Mid-Air Refueling Operations

Images showcase military aircraft engaged in mid-air refueling. Subjects include various fighter jets and refueling tankers against blue skies with dramatic cloud formations.

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 151st Air Refueling Wing, Salt Lake City, Utah, during a Bomber Task Force mission over the Pacific Ocean, Nov. 9, 2022. BTF missions enhance readiness, to include joint and multilateral, to respond to any potential crisis or challenge in the Indo-Pacific.

Mid-air Refueling

An F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft from the 36th Fighter Squadron approaches the refueling boom of a 310th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 stratotanker aircraft during a Pacific Tanker Task Force refueling mission. Country: South Korea

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 162nd Wing in Tucson approaches the boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 161st Air Refueling in Phoenix during a refueling exercise Feb. 22 over southern Arizona. The exercise gave members of media the opportunity to fly on the aircraft and experience the refueling first hand.

980622-F-7924J-019. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, refuels from a KC-10 Extender assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron over an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 9, 2022. With assistance from the KC-10, F-16s are able to remain in the AOR for longer durations, maximizing their patrol time and ensuring regional stability.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II flies alongside a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker over the Pacific Ocean, Feb. 16, 2024. The F-35A is a fifth-generation fighter that combines advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment. Air Force

DN-SC-87-11051. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Two US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles from the 494th Fighter Squadron, Lakenheath Royal Air Force, England, refuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker. The aircraft are flying sorties in support of the enforcement of a NATO no fly zone over Bosnia-Herzegovina. Subject Operation/Series: DENY FLIGHT Country: Adriatic Sea

040825-F-6911G-003. Subject Operation/Series: RED FLAG 04-3 Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 151st Air Refueling Wing, Salt Lake City, Utah, during a Bomber Task Force mission over the Pacific Ocean, Nov. 9, 2022. BTF missions enhance readiness, to include joint and multilateral, to respond to any potential crisis or challenge in the Indo-Pacific.

040723-F-9528H-005. Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 51st Fighter Wing approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron for aerial refueling over the Pacific Ocean, March 31, 2022. The 51st FW conducts routine training exercises to maintain the readiness needed to ensure the continued defense of Osan Air Base and the Republic of Korea.

A left side view of a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft refueling an F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft as another F-16 awaits its turn. The aircraft are from e 35th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, being deployed to Kunsan Air Base, Korea. The aircraft are equipped with luggage pods on the left wings and auxiliary fuel tanks. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

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

NORAD aircraft receive fuel via air refueling from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 from the Alabama Air National Guard's 117th Air Refueling Wing over the Gulf of Mexico in support of North American Aerospace Defense Command's Operation Noble Defender March 24, 2023. Continental U.S. NORAD Region coordinated the launch of the U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagles from the Louisiana Air National Guard's 159th Fighter Wing and an E-3 Airborne Warning and Controls System aircraft to conduct intercept operations with the bomber as it entered the Air Defense Identification Zone off the coast of New Orleans. NORAD units exercised maneuvers designed to defend the southern approach to the United States from simulated cruise missile threats in the particular OND.

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle from the Louisiana Air National Guard's 159th Fighter Wing is refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 92nd Air Refueling Wing en route to support Operation Noble Defender (OND) over the Caribbean Sea, June 27, 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 space-based sensors, air-to-air refueling tankers, and fight

An E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system flies over an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia just after refueling Nov. 16, 2013. AWACS provide service members situational awareness of friendly, neutral and hostile activity, command and control of an area of responsibility, battle management of theater forces, all-altitude and all-weather surveillance of the battle space, and early warning of enemy actions during joint, allied, and coalition operations.

A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 171st Air Refueling Squadron, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan (SANGB) refuels an A-10 Thunderbolt II 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.

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.

031216-F-9629J-013. Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

010810-F-7910D-010. Base: Buckley Field State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

A KC-10 Extender assigned to Travis Air Force Base, California, refuels an A-10C Thunderbolt II assigned to Moody AFB, Georgia, over California Nov. 7, 2022. An aircrew assigned to the 9th Air Refueling Squadron, refueled 10 A-10C Thunderbolt IIs in support of Green Flag 23-02.

