Aerial Refueling Operations

Dynamic images showcasing military aircraft refueling in mid-air, highlighting operational teamwork and advanced aviation technology in military exercises.

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.)

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 26, 2022) U.S Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refuels a U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet through its flying boom extending from the rear of the aircraft during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Royal New Zealand Air Force photo by Cpl. Dillon)

An F-14A Tomcat aircraft from Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) extends its refueling probe after falling in behind an Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft to refuel while on a combat air patrol following the cease-fire between coalition and Iraqi forces. The aircraft is armed with an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile on the outboard portion of each wing pylon and an AIM-7 Sparrow missile on the inboard portion. VF-32 is based aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Country: Red Sea

Over the South Pacific a US Air Force (USAF) Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, 941st AWACS prepares to make contact with a USAF KC-135 Stratotanker, 909th Air Refueling Squadron (ARS), Kadena Air Base (AB), Okinawa. The aircraft are participating in the joint Exercise TANDEM THRUST 03, a joint exercise conducted in the Marianas Islands to include Guam and Tinian. The exercise is a joint endeavor to include forces from the US, Canada, and Australia. Base: US Naval Forces, Marianas State: Guam (GU) Country: Northern Mariana Islands (MNP)

Aerial view of a B-52 Stratofortress as seen through the boom operators window of a KC-135 aircraft. The B-52 is assigned to the 5th Bomber Wing, Minot AFB, North Dakota and is preparing to be refueled in air, by a KC-135 from the 319th Air Refueling Wing, Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota. Both the B-52 and the KC-135 are participating in the exercise NORTHERN VIKING '95. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN VIKING '95 Base: Naval Air Station, Keflavik Country: Iceland (ISL)

A view from the boom operator's station of an Alaska Tanker Task Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft which is refueling an F-15 Eagle aircraft. The Eagles need tanker support when they escort Soviet bombers from the Alaskan coast. Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon approaches an Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron for aerial refueling from Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 7, 2022. Kadena Air Base is the hub of airpower in the Pacific, and home to the 18th Wing and a variety of associate units to form a world-class combat team ready to ensure peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific.

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.)

A pair of British Royal Air Force GR-1 Tornados fly off the right wing of a British VC-10 K3 tanker (Partially shown) prior to refueling over Kuwait as part of the Southwest Asia build-up. Another Tornado takes on fuel. Country: Kuwait (KWT)

A C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron flies by Mt. Fuji during a formation flight, July 7, 2022. Yokota serves as the primary Western Pacific airlift hub for the U.S. Air Force peacetime and contingency operations. These missions include airdrops, aeromedical evacuation, special operations, and distinguished visitor airlift.

A B-52 Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing over Louisiana, April 12, 2022. The B-52 has a range of 8,800 miles but can fly further distances with the assistance of aerial refueling from a tanker aircraft.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, flies over the skies of Northwestern Ohio during a test of the Aerospace Control Alert System, April 27, 2022. The purpose of the event is to exercise coordination between the Eastern Air Defense Sector, Federal Aviation Administration and the 180FW, maintaining air sovereignty and air defense through the surveillance and control of airspace over Canada and the U.S.

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, conducts aerial refueling with a KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, Al Udeid Air Force Base, Qatar, during a Bomber Task Force mission within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Sept. 4, 2022. Two B-52H Stratofortress aircraft guided theater integration training with a variety of coalition and partner ally aircraft to demonstrate readiness and strengthen regional security.

An Egyptian Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducts aerial training operations with the U.S. Air Force in support of exercise Agile Phoenix within the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility June 28, 2022. Agile Phoenix is a joint agile combat employment exercise focused on enhancing interoperability and ensuring regional security.

