircraft for refueling training over northern Germany Feb. 14 2017. Members of the 185th Air Refueling Wing from Sioux City Iowa operate the KC-135 aircraft and are providing fuel for the training of NATO AWACS.

An air-to-air left underside view of the 92nd Bombardment Wing's new camouflaged B-52G Stratofortress aircraft. This B-52G is the first fully camouflaged aircraft of its type. Country: Unknown

A B-52H of the 20th Bomb Squadron (Buccaneers), 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana after being refueled on 26 Apr 96 during a 22 hour non-stop round trip mission that started on 25 Apr 96. The KC-135R tanker is from the 100th Aerial Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall. The B-52H took on 120,000 pounds of fuel from two KC-135Rs over the North Sea after dropping eight MK52 mines as part of Exercise Blue Harbor. Subject Operation/Series: BLUE HARBOR Base: Raf Mildenhall Country: Great Britain / England (GBR)

DF-ST-89-05274. Subject Operation/Series: DISTANT MARINER Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to Eielson Air Force base receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 117th Aerial Refueling Squadron, Forbes Field, Kansas during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, Alaska, Aug. 2, 2022. The JPARC is the largest airspace over land that the Department of Defense has, its size is optimal to push the capabilities of fifth-generation aircraft pilots forward.

May 27, 2008 - A U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender aircraft moves out of position after receiving fuel from a KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft during a mission over Afghanistan.

A 343rd Tactical Fighter Wing A-10A Thunderbolt aircraft passes over the Alaskan wilderness during the joint readiness Exercise Arctic Warrior '91. Subject Operation/Series: ARTIC WARRIOR '91 Country: United States Of America(USA)

MC-130P Combat Shadow of the 67th Special Operations Squadron/352nd Special Operations Group stationed at RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, December 2011.

DF-ST-86-08009. Base: Cairo West Country: Egypt (EGY)

Air-to-air, side view of a 22nd Air Refueling Wing KC-10A Extender from March AFB, California preparing to refuel an in trail 60th Airlift Wing's C-5B Galaxy over the High Sierra mountains in northern California. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Base: Travis Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

980625-F-7924J-012. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Air to air front view of an Air Mobility Command's 437th Airlift Wing C-17 Globemaster III during a training mission out of Charleston AFB, South Carolina. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, embarked aboard the amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), fly in formation with a KC-130J Super Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 above the Pacific Ocean, June 15, 2022, after participating in a joint maritime strike rehearsal to demonstrate service components fires and effects capabilities in the maritime environment during exercise Valiant Shield 22 (VS 22). Exercises such as Valiant Shield allows the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Task Force the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct long-range, precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Task Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

030410-F-7194F-010. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force F-16 aircraft assigned to the 179th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron conduct aerial training operations with Egyptian Air Force partners in support of exercise Agile Phoenix within the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility June 29, 2022. Agile Phoenix is a joint agile combat employment exercise focused on enhancing interoperability and ensuring regional security.

Two F-14B Tomcats (left) and two F/A-18C Hornets (lower right) currently assigned to Carrier Air Wing One (CVW1), conduct in-flight refueling operations with a U.S. Air Force KC-10 tanker. CVW1 is embarked on board the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) and is providing support to UN sanctions against Iraq under operation Southern Watch. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown

A KC-135R from the 161st Air Refueling Wing flies a training mission out of Phoenix, Arizona.

A left side view of a B-1 bomber aircraft as it nears the refueling boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft in flight during testing and evaluation. The KC-135 is assigned to the 141st Air Refueling Wing, Washington Air National Guard. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Soldiers assigned to U.S. Army Alaska's 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion airdropped a Humvee on JBER's Malemute Drop Zone, followed by approximately 60 Paratroopers from a C-17 aircraft, Wed. April 17, 2013. The paratroopers of the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) 25th Infantry Division recently completed post-deployment RESET, and are transitioning the brigade to assuming part of the quick reaction force mission for the Pacific Theater.

Four S-3 Vikings from Carrier-Based Antisubmarine Squadron Twenty-Two (VS-22), "Checkmates", fly in formation over the flight deck of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) during a training exercise. TRUMAN is on station in the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. SOUTHERN WATCH establishes a southern no fly zone over Iraq and extends to the borders to just south of Baghdad, capital city of Iraq. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force F-16C Falcons from the 187th Fighter Wing, Montgomery, Alabama, are refueled by a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 117th Air Refueling Wing, Birmingham, Alabama, Aug. 17, 2022. Photo was taken with the Red Tails and the 100th anniversary commemorative tail for the 117th Air Refueling Wing.

An air-to-air left side view of an RC-135 Stratolifter aircraft during Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Saudi Arabia(SAU)

040507-M-2900S-032. Base: Al Asad Air Base State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Three Turkish Air Force F-16s fly in formation with a U.S. Air Force 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron B-52H Stratofortress along the southern coast of Turkey during a Bomber Task Force mission on Aug. 22, 2022. B-52Hs from the 23EBS flew along the western coast of Italy to demonstrate their Global Strategic Bomber Presence as a part of the pre-planned Bomber Task Force Europe series of missions.