A Fighter Squadron 25 (VFA-25) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft flies beneath the refueling boom of 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 each wing tip, an AIM-7 Sparrow missile on its outboard port side wing pylon and a borrowed external fuel tank under its fuselage. VFA-25 is based aboard the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62). Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Unknown

DF-ST-88-07189. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A B-52H Stratofortress bomber returns from its bombing mission in support of the US Central Command (CENTCOM) during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. A B-52H Stratofortress bomber returns from its bombing mission in support of the US Central Command (CENTCOM) during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

A thirsty US Air Force F-16 Falcon from Aviano Air Base, Italy, moves into pre-contact to receive fuel from a McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, KC-10 Extender, 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 B-52 Stratofortress, assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing is refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 350th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility June 8, 2022. The B-52 conducted a presence patrol mission to demonstrate the U.S.-led coalition commitment to promoting reginal stability.

A CV-22 Osprey tiltroter aircraft assigned to the 20th Special Operations Squadron and a KC-46 Pegasus tanker aircraft assigned to the 349th Air Refueling Squadron conduct the first ever in-air refueling operation undertook between the two aircraft over Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, June 1, 2022.

A Nebraska Air National Guard KC-135 refuels F-15 Eagles from the 19th Fighter Squadron, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, over the beautiful Alaskan terrain. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE 96 Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-05-10888. Base: Naval Air Station, North Island State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220726-N-XL376-1077 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 26, 2022) - A U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151 flies alongside a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 507th Air Refueling Wing, after conducting long-range aerial refueling 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.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II flies off the wing of a KC-135 Stratotanker during a coronet mission over Egypt Oct. 12, 2012. The A-10 is from the Arkansas Air National Guards 188th Fighter Wing and the KC-135 is from 100th Air Refueling Wing at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England. A coronet is when an aerial refueling tanker escorts fighters over long distances, regularly topping off their fuel tanks along the way. The 188th FW aircrew was returning home from a deployment to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 179th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, conducts aerial refueling operations 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.

An air-to-air right underside view of an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft flown by the 81st Tactical Fighter Wing, RAF Bentwaters. The A-10 is armed with four missiles mounted on the wing pylons. Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

011107-F-5795G-011. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

Right side view of three C-130E Hercules aircraft, camouflaged in European paint scheme, in flight. The aircraft are assigned to the 37th Tactical Airlift Squadron. Base: Rhein-Main Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors assigned to the Virginia Air National Guard fly with a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the Alabama ANG for aerial refueling during Sentry Savannah 22-1, May 5, 2022. Sentry Savannah, an ANG near-peer threat training exercise, brought more than 60 aircraft from active duty, ANG and Air Reserve units to the Air Dominance Center for the exercise.

A C-17 Globemaster III assigned to Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, flies over the Gulf of Mexico during Operation Centennial Contact, June 27, 2023. During the operation, more than 150 aircraft flew above communities around the country and across the world to honor 100 years of air refueling excellence. With 100 years of experience, the U.S. Air Forces air refueling capabilities deliver unrivaled rapid global reach and meaningful maneuver for the Joint Force and our Allies and partners. Aerial refueling serves as a force multiplier, increasing the speed, range, lethality, flexibility and versatility of combat aircraft. Tankers also carry cargo and passengers, perform aeromedical evacuations, and enable strategic deterrence for the United States.

An Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VX-1) ES-3A Shadow aircraft lands on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) during the NATO Exercise Display Determination '92. Subject Operation/Series: DISPLAY DETERMINATION '92 Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A U.S. Air Force B-1 Lancer flies below a KC-10 Extender over Northern California prior to performing in the Wings Over Solano open house and air show at Travis Air Force Base, California, May 14, 2022. The two-day event also featured performances by the Wings of Blue parachute team, Team Travis Parade of Heavies, F-16 and F-35 Demo Teams and static displays.

An A-10C Thunderbolt from the 190th Fighter Squadron releases two GBU-12 Laser Guided Bombs during a training mission out of Boise, Idaho.

An air-to-air front view of an F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft of the 336th Tactical Fighter Squadron. State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060815-F-2171A-020. Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A Royal Air Force C-17 Globemaster approaching RAF Brize Norton, England.

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 U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri., receives refuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker from MacDill AFB over Oklahoma, June 29, 2022. Personnel from the 6th Air Refueling Wing flew to Whiteman to discuss joint cooperation on aircraft innovations and provided air refueling support for two B-2s.

October 7, 2008 - A two-ship A-10 Thunderbolt II formation flies a combat mission over Afghanistan. The A-10 has excellent maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude, and is a highly accurate weapons-delivery platform.

