Air Refueling Operations

Images capturing aerial refueling missions involving various military aircraft, showcasing collaboration among air forces during training exercises.

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 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. BTF missions provide opportunities to train and work with Allies and partners in joint and coalition operations and exercises. Air Force

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 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.

DF-ST-87-07208. Subject Operation/Series: REFORGER '86 Country: West Germany (FRG)

011113-F-2171A-022. Base: Randolph Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

DN-SC-85-10594. Country: Unknown

A KC-10A Extender aircraft from the 6th Air Refueling Squadron, 22nd Air Refueling Wing, approaches the refueling boom of the 306th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft during a Military Airlift Command channel cargo mission. Country: Unknown

A 79th Air Refueling Squadron (79th AREFS) KC-10A Extender aircraft prepares to refuel a 7th Airlift Squadron (7th AS) C-141B Starlifter aircraft as a 75th Airlift Squadron (75th AS) C-5B Galaxy aircraft stands by for refueling. The three planes are flying above the clouds over northern California. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

An air-to-air front view of a C-130E Hercules aircraft of the 36th Tactical Airlift Squadron in the Mount St. Helens area. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

F-14 and F/A-18s refuel from a KC-10 in the evening over California.

970106-F-8715R-0002. Base: Offutt Air Force Base State: Nebraska (NE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Military Jets Fixed Wing Boeing Aviat Airplanes C-17A Globemaster III transport in-flight refueling fuel transfer tanker boom USAF U.S. Air Force

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.

DF-ST-85-13200. State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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)

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. Navy P-8 Poseidon, with the Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, flies to the boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker with the 914th Air Refueling Wing, New York, August 29, 2022 in the Indo-Pacific Command Area of Responsibility. The Poseidon is multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft, specializing in anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and search and rescue.

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 refueling 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.

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.

A KC-10 Extender aircraft fom the 6th Air Refueling Squadron, Travis Air Force Base, California, deployed to the 2nd Air Expeditionary Group, Naval Station Diego Garcia, engages in an air refueling training session in support of Operation DESERT THUNDER 2. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT THUNDER 2 Country: Unknown

An F-16 from the 20th Fighter Wing, Shaw AFB, South Carolina is about to hook up with a KC-10 Extender for fuel while patrolling the No-Fly-Zone. Country: Southern Iraq

An E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) aircraft takes off for a Weapons School Integration mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Nov. 28, 2022. The E-8C JSTARS is an airborne battle management, command and control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform.

U.S. Air Force B-1 Lancer

F-4E Phantom II aircraft from the 21st Tactical Fighter Training Squadron take part in an air defense training mission with a 2nd Bombardment Wing B-52G Stratofortress aircraft during the 15th Air Force's first "Shootout" conventional bombing competition. Country: Unknown

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 of northern California. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Base: Travis Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A KC-135 Stratotanker with the 914th Air Refueling Wing, New York, refuels a B-52 Stratofortress with the 307th Bomb Wing, Louisiana, July 8, 2022, over Southeastern United States. Boeing built 744 B-52s and delivered the last, a B-52H, in October 1962. Only the H model is still in the Air Force inventory; it is assigned to Air Force Global Strike Command.

DF-ST-89-05855. Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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

DF-ST-87-08074. Country: Unknown

A B-52 Stratofortress aircraft approaches the refueling boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft while on a flight out of Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, during exercise Giant Warrior '89. Subject Operation/Series: GIANT WARRIOR '89 Country: Unknown

High angle left front view of an EC-130 Hercules aircraft of the 193rd Tactical Electronic Warfare Group, Pennsylvania Air National Guard, in-flight. Base: Harrisburg State: Pennsylvania (PA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020522-F-6911G-011. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

An aerial over the South Pacific of a US Air Force (USAF) Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, 941st AWACS 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)

Airmen from the 315th Airlift Wing work to prepare a C-17 Globemaster III for an airdrop mission with Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division during exercise Crescent Reach 16 on May 26, 2016, at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. Crescent Reach is an annual exercise designed to test and evaluate Joint Base Charlestons ability to mobilize and launch a large-scale aircraft formation in addition to training, processing and deploying Airmen and cargo in response to a simulated crisis abroad.

040926-F-0201C-024. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

An air-to-air view from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft as its boom lowered, as an A-10A Thunderbolt II aircraft comes up line for refueling. Base: Edwards Air Force Base 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 refueling 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 air-to-air front view of an AC-130A Hercules gunship aircraft. The aircraft is from the 919th Special Operations Group (AFRESO), Eglin Air Force Base Auxiliary Field) 3 (Duke Field) Florida. AIRMAN Magazine, December 1984. Country: Unknown

AN air-to-air right rear view of a KC-10A Extender aircraft banking to the left. Country: Unknown

F/A-18C Hornet KC-135 Stratotanker US Air Force

A U.S. Air Force F-22A Raptor assigned to the 3rd Wing approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron to conduct aerial refueling over the Pacific Ocean, Nov. 30, 2022. Kadenas ability to rapidly deploy a variety of aircraft demonstrates its commitment to the safety and security of the Indo-Pacific.

