Aerial Refueling Operations

Images depict military aircraft performing aerial refueling maneuvers in various operations, showcasing collaboration between air forces with a focus on training and capabilities.

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

KC-10 Extender aircrew assigned to Travis Air Force Base, California, perform air refueling during Operation Centennial Contact, June 27, 2023. The operation was a celebration of a century of aerial refueling capabilities involving 152 total aircraft, including 82 tankers and 70 receivers, traversing sites across the United States.

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.

A B-1B bomber from the 9th Bomb Squadron, 7th Wing, Dyess AFB, Texas, is refueled over the Bering Sea off the coast of Alaska by a KC-135 from the 168th Air Refueling Group, Eielson AFB, Ark. Three B-1Bs took off on the second of June from Dyess and flew non-stop around the world except for one which made a bombing run in Europe and recovered in Lajes, Portugal. The B-1s were demonstrating Global Reach capabilities and were also attempting to set a world speed record for their weight class. Subject Operation/Series: CORONET BAT Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 4th Fighter Wing, approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 91st Air Refueling Squadron over the Northeastern U.S. Aug. 24, 2022. The 91st ARS refueled four F-15E aircraft as part of their Agile Combat Employment capstone. In order to successfully qualify, Airmen must demonstrate skills acquired from a years worth of tasks and objectives within 3 days while conducting 24-hour operations.

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet aircraft with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)-533), flies alongside a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, over the Indo-Pacific theater, April 20, 2022. These missions are opportunities for Pacific Air Forces to perform routine integration with jointand allied forces and assure regional allies and partners of the continued U.S. commitment to the defense of our Allies and their sovereign territory.

U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extenders manuver to conduct mid-air refueling during Operation Centennial Contact, June 27, 2023. The operation was a celebration of a century of aerial refueling capabilities involving 152 total aircraft, including 82 tankers and 70 receivers, traversing sites across the United States.

An air-to-air top view of an F-15 Eagle aircraft being refueled by a KC-135A Stratotanker aircraft. The view was taken from the Advanced Aerial Refueling Boom section of the KC-135A. Country: Unknown

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

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, approaches a KC-10 Extender assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for air refueling support, 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 U.S., coalition and partner forces.

An air-to-air direct front view of a B-52 Stratofortress aircraft as it is aligned for refueling from a KC-135A Stratotanker aircraft. The Advanced Aerial Refueling Boom is attached between the two aircraft. Country: Unknown

040825-F-6911G-002. Subject Operation/Series: RED FLAG 04-3 Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 12, 2018) An F/A-18 Hornet conducts air refueling operations, Dec. 12, 2018, over the Pacific Ocean as part of a routine Sentry Aloha exercise. The 128th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker uses a boom drogue to transfer 26,000 pounds of fuel to the visiting Hornets from China Lake, during a training sortie.

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 within the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility Sep. 6, 2022. AFCENT forces remain postured to uphold whole of government diplomacy efforts to promote security and regional stability in the Middle East.

A US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refuels one F-16D Fighting Falcons as another waits in the background. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT TASK FORCE EXERCISE 95-3 Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force 5th Bomb wing assumes position to recieve fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron over the Pacific Ocean, Oct. 27, 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.

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron prepares to refuel a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon during a refueling mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Jan. 1, 2022. The KC-135 delivers U.S. Air Forces Central a global reach aerial refueling capability to support joint and partner nation aircraft throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

100710-F-5964B-393 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 10, 2010) A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress from the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Barksdale AFB, La., flies a mission in support of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010. RIMPAC includes more than 14 nations, 32 ships, five submarines, more than 170 aircraft and more than 20,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen. RIMPAC enhances cooperation between partnering nations and practices our ability to plan, communicate, and execute operations.