A B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, departs after aerial refueling during a routine Bomber Task Force mission over the Pacific Ocean, Feb. 19, 2024. These missions enhance the U.S. Air Force, joint and multilateral readiness to respond to any potential crisis or challenge in the Indo-Pacific. Air Force

A U.S. Air Force F-16CM Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 79th Fighter Squadron, takes off from the flightline during Exercise Red Flag 19-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Jan. 28, 2019. The 79th FS, otherwise known as the Tigers,” served as an air superiority role, performing various missions intended to test their job proficiency in a combat environment.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 179th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, resumes aerial operations after a successful refuel with a KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, in the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility, April 21, 2022. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that delivers airpower to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

DF-ST-87-07215. Subject Operation/Series: REFORGER '86 Country: West Germany (FRG)

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, Arctic Angels, jump from a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III during joint airborne training over Malemute Drop Zone, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Nov. 9, 2022. The aircrew and aircraft were assigned to the 62nd Airlift Wing out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. The 2/11 IBCT (A) is the only airborne infantry brigade combat team in the Arctic and Pacific theaters, providing the combatant commander with the unique capability to project an expeditionary force by air.

The pilot of a 36th Fighter Squadron F-16C Fighting Falcon looks up through the canopy of his aircraft as it refuels from a 310th Air Refueling squadron KC-135 aircraft during a Pacific Tanker Task Force refueling mission. Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A United States Marine Corps aviation technician checks fuel levels in a KC-130J Super Hercules at Kuantan Air Base, Malaysia.

040317-F-0971G-028. Subject Operation/Series: OPERATION ENDURING / IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

DF-ST-88-00995. Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon receives in-flight refueling.

DF-ST-87-07206. Subject Operation/Series: REFORGER '86 Country: West Germany (FRG)

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, flies alongside a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing at RAF Mildenhall, during a refueling mission over the North Sea, May 24, 2022. The F-35A is a fifth generation fighter that provides the joint warfighter unprecedented global precision attack capability against current and emerging threats, while complementing the Air Forces air superiority fleet.

220726-N-WG572-1172PEARL HARBOR (July 26, 2022) - An F/A-18E Super Hornet conducts an aerial refueling with a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 26. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, and more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher J. Crawford)

The refueling boom of a 306th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft nears a 6th Air Refueling Squadron KC-10A Extender aircraft during a Military Airlift Command channel cargo mission. Country: Unknown

Lieutenant Commander "Warden" Davis, pilot, prepares an F/A-18 Hornet aircraft from Fighter Attack Squadron 25 (VFA-25) for takeoff aboard the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64). Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, and four U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt IIs from the 23rd Wing, Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, fly in a joint formation during a Bomber Task Force mission over the Pacific Ocean, Nov. 9, 2022. BTF missions provide an opportunity to train alongside Allies and partners to demonstrate interoperability and bolster the collective ability to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A close up view inside the Boom Operators position of a US Air Force KC-1O Extender Aircraft as the boom and refueling arm is extended to a USAF B-2 Spirit Bomber from 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman AFB, MO approaching for refueling. Base: Whiteman Air Force Base State: Missouri (MO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-86-05139. Subject Operation/Series: EXERCISE COPE THUNDER '84-7 Country: Philippines (PHL)

031229-F-9629J-033. Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

A hookup man slips a second pole pendant onto the cargo hook of a CH-46D Sea Knight helicopter hovering over the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) during Operation Desert Storm. The helicopter is picking up a load of empty ammunition crates from the KENNEDY. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

An air-to-air right side silhouetted view of an F-4G Phantom II Wild Weasel aircraft. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

U.S. Air Force F-16's from the Oklahoma Air National Guard's 138th Fighter Wing Detachment 1, and U.S. Air Force F-15's from the Louisiana Air National Guard's 159th Fighter Wing form up behind a KC-135 Stratotanker from the Alabama Air National Guard's 117th Air Refueling Wing during North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) Operation Noble Defender (OND), June 29, 2022. As a part of OND, which is a recurring operation, the Continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR) coordinated and conducted joint operations with the U.S. Navy while concurrently launching jets from different locations across the United States' gulf coast and Puerto Rico. OND, is an integrated air and missile defense operation designed to ensure the defense and security of the northern and southern approaches to North America. This particular OND allowed NORAD units to exercise maneuvers designed to defend the southern approach to the United States from simulated cruise missile threats. NORAD is a bi-national Canadi