011107-F-5795G-013. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

Two US Air Force B-1 Lancers are flown by the 116th Bomb Wing, Georgia Air National Guard, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A KC-135 Stratotanker from Fairchild Air Force Base refuels a KC-10 Extender during a First Term Airman Course incentive flight over California April 27, 2022. Airmen from Fairchild Air Force Bases FTAC received an incentive flight to learn more about the KC-135 mission and its capabilities.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, 3rd Fighter Wing, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, flies over the Nevada Test and Training Range for a training mission during Red Flag 11-3, March 2, 2011. Red Flag is a realistic combat training exercise involving the air forces of the United States and its allies. The exercise is hosted north of Las Vegas on the Nevada Test and Training Range.

Head-on view of a United States Air Forces Europe F-16C during a Combat Air Patrol mission in support of NATO Operation Allied Force. The F-16C Fighting Falcon is from the 510th Fighter Squadron "Buzzards", Aviano Air Base, Italy and is carrying a full combat load to include AIM-120 missiles, drop tanks and a electronic jamming pod. The F-16 is positioning itself behind a KC-135R (not shown) to refuel. The KC-135R is flying from Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England. The KC-135R is deployed from Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota in support of NATO Operation Allied Force. Tankers based at RAF Mildenhall as well as those deployed to the base from stateside bases make up a large portion.... Complete Scene Caption: Head-on view of a United States Air Forces Europe F-16C during a Combat Air Patrol mission in support of NATO Operation Allied Force. The F-16C Fighting Falcon is from the 510th Fighter Squadron "Buzzards", Aviano Air Base, Italy and is carrying a full combat load to incl

An air-to-air front overhead view of two FB-111 aircraft in formation. Country: Unknown

010306-N-3228G-001. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

The inbound and outbound commanders of the 154th Wing fly F-22 Raptors in formation with a KC-135 Stratotanker Sept. 7, 2022, near Oahu, Hawaii. The routine training flight served as an in-flight change of command ceremony as Brig. Gen. Dann S. Carlson relinquished command of the Air National Guard's largest Wing to Col. Phillip L. Mallory.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 480th Fighter Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, refuels from the boom pole of a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, during Real Thaw 22, June 29, 2022. Real Thaw 22 is an annual multi-national training exercise held by the Portuguese air force who invited the participating nations to attend.

041202-F-9126G-021. Base: Unknown

DF-ST-86-09327. Country: Unknown

Over the Pacific Ocean - A B-2 Spirit bomber refuels from a KC-135 Stratotanker during a deployment to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

View from a KC-135 tanker's refueler position of the aerial refueling of an Air Mobility Command's 63rd Military Airlift Wing's C-141 Starlifter. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

Four F-16 Fighting Falcon aircrafts from the 169th Fighter Wing, South Carolina Air National Guard, over the coast of South Carolina. Country: United States Of America (USA)

An MC-130 from the 550th Special Operations Squadron manuevers during a training mission out of Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.

010908-F-1351S-006. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR) Scene Major Command Shown: Combined Task Force - ONW

A formation of F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard, fly in formation after an aerial refueling mission in conjunction with an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Boss Lift, September 9, 2022. The purpose of a Boss Lift is to encourage partnership and support between civilian employers and their guard members.

A C-141B Starlifter aircraft from the 443rd Airlift Wing (443rd AW) refuels from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft. Country: Unknown

Somewhere in the skies of Nebraska a B-2 Spirit bomber from Whiteman AFB, Missouri drops away from a Nebraska Air National Guard KC-135R Stratotanker after being refueled during a training mission. State: Nebraska (NE) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC/ANG

October 7, 2008 - A U.S. Air Force Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II in-flight over Afghanistan.

031129-F-9629J-002. Country: Afghanistan (AFG) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

980625-F-7924J-011. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A B-1B Lancer aircraft assigned to the 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 927th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill AFB, Florida, over the Caribbean Sea, Sept. 7, 2022. The air operations between 12th Air Force and Air Mobility Command were part of a Partner Interoperability Training exercise with Panama and Ecuador to grow capacity, enhance the ability to respond to illegal fishing practices and maintain shared interest in regional security. Multilateral engagements such as this one ensures maximum resource efficiency and enable the consistent training between U.S. Southern Command, component command and partner nations.

