Aerial Refueling Operations

Dynamic aerial views of various military fighter jets being refueled mid-flight by tanker aircraft, showcasing aviation technology and teamwork.

High angle view of two fighter planes in flight, KC-10 Extender, F-15E Strike Eagle, US Air Force

Aerial view of an EF-111 Raven refueled by a KC-10A inflight

A U.S. Navy Reserve EA-18G Growler assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 209 , Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, aerial 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 22-1 over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, Alaska, May 3, 2022. RF-A is a Pacific Air Forces-directed field training exercise allowing forces to practice interoperability by providing unique opportunities to integrate into joint and multilateral training.

High angle view of two fighter planes in flight, KC-10 Extender, F-15E Strike Eagle, US Air Force

DF-ST-85-11267. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST '85 Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Fighter Squadron 21 (VF-21) F-14A Tomcat aircraft is refueled by an Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft off the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield. The aircraft is carrying an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile on the outside portion of each wing pylon and an AIM-7 Sparrow missile on the lower part of each pylon. VF-21 is based aboard the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62). Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Unknown

DF-ST-86-12778. Subject Operation/Series: COPE MAX 85 Country: Unknown

A KC-135R Stratotanker from the 155th Air Refueling Wing, Nebraska National Guard, refuels a German Tornado, Sept. 9, 2022, during Ample Strike Exercise. Ample Strike allows the Czech Republic, U.S., Allies and partner forces to maximize interoperability, combat effectiveness and survival awareness while operating in a dynamic and simulated high threat environment through operational and tactical training. Successful partnering activities like this result in progressive relationships and enhanced interoperability and lead to tangible, mutual benefits that improve regional security, access and coalition operations during peacetime, contingencies and crises.

A B-2 Spirit aircraft from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, makes contact with the boom of a McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, KC-10A Extender aircraft during a Capstone orientation flight. Capstone is a Joint Airborne/Air Transportability Training mission providing interservice training for the wartime application of airlift. Through Capstone, senior level officers are able to observe the significance of airlift and its role in all military operations. The B-2 Spirit is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions. Its low-observable, or "stealth," characteristics give it the unique ability to penetrate an enemy's most sophisticated defenses and .... Complete Scene Caption: A B-2 Spirit aircraft from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, makes contact with the boom of a McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, KC-10A Extender aircraft during a Capstone orientation flight. Capstone is a Joint Airborne/Air Transportability Training mission providing in

011017-F-8006R-003. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor from the 199th Fighter Squadron prepares to receive fuel from a 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker over the Pacific Ocean, June 17, 2022. The KC-135 Stratotanker is outfitted with four CFM-56 turbofan engines, each generating over 21,500 pounds of thrust.

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.

A U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II assigned to the 354th Fighter Wing, Eielson Air Base, Alaska, receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Aerial Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, Alaska, Aug. 1, 2022. The JPARC is the largest instrumented air, ground, and electronic combat training range in the world.

March 27, 2012 - An F-22 Raptor in flight during a refueling mission over the Hawaiian Islands.

A F-22 Raptor with the Demonstration Team from Joint Base Langley-Eustis receives fuel from a KC-135R Stratotanker with the 155th Air Refueling Wing, Aug. 25, 2022. F-22 pilots received fuel from the 173rd Air Refueling Squadron in order to arrive and prepare for their air show in South Padre Island, Texas.

A French Navy Rafale prepares to receive fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, in a joint aerial exercise in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 2, 2022. The KC-135 provides U.S. and partner nation aircraft the ability to remain in the air for longer durations, maximizing their patrol time and ensuring regional stability.

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.

041225-F-7338M-129. Base: Unknown Country: Iraq (IRQ)

F-15E Strike Eagle US Air Force

An Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker with the 465th Air Refueling Squadron refuels a U.S. Marine Corps F-18 Hornet over Hawaii in support of RIMPAC July 28, 2012. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise from June 29 to Aug. 3, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971.

US Navy Grumman F-14D nose on, head on view photographed from a tanker over a solid white cloud layer.