Aerial view of F-15 Eagle fighter planes flying in formation

A close-up view of a KC-10 Extender aircraft refueling boom attached to a 33rd Tactical Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft during Exercise IMMEDIATE FALCON '86. Subject Operation/Series: IMMEDIATE FALCON '86 Base: Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 77th Fighter Squadron (FS), Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, flies over the 77th FS's F-16s on the flight line ramp. The F-16 crews are flying out of Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico in support of the world's largest joint service, multi-national tactical air operations exercise. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS '97 Base: Albuquerque State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Air-to-air left side view of an F-4E Phantom II fighter aircraft assigned to the 52nd Tactical Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Mounted on the front underside portion of the wings are two AGM-45A Shrike air-to-surface missiles. Two AIM-7 Sparrow III air-to-air missiles are mounted towards the rear. The aircraft is equipped with an electronic countermeasures (ECM) pod. Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

010830-F-6184M-012. State: Tennessee (TN) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, approaches the boom of a KC-10 Extender assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Aug. 31, 2022. The KC-10s primary mission is to extend the range of U.S. and coalition partner aircraft, by delivering air refueling support.

U.S. Navy F-18 flies next to a B-52H Stratofortress over the Pacific Ocean, Feb. 24, 2024. These kinds of joint operations offer the opportunity to enhance shared strategies for the seamless integration of joint defense capabilities. Air Force

U.S. Air Force aircrew assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron Minot Air Force Base N.D., pre-flight their B-52 Stratofortress aircraft before an eight hour sortie going over bomb dropping sequences and air refueling on April 20, 2011. Pilots, Navigators, Radar, and Electronic Warfare Office make up the B-52 crew putting bombs on target and providing close air support is two of the several missions accomplished by the huge aircraft out of Minot AFB.

Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 134th Fighter Squadron, 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, photographed from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, currently operating out of Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, conducted low approach flyovers over the Baltic Sea region on, June 16, 2022. The two fighter jets are flying across the Baltic Sea region starting at Pirita Tee, Estonia, then Riga, Latvia, and finally Vilnius, Lithuania to demonstrate U.S. commitment and assurance to NATO Baltic Allies and partners.

Under the direction of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), a F-15 assigned to the Massachusetts Air National Guard, aCF-18 assigned to the Royal Canadian Air Force, and a KC-135 assigned to the Main Air National Guardfly in formation behind a KC-135 assigned to the Pennsylvania Air National Guard during air-defense Operation NOBLE DEFENDER, Oct. 27, 2022. Operation NOBLE DEFENDER is a long-planned NORAD exercise that validates the commands capability to defend Canada and the United States from every avenue of approach. The Continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR) led this iteration of OND and coordinated and conducted combined operations, while concurrently launching aircraft from different locations across the northeast coast of the United States. F-15 and KC-135 aircraft from CONR and CF-18 aircraft from the Canadian NORAD Region participated in the operation. NORAD is a bi-national Canadian and U.S. command that employs a network of aerial, ground-based, and space-base

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress, assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, conducts aerial refueling with a KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned the 350th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, during a presence patrol mission with coalition and regional partners across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility June 8, 2022. Presence patrol missions demonstrate the U.S.-led coalitions commitment to promoting regional stability.

Front view of an SR-71 Blackbird aircraft approaching a KC-10 Extender aircraft for in-flight refueling during testing. The aircraft, from the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, is seen from the refueling boom operator's section. Base: Beale Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-85-11502. Country: Unknown

A KC-135T Stratotanker from the 171st Aerial Refueling Squadron of the 127th Wing at Selfridge Air National Guard Base flying in formation with A-10C's from the 107th Fighter Squadron on an aerial refueling sortie on June 27, 2023. In addition to routine aerial refueling training in all conditions, aircraft from the 127th Wing, including A-10C Thunderbolt II attack aircraft of the 107th Fighter Squadron, commemorated the 100-year anniversary of the first aerial refueling conducted on June 23, 1923.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron conducts a strafing run over the Nevada Test and Training Range, Nevada, Dec. 7, 2022. The Thunderbolt II's 30mm GAU-8/A Gatling gun can fire 3,900 rounds a minute and can defeat an array of ground targets to include tanks.