A B-52G Stratofortress bomber aircraft takes off on a mission in support of Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

020923-F-6393C-005. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

An FB-111A aircraft from the 509th Bombardment Wing undergoes air-to-air refueling from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft. Vice Admiral Powell Carter, deputy director, Joint Strategic Target Planning STAFF, is aboard the FB-111A as an observer. Country: Unknown

031229-F-9629J-022. Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

A B-52 Stratofortress from the 93rd Bomb Wing out of Barksdale Air Force Base, LA, pulls away from a KC-135 Stratotanker after midair refueling over Missouri, USA, 15 Aug, 2022. Air Refueling offers rapid mobility to the joint forces around the globe.

U.S. Air National Guard Lt. Col. Steven Schultz, pilot, 114th Fighter Wing, departs after aerial refueling with 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.

020208-F-1789V-046. Base: Indian Springs Auxiliary Field State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 30, 2021) Sailors conduct pre-flight checks on an E-2C Hawkeye assigned to the Liberty Bells” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 115 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Jan. 30, 2021. The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. As the U.S. Navy's largest forward deployed fleet, with its approximate 50-70 ships and submarines, 140 aircraft, and 20,000 Sailors in the area of operations at any given time, U.S. 7th Fleet conducts forward-deployed naval operations in support of U.S. national interests throughout a free and open Indo-Pacific area of operations to foster maritime security, promote stability, and prevent conflict alongside 35 other maritime nations and partners.

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning IIs assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 participate in an aerial refueling mission with a KC-130J Hercules assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 during 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group integrated training over the East China Sea, Aug. 18, 2022. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli ARG in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

March 14, 2006 - A U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft moves into position during an aerial refueling mission over Southwest Asia.

020201-F-4473M-036. Subject Operation/Series: RED FLAG State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

A-10s 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. A-10s 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.

970528-F-9433M-004. Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the South Carolina Air National Guard fly with a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the Alabama ANG for aerial refueling during Sentry Savannah 22-1, May 5, 2022. Sentry Savannah, an ANG near-peer threat training exercise, brought more than 60 aircraft from active duty, ANG and Air Reserve units to the Air Dominance Center for the exercise.

980625-F-7924J-008. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

AN air-to-air left front view of an F-101 Voodoo aircraft banking to the left in flight. The wing of another F-101 as seen in the foreground. The aircraft is assigned to the 107th Fighter Interceptor Group, New York Air National Guard, North American Air Defense Command (NORAD). Base: Niagara Falls Air Base State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-SD-02-01802. Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-16 from the 169th Fighter Wing in South Carolina departs after refueling from 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.

DF-SC-82-00731. Country: Unknown

Two C-130E Hercules aircraft fly over mountainous terrain. Base: Mount Fuji Country: Japan (JPN)

A C-5 from the 60th AW, Travis AFB, Calif., rendezvous with a tanker during RODEO '94 hosted by McChord AFB, Washington. Subject Operation/Series: RODEO '94 Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air right side view of a 36th Tactical Fighter Wing F-15C Eagle aircraft in a steep climb. Country: Spain (ESP)

Four F-16's and a KC-135 from the Arizona Air National Guard fly in formation during a training mission over Southern Arizona.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor with the 325th Fighter Wing, approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker with the 117th Air Refueling Wing, Alabama Air National Guard, to refuel in-flight during Sentry Savannah May 11, 2022, in a military operations area over Florida. Sentry Savannah is the Air National Guards premier counter air exercise, encompassing 10 units of fourth- and fifth- generation fighter aircraft, which tests the capabilities of warfighters in a simulated near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron during a joint training exercise over the Pacific Ocean, Oct. 24, 2022. Joint training strengthens partnerships and enhances capabilities, allowing the U.S. to maintain air supremacy and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Air to air top, three quarter front view of a Air Mobility Command's 63rd Military Airlift Wing's C-141 Starlifter inflight during a training mission. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft from the 434th Aerial Refueling Wing, Grissom Air Reserve Base, Indiana flies above the Fort Wayne Air National Guard base in Fort Wayne, Indiana June 4, 2022. The KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft flew in formation with four A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing, Indiana Air National Guard during the 2022 Fort Wayne Air Show.

U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan, conduct a multi-element flight during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 in Alaska, Feb. 9, 2024. During JPMRC 24-02, members of the 36th AS improved their mission readiness as they overcame the unique challenges posed by an arctic environment, including extremely cold temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns and complex terrain. Air Force

DF-ST-88-03785. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD Country: Honduras (HND)

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