011008-F-5102J-005. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE State: Alabama (AL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

An air-to-air left side view of two A-6E Intruder aircraft flying in formation. Country: Unknown

A C-141 Starlifter being refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker during Rodeo 92 tanker competition. The KC-135 is from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, U.K. The boom operator is MASTER SGT. John Alvarez. Subject Operation/Series: RODEO '92 Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A C-17 Globemaster III from the 437th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., approaches one of the 434th Air Refueling Wings KC-135R Stratotankers during an in-flight refueling mission on Oct. 27, 2010. Members of the 434th Seasoning Training Flight were onboard to witness the mission first-hand. The 434th STF is part of the Air Force Reserve Command's Seasoning Training Program, which is designed to build a ready force by allowing recent technical training school graduates to voluntarily remain on active duty for on-the-job training.

KC-135 Stratotankers from the 203rd Air Refueling Squadron and two F-22 Raptors from the 199th Fighter Squadron fly near the coast of Hawaii, June 27, 2023. The flyover consisted of four Stratotankers which flew over Southern and Eastern portions of Oahu.

A B-52H of the 20th Bomb Squadron (Buccaneers), 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana is 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)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon with the 180th Fighter Wing is refueled mid-air by a KC-135 Stratotanker with the 121st Air Refueling Wing above Ohio, Oct. 15, 2022. The F-16s were enroute to perform a flyover in Ann Arbor, Mich. for the Michigan vs. Penn State football game. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Tech. Sgt. Wendy Kuhn)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, prepares to receive fuel from a KC-10 Extender assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, over an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 2, 2022. The KC-10 Extender is capable of day and night air refueling operations with multiple air assets in support of CENTCOM and Operation Inherent Resolve.

Attack Squadron 46 (VA-46) A-7E Corsair II aircraft fly near the refueling boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft as they prepare for refueling over the Red Sea during Operation Desert Storm. The Corsair on the right is armed with an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile on its right fuselage pylon. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

Ground-to-air rear view of a KC-10 Extender aircraft during Operation Deep Freeze. Subject Operation/Series: DEEP FREEZE Country: Antarctica (ATA)

011104-F-1279W-001. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two F-35B Joint Strike Fighters conduct the first aerial refueling of its kind with a KC-130J Hercules in the sky above Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Oct. 2. Previous aerial refueling operations with the F-35 had been conducted with test aircraft. It’s great to start to expand our operational capability in the context of working with the Marine Air-Ground Task Force,” said Lt. Col. David Berke, who commands the F-35B squadron, Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, at Eglin. The KC-130J was from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, based out of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing refuels a U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler during a sortie over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2, June 13, 2022. RFA serves as an ideal platform for international engagement, and the exercise has a long history of including allies and partners, ultimately enabling all involved to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures while improving interoperability.

DF-ST-89-04309. Country: Sicily (SIC)

DF-ST-89-00411. State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

B-52 Stratofortress US Navy

A U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle with the 125th Fighter Wing, Florida Air National Guard, refuels in-flight from a KC-135 Stratotanker with the 117th Air Refueling Wing, Alabama ANG, during exercise Sentry Savannah. Three air refueling units from across the Air National Guard provided in-flight refueling in support of Sentry Savannah 2022, the ANGs premier counter air exercise which encompasses 10 units of fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft, tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a simulated near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

An F-15C Eagle assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker to receive aerial refueling while flying in support of Exercise Southern Beach over the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 15, 2022. Southern Beach brings together U.S. and host nation forces in an effort to create bilateral solutions to accomplish the mission and execute those solutions as one team.

A US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refuels a formation of F-16D Fighting Falcons. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT TASK FORCE EXERCISE 95-3 Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.)

100720-F-3798Y-269PEARL HARBOR (July 20, 2010) A U.S. Navy E/A-6B Prowler moves into position to refuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker during Rim of the Pacific 2010. RIMPAC is a biennial, multinational exercise designed to strengthen regional partnerships and improve multinational interoperability.