An Attack Squadron 176 (VA-176) KA-6D Intruder aircraft deploys its refueling drogue for an approaching aircraft during a flight off of the aircraft carrier USS FORRESTAL (CV 59). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

F/A-18 Hornet USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) US Navy

DN-ST-89-08999. State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II, takes off from Palau during Valiant Shield 22, June 15, 2022. Exercises such as Valiant Shield allow the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 155th Air Refueling Wing refuels two F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, Sept. 13, 2022, during Ample Strike Exercise. Ample Strike allows the Czech Republic, U.S., Allies and partner forces to maximize interoperability, combat effectiveness and survival awareness while operating in a dynamic and simulated high threat environment through operational and tactical training. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. R. Denise Mommens)

A U.S. Air Force pilot with the 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron boards an F-16 Fighting Falcon at 86th Air Base, Romania, May 3, 2022. The 510th EFS is deployed to Romania to support the enhanced Air Policing operations over NATO airspace. The multinational NATO Alliance currently hosts more than 100 combat aircraft on alert in the region, performing 24/7 patrols along the eastern borders.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron approachs a KC-10 Extender assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron to receive fuel within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 19, 2023. The 908th EARS delivers fuel for U.S. and partner nation forces, extending the reach and combat airpower dominance to the region.

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, refuels a U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, during an aerial 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.

DN-SC-87-04328. Country: Unknown

030619-F-6844O-005. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

Yigo, Guam, November 16, 2005 - A U.S. Navy MH-60S Seahawk helicopter maneuvers over the taxiway of Andersen Air Force Base on the U.S. territory of Guam. Behind the Seahawk is a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bomber

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 U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, conducts aerial operations during a Bomber Task Force mission within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Sept. 4, 2022. U.S. bombers offer a rapid response capability for the USCENTCOM theater to deter conflict while credibly demonstrating the U.S.'s ability to address a global security environment.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, approaches a KC-135 assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, to receive fuel over the Indo-Pacific theater, May 3, 2022. U.S. forces remain committed to the defense of our allies and their sovereign territories, in accordance with defense treaty alliances.

A pair of Attack Squadron 46 (VA-46) A-7E Corsair aircraft fly behind an Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft while on a training flight following the cease-fire between coalition and Iraqi forces. Each aircraft is carrying an AIM-9 SIdewinder missile on its port fuselage pylon. VA-46 is based aboard the aircraft USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Country: Red Sea

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.

Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 Hornets fly next to a Maine Air National Guard KC-135R after a mid-air refueling Oct, 27, 2022.

120728-F-XT249-396PACIFIC OCEAN (July 28, 2012) An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon refuels from an Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012 exercise. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in the biennial RIMPAC exercise from June 29 to Aug. 3, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971.

011107-F-5795G-009. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

060725-N-9362D-012. Base: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 203rd Air Refueling Squadron December 7, 2022, near the coast of Oahu, Hawaii. The training was held as part of exercise PACIFIC EDGE 23, held to enhance air-combat proficiencies through the integration of allied units and further the interoperability between U.S. and bilateral aircraft units.

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, conducts aerial operations during a Bomber Task Force mission within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Sept. 4, 2022. U.S. bombers offer a rapid response capability for the USCENTCOM theater to deter conflict while credibly demonstrating the U.S.'s ability to address a global security environment.

A Fighter Squadron 124 (VF-124) F-14 Tomcat aircraft is silhouetted by the setting sun while being serviced on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon with the 177th Fighter Wing flies behind a 108th Wing KC-135R Stratotanker during a refueling mission over the Atlantic Ocean on April 21, 2022. The 108th Wing's principal mission is air refueling for Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps aircraft as well as aircraft of allied nations.

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, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, being deployed to Kunsan Air Base, Korea. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A U.S. Air Force 5th Bomb Wing B-52H Stratofortress receives fuel from a 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker over the Pacific Ocean, Oct. 27, 2022. The Stratofortress is capable of flight at high subsonic speeds at altitudes up to 50,000 feet.

An F-15C Eagle from the 1ST Fighter Wing, Langley AFB, Virginia is moving into position for refueling with 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

040721-F-3488S-006. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Persian Gulf, December 4, 2004 - A Sailor cleans the canopy on one of the squadron's F-14B Tomcats on the fantail aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) during a break in flight operations.