A B-52 Stratofortress with the 307th Bomb Wing, Louisiana, flies toward the boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker, with the 914th Air Refueling Wing, New York, July 9, 2022 over Southern United States. The KC-135 had spouses of the 307th Maintenance Group on board that were able to watch the refueling.

DN-SC-88-01692. Base: USS Coral Sea (CV 43) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

CHESTERFIELD, Mo. (June 8, 2022) Lt. Griffin Stangel, the #7 pilot and narrator of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, conducts a key influencer flight with Daniel OKeefe, June 8, 2022. OKeefe, a Greater St. Louis Area Scouts leader, was selected for the Blue Angels flight due to his continued community service and positive youth involvement. The Blue Angels are in the St. Louis area for the Spirit of St. Louis Airshow, which takes place June 11-12 and marks the St. Louis-made F/A-18 Super Hornet making its debut and return to the area.

Four OA-37 Dragonfly aircraft of the 24th Tactical Air Support Squadron fly in formation over Howard Air Force Base during Memorial Day ceremonies. Country: Panama (PAN)

U.S. Air Force aircrew members assigned to the 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, load cargo onto a HC-130J Combat King II aircraft during a combat airlift mission at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, October 31, 2022. The HC-130J is a rapidly deployable, multi-capable airframe, capable of performing combat search and rescue, aerial refueling, and combat airlift missions within the CENTCOM AOR.

A B-52 Stratofortress flies below a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, after receiving fuel off the U.K. coast, March 14, 2019. U.S. Strategic Command forces are on watch 24/7 to deter and detect strategic attacks against the U.S. and NATO allies.

Mediterranean Sea, March 2, 2006 - An F-14D Tomcat lifts from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71).

A left rear view of a B-52 Stratofortress aircraft releasing an AGM-86 air-launched cruise missile over the range. Base: Utah Test And Training Range State: Utah (UT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force U-2 Dragon Lady aircraft from the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron waits on the runway at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia on Nov. 23, 2010. The U-2 uses pogo supports under each wing while it is on the ground to improve stability.

A U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, is refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 22nd Air Refueling Wing, McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex during RED FLAG-Alaska, Oct. 14, 2022. RF-A provides integrated joint and multilateral training opportunities in the JPARC, an expansive co-located air and land range with significant potential for co-located air and sea ranges.

Aerial view at dusk as USAF E-3B Sentry (AWACS) aircraft moves into position to be refueled by a KC-135 refueling tanker. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

An F-16 flies in the pre-contact position behind a KC-135R from the Arizona Air National Guard.

F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, fly in formation after refueling from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, March 4, 2015, during Exercise Iron Hand over southern France. U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa forward-based, ready forces and partnerships allow its wings to provide timely, decisive airpower to meet emerging challenges and execute missions across Europe and Africa.

An air-to-air front view of an EA-6B Prowler aircraft from Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 140 (VAQ-140) during its deployment aboard the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-SC-87-05518. Country: Unknown

DF-SC-89-11500. Country: Unknown

An air-to-air front view of an AC-130 Hercules aircraft in-flight near Hulburt Field. State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A right front view of several Air National Guard A-7D Corsair II aircraft on the flight line during Exercise Gallant Eagle '82. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE '82 Base: Naval Air Station, China Lake State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Strike Fighter Squadron 83 (VFA-83) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft is launched from the No. 2 catapult aboard the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 24th Fighter Wing, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Forth Worth, Texas, sits on the flight line during Weapons Evaluations System Program-East 23.01 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 5, 2022. WSEP-E 23.01 combined COMBAT ARCHER and COMBAT HAMMER exercises, allowing participating units to be evaluated on not only air-to-air weapons employment normally held at Tyndall, but air-to-ground weapons as well.