A group of S-3 Vikings from Carrier-Based Antisubmarine Squadron Twenty-Two (VS-22), "Checkmates", fly in formation over USS Stethem (DDG 63) during a training exercise. The Checkmates are part of Carrier Airwing Three currently embarked on board USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) for a six-month deployment. 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

DF-ST-87-13343. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '85 Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., prepares to be refueled by a U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, during a Bomber Task Force mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 10, 2022. The bomber deployment showcases the U.S. militarys commitment to regional security and demonstrates the capabilities of a short-notice, rapid deployment of assets. The B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber, capable of flying high subsonic speeds at altitudes up to 50,000 feet providing the U.S., coalition and partner forces with a global strike capability to deter conflict while credibly demonstrating the U.S.s ability to address a global security environment.

A C-5 Galaxy aircraft, on the flight line at sunrise, waits to be loaded with cargo for a mission to Cairo, Egypt. The C-5 is one of the first to be painted in a camouflage pattern. Base: Travis Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-16 from the 169th Fighter Wing in South Carolina approaches the boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 134th Air Refueling Wing. The 134th Air Refueling Wing celebrated the centennial anniversary of in-flight refueling on June 27, 2023, by performing two flyovers and a total of seven in-flight refuelings in the skies over Tennessee.

An overhead front view of three F-15 Strike Eagles as they fly above the clouds in fingertip formation to provide air-to-air cover. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT TASK FORCE 95-3 Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A B-1 Lancer from the 28th Bomb Squadron assigned to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas refuels with a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 465th Air Refueling Squadron, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, over north Texas October 21, 2022.

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the South Carolina Air National Guard is in-fight refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the Kansas Air National Guard over the Atlantic Ocean during Sentry Savannah 22-1, May 3, 2022. Sentry Savannah is a joint, total force integrated exercise that showcases the nation's combat aircraft readiness, tests the capabilities of warfighters in a near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

The nose section of US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, from Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina, is seen from the KC-10 Extender, Boom Operator's window, during a refueling mission for INSPECTOR GENERAL EXERCISE 3B. Subject Operation/Series: INSPECTOR GENERAL EXERCISE 3B Country: United States Of America (USA)

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 U.S. Air Force F-16 from the Oklahoma Air National Guard's 138th Fighter Wing Detachment 1, flies behind a KC-135 Stratotanker from the Alabama Air National Guard's 117th Air Refueling Wing to refuel 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 Canadian and American command that employs a network of aerial, ground-based, and s

The last of six AV-8B2 Harriers attached the the Air Combat Element of the 26 MEU (Special Operation Capable) (MEU (SOC)), launches from the flight deck of the USS Kearsarge. The Harriers left the Kearsarge as the ship came closer to the U.S. after a six month deployment to the Mediterranean. Base: USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

An F-4 Phantom aircraft flies alongside a Soviet Tu-95 Bear-E aircraft. Country: Sea Of Japan

A C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from the 7th Air Lift Sqadron, 62nd Air Lift Wing, McChord Air Force Base, Washington, seperates from a KC-135R (not shown) from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, 18th Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan, during a refueling mission over the South China Sea in support of an India earthquake support mission, the Globemaster aircraft was carrying 13,000lbs of tents and blankets. Country: Unknown

A KC-135 Stratotanker refuels a Royal Air Force RC-135V/W Rivet Joint June 26, 2014, off the coast of England. This was the first time a tanker belonging to the 100th Air Refueling Wing refueled a RAF RC-135. The KC-135 is based at RAF Mildenhall, England.

US Air ForceKC-10

In-flight refueling of a B-52 Stratofortress aircraft during exercise Team Spirit '82. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '82 Country: Unknown

Air to air front, top view of an Air Mobility Command's C-130 Hercules flying over the Gulf coastline near Eglin AFB, Florida. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

U.S. and Royal Australian Air Force aircraft converge in a bilateral formation December 7, 2022, near the coast of Oahu, Hawaii, during exercise PACIFIC EDGE 23. The Formation included F-35 Lightning IIs from the U.S. Air Forces 65th Aggressor Squadron, the U.S. Marine Corps Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, the Royal Australian Air Force No. 3 Squadron, a RAAF E-7A Wedgetail from No. 2 Squadron, a USAF F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, and a USAF F-22 Raptor from the 199th and 19th Fighter Squadrons. PACIFIC EDGE is held to provide realistic combat training between the two countries aircraft, contributing to mission readiness and regional stability throughout the free and open Indo-Pacific.