DF-ST-89-03602. Country: Unknown

Fairchild A-10 Thunderfird Anti-Tank Bombers

Air-to-air view of an A-3 Skywarrior aircraft preparing to refuel an A-6 Intruder aircraft, rear. Base: Naval Air Station, Point Mugu State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040102-F-9629J-005. Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

U.S. Marine corporals Reid Geyer and Michael Womack, crewmasters with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), prepare to refuel an F/A-18 Hornet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323, MAG-11, carrying ten AIM-120 and two AIM-9X Air-to-Air missiles, over the W-291 training area in southern California, March 6. MAG-11 supports and integrates aviation combat power and capabilities while enhancing 3rd MAW's ability generate lethality for the supported Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF).

An MC-130J Commando II receives fuel from a KC-135R Stratotanker during a training sortie in support of Emerald Warrior 17 March 7, 2017. Emerald Warrior is a U.S. Special Operations Command exercise during which joint special operations forces train to respond to various threats across the spectrum of conflict. The MC-130J is assigned to the 9th Special Operations Squadron and the KC135R is assigned to Ohio Air National Guards 121st Air Refueling Wing.

Aerial view of a B-1B Lancer in flight

U.S. Air Force Stealth Fighter Jet

A B-2 Spirit aircraft gets in position to refuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker, Pacific Ocean

The X-51A Waverider flew its fourth and final mission May 1 over the Point Mugu Naval Air Warfare Center Sea Range May 1, 2013,during which the test team achieved a record-setting 210 seconds of air-breathing hypersonic flight. Flight testers from Edwards Air Force Base, Cali., played a vital role in the program's success.

A10 Thunderbolt II

A KC-135 Stratotanker from Fairchild Air Force Base refuels a Boeing E-3 Sentry during a Pride Flight June 23, 2022. Crews from Fairchild and Tinker Air Force Base conducted an air refueling mission in honor of Pride Month and all LGBTQ+ service members.

A B1-B Lancer approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker for an aerial refueling over Afghanistan on April 9, 2012. The Lancer is deployed to Afghanistan from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, and the KC-135 is deployed to the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, from McConnell Air Force Base, Kan.

A view of a KC-10A Extender aircraft refueling an AC-130H Hercules aircraft in flight. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Colombian Air Force KFIRs and the U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons from the South Carolina Air National Guard, 157th Fighter Squadron fly in formation 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.

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.

040521-F-2295B-006. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

A 410th Bombardment Wing KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft takes off from base for deployment to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

May 12, 2009 - A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit aircraft approaches the refueling boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker during an aerial refueling mission over the western Pacific Ocean.

A 185th Tactical Fighter Group A-7D Corsair aircraft approaches the refueling boom of a 6th Air Refueling Squadron, 22nd Air Refueling Wing, KC-10A Extender during the Strategic Air Command exercise Proud Visitor. Another Corsair is on the left. Subject Operation/Series: PROUD VISITOR Base: Offutt Air Force Base State: Nebraska (NE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

AUSTIN, Texas (Oct. 30, 2014) The U.S. Navy Parachute Demonstration Team, the Leap Frogs, jump from a C-130 Hercules aircraft during a practice for their performance at Formula 1 grand prix Circuits of the Americas in Austin, Texas. The Leap Frogs are based in San Diego and perform aerial parachute demonstrations around the nation in support of Naval Special Warfare and Navy recruiting

Over Nevada - A B-1B Lancer streaks through the sky. Carrying the largest payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the Air Force inventory, the multi-mission Lancer is the backbone of America's long-range bomber force.

An F-15C Eagle assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron receives aerial refueling while flying in support of Exercise Southern Beach over the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 15, 2022. Exercise Southern Beach is part of a continual effort to enhance interoperability between U.S. Forces and host nations, building a partnership that can effectively operate high-end missions in defense of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

DF-ST-87-12399. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-83-03461. Subject Operation/Series: OCEAN VENTURE '81 Base: Nas, Roosevelt Roads State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing, stationed at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, flies above Missouri, Nov. 30, 2022. Airmen assigned to the 437th AW departed Joint Base Charleston to conduct off-station training in the U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibilities to hone global reach and readiness capabilities.