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.

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. During the BTF, two B-52H Stratofortresses, along with other U.S. aircraft, conducted theater integration training with a variety of coalition and partner ally aircraft to demonstrate readiness and strengthen ties within the USCENTCOM AOR.

F-15C and F-15E model fighters from the U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School, Nellis AFB, Nevada fly in formation over the skies above the ranges north of Nellis after flying a training mission during the extensive course. Country: Unknown

DF-ST-89-05838. Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A C-5A Galaxy, 137th Airlift Squadron, 105th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard, Stewart ANG Base, Newburgh, New York, being refueled over the skies of upstate New York as part of a joint training exercise with the 151st Aerial Refueling Wing, Utah ANG, Salt Lake City Utah, 12 September 2000. State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, March 12, 2008 - A KC-135 Stratotanker refuels a F-22 Raptor.

A US Air Force B-2 Spirit Bomber from 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman AFB, MO approaches the boom and refueling arm of a KC-10 Extender aircraft. The image was taken from the Boom Operators position. Base: Whiteman Air Force Base State: Missouri (MO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A B-1B Lancer from the 28th Air Expeditionary Wing (EW), maneuvers to receive fuel while on a bombing mission, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

CPT Bob Petras checks an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile on his F-4G Phantom II Advanced Wild Weasel aircraft of the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing before take-off. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor pilot assigned to the 1st Fighter Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, taxis on the flight line during Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 16, 2022. WSEP-E 22.12 is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

Rear view of a fighter plane taking off, F/A-18F Super Hornet, US Navy

An F-15E Strike Eagle with the 332d Air Expeditionary Wing takes off at an undisclosed location, Southwest Asia, Oct. 26, 2022. The F-15E is an extremely versatile aircraft, capable of carrying out combat missions anywhere in the world.

DF-ST-89-04695. Subject Operation/Series: AMALGAM WARRIOR 88 Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, approaches a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker for in-flight refueling, over the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 9, 2022. The F-35B brings strategic agility, operational flexibility, and tactical supremacy to the Pacific in support of the U.S. and Japan Alliance.

image USAF Lockheed F-16C Fighting Falcon Viper over a mountain/desert background. Very tight image of F-16 cockpit and pilot

DF-ST-87-07200. Subject Operation/Series: REFORGER '86 Country: West Germany (FRG)

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 6, 2012) An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25 launches from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

A KC-135R Stratotanker from the 155th Air Refueling Wing, Nebraska National Guard, refuels a German Tornado, Sept. 9, 2022, during Ample Strike Exercise. Ample Strike allows the Czech Republic, U.S., Allies and partner forces to maximize interoperability, combat effectiveness and survival awareness while operating in a dynamic and simulated high threat environment through operational and tactical training. Successful partnering activities like this result in progressive relationships and enhanced interoperability and lead to tangible, mutual benefits that improve regional security, access and coalition operations during peacetime, contingencies and crises.

A U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle assigned to 67th 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 22-1 over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, May 11, 2022. The JPARC provides more than 77,000 square miles of airspace, making it the worlds largest instrumented air, ground and electronic combat training range. RF-A is a Pacific Air Forces-directed field training exercise allowing forces to practice interoperability by providing unique opportunities to integrate into joint and multilateral training.

DN-SC-89-02680. Subject Operation/Series: WEST WIND 88 Base: USS Forrestal (CV 59) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DF-ST-86-12311. State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air front view of an RF-4C Phantom II aircraft approaching a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft for refueling. Country: Unknown

A Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) F-14A Tomcat aircraft takes on fuel from an Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75) KA-6D Intruder aircraft during a flight off of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV67). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

PHILIPPINE SEA (May 6, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Tophatters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, flies by the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

A Fighter Squadron 14 (VF-14) F-14A Tomcat aircraft takes to the air after being launched from the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) during Fleet Ex 1-90. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EX 1-90 Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

110329-N-SB672-362PACIFIC OCEAN (March 29, 2011) An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Death Rattlers of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323 catapults off the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is providing humanitarian assistance to Japan as directed in support of Operation Tomodachi.