DF-ST-87-08073. Country: Unknown

DF-ST-89-07576. Base: Unknown

A KC-10 Extender aircraft extends its boom to refuel an F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft of the 336th Tactical Fighter Wing. State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft with the 434th Aerial Refueling Wing refuels an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft with the 122nd Fighter Wing, Indiana Air National Guard during the Indiana Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Boss Lift August 26, 2022, in the skies over Indiana. Indiana ESGR Boss Lift shows appreciation to employers of Guard and Reserve members by giving them a behind-the-scenes look at the military operations performed by their employees.

18th Wing Commander, Brigadier General Gary North, flies lead in a F-15D Eagle with his wingman Captain Michael Casey, (F-15C), from the 44th Fighter Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, along with two F-16 Fighting Falcons piloted by Major Nathan Hill and Lieutenant Chris Heber, 36th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Wing, Osan Air Base, South Korea, during a refueling training mission with a KC-135R Stratotanker piloted by Major James Seaward, Lieutenant David Eisenbrey, (copilot), CHIEF MASTER Sergeant Gregory Durand, (boom operator), Technical Sergeant David Steiner, (boom operator), and Colonel William Kunzweiller, (18th Operations Group Deputy Commander), over the Pacific Ocean near .... Complete Scene Caption: 18th Wing Commander, Brigadier General Gary North, flies lead in a F-15D Eagle with his wingman Captain Michael Casey, (F-15C), from the 44th Fighter Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, along with two F-16 Fighting Falcons piloted by Major Nathan Hill and Lieutenant Chris Heber,

An F-16 "Fighting Falcon" from the 510th Fighter Squadron, Aviano AB, Italy, refuels behind a KC-135 "Stratotanker" during a Combat Air Patrol (CAP) mission on Monday, May 3, 1999. Planes flying the CAP missions provide air cover for NATO Operation Allied Force strike missions in Yuglslavia. Subject Operation/Series: NATO Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

F/A-18 Hornet aircraft fly in formation as they take part in a flyover in honor of five ships of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) battle group. The vessels are returning to port following deployment in the Persian Gulf area during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Station, Mayport State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 24th Fighter Wing, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Forth Worth, Texas, soars through the skies during Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 23.01 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 12, 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.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor aircraft assigned to the 90th Fighter Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, departs after receiving fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, over Poland, Aug. 10, 2022. The 100th ARW provides the critical air refueling bridge that enables strategic assets to operate in forward locations, and postures NATO forces to extend global reach and amplify operational capability throughout Europe.

A KC-135 Stratotanker refuels an A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan Jan. 7, 2014, over northeast Afghanistan. The crew of the Stratotanker provided fuel for coalition aircraft during a more than 10-hour combat sortie. The KC-135 is from the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron in Southwest Asia.

An air-to-air right side view of an F-15 Eagle (middle), a Japanese Air SelF Defense Force F-104J Starfighter (bottom), and an F-4J Phantom II aircraft (top), during Exercise Cope North '81-3. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH '81-3 Base: Nyutabaru Air Base State: Kyashu Country: Japan (JPN)

DF-ST-87-07196. Subject Operation/Series: REFORGER '86 Country: West Germany (FRG)

010921-F-2171A-003. Base: Klamath Falls State: Oregon (OR) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AETC/ANG

AN air-to-air left side view of a C-5 Galaxy aircraft being refueled by a KC-10 Extender aircraft. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-89-03606. Country: Unknown

011030-F-8006R-003. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

DF-ST-87-04074. Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Air Capt. Derrick "Tank" Franck, 77th Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., prepares an F-16 Fighting Falcon for takeoff as part of The Falcon Air Meet 2010 at Azraq Air Base, Jordan, Oct. 21, 2010. The purpose of The Falcon Air Meet is to improve international military relations and joint air operations.