Two Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 130 (VAQ-130) EA-6B Prowler aircraft rendezvous with a KC-135E Stratotanker aircraft to refuel while en route to targets in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. VAQ-130 is based aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

High angle view of a bomber plane in flight, KC-135 Stratotanker, B-2 Spirit, US Air Force

U.S. Air Force F-16 Falcons from the Air National Guard's 187th Fighter Wing, Montgomery, Alabama and F-15 Eagles from the Air National Guard's 159th Fighter Wing, New Orleans, Louisiana, are refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker from the Air National Guard's 117th Air Refueling Wing, on July 22, 2022. The flight crew wore helmets during the refueling to simulate a need for oxygen situation. (U.S Air National Guard Photos by Senior Airman Nicholas Faddis.)

April 24, 2007 - A pilot fires a missile as his A-10 Thunderbolt II breaks over the Pacific Alaska Range Complex during live-fire training.

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the assigned to the Kansas Air National Guard prepares to refuel a KC-46A Pegasus assigned to the 344th Aerial Refueling Squadron during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 29, 2022. RF-A is designed to provide realistic training essential to the continued development and improvement of combined and joint interoperability in a simulated combat environment.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon receives fuel from the 168th Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotanker during RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Oct. 20, 2022. The F-16 is an all-weather, extremely maneuverable, tactical fighter designed to permit the Air Force to gain and maintain air supremacy over the battlefield.

DF-ST-89-05853. Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 121st Air Refueling Wing refuels a C-17 Globemaster from the 911th Airlift Wing in-flight, August 18, 2022. The KC-135 provides the core aerial refueling for the United States Air Force.

U.S. Air Force F-16C Falcons from the 187th Fighter Wing, Montgomery, Alabama, are refueled by a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 117th Air Refueling Wing, Birmingham, Alabama, Aug. 17, 2022. Photo was taken with the Red Tails and the 100th anniversary commemorative tail for the 117th Air Refueling Wing.

An A-10A Thunderbolt II aircraft takes part in a mission during Operation Desert Storm. The aircraft is armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, AGM-65 Maverick missiles, and Mark 82 500-pound bombs.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, flies over the Nevada Test and Training Range, Nevada, Aug. 3, 2022. The 422nd TES is a geographically separated unit of the 53rd Test and Evaluation Group, Eglin AFB, Florida.

A-10 THUNDERBOLT FIGHTER JET

070306-F-3961R-007. Subject Operation/Series: OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

A B-52H Stratofortress from the 20th Bomb Squadron (2nd Wing) at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., takes off from right to left during exercise Mighty Force 93-6. The 2nd Wing from Barksdale deployed 12 aircraft and 430 people to participate in exercise Mighty Force 93-6. Subject Operation/Series: MIGHTY FORCE 93-6 Base: Roswell State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An aerial left side view of an F-15C silhouetted by the sun's reflection on the Indian Ocean. The aircraft, from the 44th Fighter Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, patrols the air space around Williamtown during an air to air exercise between the United States Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force. Subject Operation/Series: IRON FIST '95 Base: Raaf Williamstown Country: Australia (AUS)

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft from the 335th Fighter Squadron approaches a 911th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135R Stratotanker over North Carolina during a local training mission, Dec. 17, 2010.

DF-SC-83-04146. Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III with the C-17 West Coast Demo Team conducts an aerial demonstration during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The C-17 Demo Team, stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, was established in 2019 and participates in air shows across the United States to showcase the capabilities of the C-17 and represent the Air Force through community outreach. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win,” reflects the Marine Corps’ ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

C-17A Globemaster IIIPrimary function: Cargo and troop transport. Speed: 518 mph. Dimensions: Wingspan 169 ft. 10 in. (to winglet tips); length 174 ft.; height 55 ft. 1 in. Range: Unlimited with aerial refueling. Crew: Three.

Formation of three F-4E Phantoms, a pair of F-14A Tomcats and a tanker aircraft.

020501-F-7203T-009. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE 2002 Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, flies over the Nevada Test and Training Range, Nevada, during a weapons evaluation mission Sept. 13, 2022. The A-10 Thunderbolt II offers excellent maneuverability at low airspeeds and altitude while maintaining a highly accurate weapons-delivery platform.

A B-1B Lancer from the 28th Air Expeditionary Wing (EW), receives fuel at dusk from a KC-10 Extender from the 60th Air Expeditionary Group (AEG), while on a bombing mission, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

A Minot Air Force Base 5th Bomb Wing B-52H Stratofortress takes off during Red Flag-Nellis 22-1 on Jan. 25, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. This iteration of Red Flag is focused on confidence under fire, integrated leadership and the warfighter culture. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michael A. Richmond)

DN-SC-88-06205. Country: Unknown

DN-SC-89-10793. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft, assigned to the 968th Expeditionary Airborne Air Control Squadron, conducts aerial operations during a U.S. Presidential support mission within the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility July 15, 2022. AFCENT forces remain postured to uphold whole of government diplomacy efforts to promote security and regional stability in the Middle East.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II lines up to take on fuel from a KC-135R Stratotanker during a refueling mission April 22, 2014. The A-10 is assigned to the 23rd Fighter Group at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. The KC-135R is from the 134th Air Refueling Wing at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tenn.

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division jump from a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster Feb. 1, 2019, over the Normandy Drop Zone at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The paratroopers conducted a combat equipment static line airborne operation onto the drop zone to maintain their proficiency and rehearse their roles during follow-on missions.

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