Egyptian Air Force F-16 aircraft conduct aerial training operations with U.S. 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.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Falcon from the South Dakota Air National Guards 114th Fighter Wing flys behind a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the Iowa Air National Guards 185thAir Refueling Wing over Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota on June 27, 2023. The aircraft are part of a nationwide aerial refueling demonstration, commemorating the 100thanniversary of air refueling.

An air-to-air view of a KC-135A Stratotanker aircraft preparing to refuel an F-15 Eagle aircraft from the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing as seen from the cockpit of the F-15. The aircraft are flying from Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, to Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., to participate in Exercise William Tell `84. Subject Operation/Series: WILLIAM TELL '84 Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle assigned to the 173rd Fighter Wing in Klamath Falls, Ore., approaches a 141st Air Refueling Wing tanker to top off its tanks during a training mission, April 28, 2022. The 141st Air Refueling Wing hosted members of the 173rd Fighter Wing as well as some family members for familiarization rides where they were able to witness a part of the Kingsley Field training mission first-hand.

DF-SC-88-08441. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Aerial view medium shot from the boom operator's window on a KC-135 from the 126th Air Refueling Wing, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. An F-16 Falcon from the 181st Fighter Wing, Springfield, Illinois, breaks away, after refueling in flight, from the KC-135. The refueling was observed by as part of an incentive flight, called Center of Influence, for local high school councilors, principals and vice principals to give them more information on the mission, opportunities and benefits of the Air National Guard. (Image framed as a portrait shot.). Subject Operation/Series: CENTER OF INFLUENCE Base: Scott Air Force Base State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An A-10C Thunderbolt II receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker over Afghanistan Oct. 2, 2013. The A-10 is deployed from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., to the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The KC-135 is assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron.

An underside view of an E-2C Hawkeye aircraft on a Joint Task Force 4 drug interdiction patrol. Country: Unknown

DF-ST-89-00302. Base: Royal Air Force Mildenhall Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

220807-N-CH260-1397 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 7, 2022) An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to the "Black Knights" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, flies alongside the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during an air power demonstration for embarked guests. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet.

020410-F-4814D-010. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH 2002 Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR) Scene Major Command Shown: Combined Task Force

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer, assigned to the 34th Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, waits on a taxiway at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, after arriving for a Bomber Task Force mission June 3, 2022. Bomber Task Force missions contribute to joint force lethality and deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific by demonstrating the United States Air Force's ability to operate anywhere in the world at any time in support of the National Defense Strategy.

T-38 Talon pilots prepare for takeoff Jan 26, 2011, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.

A left side view of a parked F-106 Delta Dart aircraft assigned to the 5th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. The aircraft, silhouetted by the early morning sun, is being used during exercise Copper Flag. Subject Operation/Series: COPPER FLAG Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040304-F-9104W-001. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

KC-135R Stratotanker F/A-18F Super Hornet US Navy

DF-ST-88-08384. Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

A B-1B Lancer, assigned to 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, positions behind a KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, during a Bomber Task Force mission over the Pacific Ocean, 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.

A B-1B Lancer assigned to the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, sits on the flightline at Eielson AFB, Alaska, during the Baked Alaskan exercise, Sept. 9, 2022. One of the key objectives of this mission was to operationalize the Agile Combat Employment concept by sending Dyess Airmen to a different region. It also employed Multi Capable Airman construct, where Airmen were tasked with fulfilling multiple duties outside of their traditional Air Force Specialty Code on the flightline.

220630-N-XN177-2128 EAST CHINA SEA (June 30, 2022) - Sailors move an F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 121 in the hangar bay aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), June 30, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules from RAF Mildenhall, England, receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker from RAF Mildenhall, England, Oct. 22, 2015, over the Atlantic Ocean. The two aircraft were training in exercise Trident Juncture, an exercise designed to help militaries respond more effectively to regional crises with NATO allies and partners - improving security of borders, ensuring energy security and countering threats of terrorism.

An F-15 Eagle pulls into pre-contact position behind a KC-135 Stratotanker during a training mission.

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