A 185th Tactical Fighter Group (185th TFG) A-7 Corsair II aircraft from the Air National Guard lines up for refueling from a 6th Aerial Refueling Squadron KC-10A Extender aircraft during Proud Visitor, a Headquarters, Strategic Air Comand exercise. Other 185th TFG Corsairs fly in formation as they await refueling.. State: Iowa(IA) Country: United States Of America(USA)

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron refuels a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon during a refueling mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Jan. 1, 2022. The KC-135 delivers U.S. Air Forces Central a global reach aerial refueling capability to support joint and partner nation aircraft throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

X-45A in flight with F-18 #846 chase aircraft, during first GPS-guided weapon demonstration flight.

Eight F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 114th Fighter Wing, fly behind a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 185th Air Refueling Wing while traveling to Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., April 1, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

040107-N-3799S-004. Country: Unknown

A C-17 Globemaster III flies in formation near Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, June 28, 2022. The aircrew members performed nighttime airdrop maneuvers in South Carolina to sharpen their mission readiness.

221001-N-N0777-1011 ADRIATIC SEA (Oct. 1, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, perform a flyover above the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) during a change of command ceremony, Oct. 1, 2022. During the ceremony, Cmdr. Daniel Krause relieved Cmdr. Nelson Keyser as a commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86. CVW-7 is the offensive air and strike component of Carrier Strike Group 10, George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG). The squadrons of CVW-7 are VFA-86, VFA-103, VFA-136, VFA-143, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46. The GHWBCSG is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S., allied, and partner interests.

DN-SC-90-04168. Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon is refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker July 12, 2015, in Swanton, Ohio. Spouses of 180th Fighter Wing Airmen participated in the Spouse Lift,” which gave them the opportunity to view an air refueling from the pod on the underside of the tanker. Military members depend on their husbands and wives for support, which is critical to the success of the mission.

A U.S. Air Force 2nd Bomb Wing B-52 Stratofortress approaches a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, over the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 30, 2022. Routine training with other squadrons allows both units to enhance capabilities to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.

020410-F-4814D-012. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH 2002 Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR) Scene Major Command Shown: Combined Task Force

030225-F-4338B-005. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

F-22 Raptors from the 525th Fighter Squadron, based at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, hook up to An Alaska Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker, from the 168th Air Refueling Wing, to conduct in-air refueling over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex during their fighter/bomber exercises. The JPARC consists of 65,000 square miles of airspace used for military training in Alaska, also providing opportunities for multinational training. U.S. Air Guard

DF-ST-86-12298. State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air left side 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 79th Air Refueling Squadron (79th AREFS) KC-10A Extender aircraft refuels a 7th Airlift Squadron (7th AS) C-141B Starlifter aircraft as the two planes fly above the clouds over northern California. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Boeing B-17 'Flying Fortresses' Of The 8Th Air Force En Route To Bomb Nazi Installations.

A German Air Force Eurofighter escorts a United States Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron at RAF Fairford, England April 5, 2022. The 69th EBS flew to the Mediterranean region to integrate with U.S. Allies for bomber familiarization as part of pre-planned Bomber Task Force Europe series of missions.

U.S. Air Force and Republic of Korea Air Force F-35A Lighting II aircraft soar through the skies over Korea July 12, 2022 in a tight formation. The 356th Fighter Squadron out of Eielson AFB, Alaska, arrived in the Republic of Korea to conduct combined training flights with the ROKAF's 151st and152nd Fighter squadrons. This training on and around the Korean peninsulaenhanced interoperability between the two air forces. Pilots from bothnations were able to share tactics and learn from each other, increasing thelethality of the ironclad US-ROK alliance.

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

A B-52H Stratofortress takes off for a Weapons School Integration (WSINT) mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Nov. 28, 2022. The B-52H, along with other aircraft, participated in the U.S. Air Force WISNT course, demonstrating the strategic advantage of multi-domain, integrated command and control.

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