Air to air top front view of three Air Mobility Command's 63rd Military Airlift Wing's C-141 Starlifters from Norton AFB, California flying in formation over the southern California mountains. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

An F-16 Fighting Falcon of the Royal Netherlands Air Force, as seen from the tanker aircraft, prepares to refuel during a mission over the North Sea. Country: Unknown

United States Marine Corps aircraft maintenance specialist working on an engine housed inside an engine nacelle of an MV-22 Osprey, Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan

A Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) F-14A Tomcat aircraft is refueled by a U.S. Air Force KC-135E Stratotanker aircraft during Operation Desert Storm. VF-32 is based aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

Two crew members are positioned at the open ramp of an AC-130H Hercules aircraft during a training flight. Another AC-130H is in the background. The airmen are assigned to the 16th Special Operations Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing. Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA)

An F-15 Eagle aircraft from the 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron sits on the flightline in the early morning, during Pitch Black '88, a joint Australia-U.S. exercise emphasizing night flying. Subject Operation/Series: PITCH BLACK '88 Base: Raaf Darwin State: Northern Territory Country: Australia (AUS)

DN-ST-88-01819. Base: USS Saratoga (CV 60)

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 a lake in the High Sierra mountains of northern California. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Base: Travis Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Airmen in a C-17 Globemaster III simulate an aerial drop over Saipan during an Air Force Force Generation certification event, Dec. 4, 2022. The 15th AS participated in an AFFORGEN certification event designed to enhance rapid global mobility capabilities and test the squadrons ability to communicate, navigate and maneuver in a contested environment.

An overview in-flight image of the B-2 Bomber in its fifth test flight. The flight lasted one hour and seventeen minutes. Northrop CHIEF Test Pilot Bruce Hinds and Air Force LT. COL. John Small of the B-2 Combined Test Force were at the controls. The first five test flights were designed to expand the flight envelope, demonstrate the handling qualities of the aircraft while flying in the air refueling position and validate the proper function of the aircraft's subsystems. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A B-52 Stratofortress aircraft are being readied for an alert mission. Base: Grand Forks Air Force Base State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A C-17A Globemaster III aircraft, from the 729th Airlift Squadron, moves into position to receive fuel from KC-135R Stratotanker, from the 336th Air Refueling Squadron, during a refueling mission over the Pacific Ocean Thursday July 30, 2009. The 336th ARS and 729th AS are both from the 452nd Air Mobility Wing out of March Air Reserve Base, California.

An air-to-air left side view of a 7th Special Operations Squadron, 435th Tactical Airlift Wing MC-130E Hercules aircraft for Rhein Main Air Base, West Germany. Country: Unknown

A US Air Force KC-10 Extender from McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, moves into the pre-contact position during a refueling mission while deployed to a forward location in the European theatre. This mission is in direct support of Joint Task Force Noble Anvil. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE ANVIL Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force Three A-10 Thunderbolt II's from the 74th Fighter Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Ga., taxi toward the end on the Nellis runway for a training mission during the Green Flag West 11-2 exercise at Nellis Air Force Base Nev., Dec. 6. Green Flag-West provides a realistic air-land integration training environment for forces preparing to support worldwide combat operations.

061113-N-8591H-126. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot assigned to the 51st Fighter Wing observes as his aircraft receives aerial refueling over the Pacific Ocean, March 31, 2022. Aerial refueling capabilities extend airborne training time and combat radius, ensuring U.S. and allied nation aircraft are postured to maintain regional peace and stability within the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

DN-ST-90-02420. Base: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, refuels from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, during RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1 over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, Oct. 11, 2022. The JPARC covers more than 77,000 square miles and provides a realistic training environment, allowing those who conduct operations in the area to train for full spectrum engagements, ranging from individual skills to complex, large-scale joint engagements.

010326-N-1110A-501. Subject Operation/Series: ARABIAN GUANTLET 2001 Base: Uss Juneau (LPD 10)

A view of an in-flight F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft pilot, with other Falcons shown in the background. The aircraft are from the 35th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 9th Tactical Fighter Wing, being deployed to Kunsan Air Base, Korea. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

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