010828-F-2171A-005. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AETC

The rear engine of a KC-10A Extender on the ramp at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Sicily, prepared for maintenance during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. In response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 at the New York World Trade Center and the Pentagon, President George W. Bush initiated Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), fighting terrorism abroad. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

031218-F-9629J-012. Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

A right front view of a B-1 bomber aircraft as members of the 6515th Test Support Squadron prepare it for its first flight since April, 1981. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A B-52 Stratofortress with the 93rd Bomb Squadron out of Barksdale Air Force Base pulls close behind a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 914th Air Refueling Wing to be refueled over Missouri, USA, 15 Aug, 2022. Air Refueling offers rapid mobility to the joint forces around the globe.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft is silhouetted against the sky as it sits on the flight line during the joint Korean/U.S. exercise Team Spirit '89. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '89 Country: South Korea

A Luftwaffe Tornado IDS over northern Germany during fueling training with a KC-135R of the 100th ARW, United States Air Force Europe.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, approaches a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, during a NATO-related vigilance activity over the Adriatic Sea, July 28, 2022. This exercise involved several NATO nations, led by the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) Carrier Strike Group. These type of activities enhance NATO interoperability and cohesion, providing NATO a valuable opportunity to integrate force capability and enhance Alliance cohesion. This KC-135, which has been passed from the 92nd ARW and 141st ARW to the 100th ARW, contains a unique roll-on line-of-site enhancement (ROBE) system that amplifies the data link network available for U.S., partner nation, and NATO forces in the air. These exercises are a clear expression of the U.S.s commitment to promote peace and security in the region by demonstrating our ability to integrate our

Two C-141B Starlifter aircraft from the 437th Military Airlift Wing make a low-level equipment drop during a training mission. State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020522-F-6911G-010. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon with Luke Air Force Base prepares to conduct an air refueling with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 161st Air Refueling Wing during a local sortie on Sept. 16, 2022. The 161st out of Goldwater Air National Guard Base, conducts regular air refueling missions with their regional partners at Luke Air Force Base.

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.

Air to air front view of a C-141 Starlifter and a C-5 Galaxy, assigned to the 60th Military Airlift Wing, Travis AFB, California, flying in formation over the northern California delta region. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

AN air-to-air front view of a B-1 aircraft with its new paint scheme being refueled by a KC-135A Stratotanker aircraft. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

SEA OF JAPAN (April 12, 2022) An E-2D Hawkeye, assigned to the "Wallbangers" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117, flies over the Sea of Japan during a U.S.-Japan bilateral exercise. During bilateral exercises between Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, the two navies strengthen all-domain awareness and maneuvers across a distributed maritime environment. Bilateral operations like this one reassure our allies and partners of the U.S. commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 328th Air Refueling Squadron, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, N.Y., refuels a B-52 Stratofortress from the 93rd Bomb Squadron, assigned to the 307th Operations Group at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, to complete local training requirements August 15, 2022. Establishing, maintaining, and expanding military relationships is vital to mission success, and Barksdale AFB is one of many global partners.

A U.S. Air Force F-22A Raptor assigned to the 3rd Wing, flies alongside a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, during exercise Keen Sword 23 over the Pacific Ocean, Nov. 15, 2022. Exercises like Keen Sword 23 demonstrate the United States and Japans strong, shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

An air-to-air left side view of an SR-71A aircraft being refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft. Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force C-130J Hercules aircraft from the 130th Airlift Wing, McLaughlin Air National Guard Base, Charleston, West Virginia, fly to support an airdrop mission during Agile Rage 22 at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Mich., June 10, 2022. Agile Rage 22 is a National Guard Bureau-led exercise that provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

KC-135 Stratotanker B-2 Spirit US Air Force

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress soars above the clouds during a Bomber Task Force mission over Belgium, Aug. 24, 2022. This BTF mission integrated with German and Belgian Air Forces, demonstrating the United States commitment and assurance to NATO allies and partners.

A 79th Air Refueling Squadron (79th AREFS) KC-10A Extender aircraft flies over cloud banks. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

March 27, 2003 - A B-2 Spirit, returning from a mission supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, takes on fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker over the Indian Ocean.

An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 4th Fighter Wing flies alongside a KC-46A Pegasus assigned to the 916th Air Refueling Wing during an aerial refueling operation off the coast of North Carolina following Exercise Razor Talon May 19, 2022. Razor Talon is a large force exercise that takes place on the East Coast of the United States.

A 37th Tactical Fighter Wing F-117A Stealth fighter aircraft breaks away after refueling from a 22nd Air Refueling Wing KC-10 Extender aircraft during Operation Desert Shield. The F-117A is en route to Saudi Arabia.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Unknown

Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) 5 drops another load of Phoschek onto the Rattlesnake Fire in Southern Arizona. State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-15D Eagle assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 912th Air Refueling Squadron, March Air Reserve Base, California, for aerial refueling, June 9, 2022. For decades, Kadena Air Base has served as the Keystone of the Pacific, enabling U.S. power projection.

Under the direction of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), AF-15 assigned to the Massachusetts Air National Guard 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-based sensors, air-to-air refueling tankers, and fighte

DN-SC-85-00463. Country: Unknown

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