Aerial Refueling Operations

Military aircraft engage in aerial refueling during training exercises, showcasing various planes in flight, including B-52s and A-10s.

A B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron during a routine Bomber Task Force mission over the Pacific Ocean, Feb. 19, 2024. BTF missions are designed to showcase Pacific Air Forces ability to deter, deny, and dominate any influence or aggression from adversaries or competitors. Air Force

A pair of A-78 Corsair II aircraft from Attack Squadron 46 (VA-46) fly in formation behind a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft while on a training flight following the cease-fire between coalitian and Iraqi forces during Operation Desert Storm. VA-46 is based aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

A 60th Bombardment Squadron B-52G Stratofortress aircraft undergoes aerial refueling. The Stratofortress is carrying AIM-84A Harpoon missiles. Country: Unknown

DF-ST-89-04702. Subject Operation/Series: AMALGAM WARRIOR 88 Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron during a routine Bomber Task Force mission over the Pacific Ocean, Feb. 19, 2024. BTF missions are designed to showcase Pacific Air Forces ability to deter, deny, and dominate any influence or aggression from adversaries or competitors. Air Force

A C-17 Globemaster III with the 15th Airlift Squadron, pulls away from behind a KC-135 Stratotanker with the 756th Air Refueling Squadron, during exercise Global Eagles, after receiving fuel off the east coast of Florida on July 12, 2012. The C-17 is used for rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo to main operating bases or forward operating bases throughout the world. It can also perform tactical airlift, medical evacuation and airdrop missions.

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

020513-F-8115W-013. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

030327-F-4230F-039. Country: United States Of America (USA)

KC-135 Stratotanker C-130 Hercules US Air Force

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

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

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, receives fuel over the North Sea from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing during exercise Cobra Warrior 22, Sept. 21, 2022. The United States commitment to defending NATO territory is ironclad and the U.S. will continue to bolster its posture to better defend partners and allies.

A U.S. Air Force 5th Bomb Wing B-52H Stratofortress departs after receiving fuel from a 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker over the Pacific Ocean, Oct. 27, 2022. Aerial refueling capabilities extend airborne training time and combat radius, ensuring U.S. and Allied nation aircraft are postured to maintain regional peace and stability within the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

A US Air Force F-16 Falcon from the 169th Fighter Wing, South Carolina Air National Guard, McEntire ANG Base, SC, finished refueling from with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 134th Air Refueling Wing, Tennessee National Guard, McGhee Tyson ANG Base, Knoxville, TN, over the coast of South Carolina. State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force KC-46 Pegasus from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, refuels an HC-130J Combat King II assigned to the 71st Rescue Squadron above Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Feb. 13, 2024. Units from multiple installations often work together during training exercises to ensure seamless integration during real-world scenarios. Air Force

The Nebraska Air National Guards 155th Air Refueling Wing deployed a KC-135Stratotanker to Pardubice Air Base, Czechia, May 2022 in support of ongoingreal-world missions. The KC-135 Stratotanker supplies critical aerial refueling capabilities the to the U.S. and NATO coalition forces, which are operating as part of NATOs Enhanced Air Policing mission.

A close-up view of an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile on the wing of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft from the U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School. Another F-16 banks to the left in the background. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

050207-F-2907C-259. Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron receives fuel from a 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker over the Pacific Ocean, May 10, 2022. Aerial refueling allows aircraft to fly longer and accomplish the mission more efficiently, eliminating the need to return to base for fuel.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II, assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, conducts a strafing run at the Nevada Test and Training Range, Nevada, Dec. 7, 2022. The 422 TES is a geographically separated unit of the 53rd Test and Evaluation Group, Eglin AFB, Florida.

An E-3A Sentry early airborne warning and control system aircraft eases toward the refueling boom to take on more than 6,000 gallons of fuel. The E-3s this one based at Geilenkirchen, Germany patrol the Balkan region around the clock, as part of Operation JOINT FORGE, in support of the ongoing NATO led Stabilization Force (SFOR) in the Balkan region. This E-3 was refueled by a KC-135R Stratotanker from McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, temporarily based with the 16th Expeditionary Operations Group, a small US detachment located at Istres French air base, is charged with aerial refueling operations for US and NATO aircraft patrolling the Balkan region. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT FORGE Country: Adriatic Sea Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

010810-F-7910D-014. Base: Buckley Field State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

An air-to-air front view of a Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 321 (VMFA-321) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft refuels in flight from a KC-10A Extender aircraft from the 344th Air Refueling Squadron. The Hornet is armed with a CATM-88 HARM captive air training missile. Aircraft of the reserve squadron are en route back to their home base after completing two weeks of active duty training at the Naval Air Warfare Center target complex at Naval Air Station, Fallon, Nevada. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A view of an E-3B Sentry aircraft refueling from a KC-10A Extender aircraft during Exercise Brim Frost '85, as seen from the boom operator's station. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST '85 Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force aircrew assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron Minot Air Force Base N.D., pre-flight their B-52 Stratofortress aircraft before an 8hr sortie going over bomb dropping sequences and air refueling on April 20, 2011. Pilots, Navigators, Radar, and Electronic Warfare Office make up the B-52 crew putting bombs on target and providing close air support is two of the several missions accomplished by the huge aircraft out of Minot AFB.

980625-F-7924J-010. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

011008-F-5102J-002. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE State: Alabama (AL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

KC-135 Stratotanker refueling an F-111 Aardvark

AN air-to-air right side view of a U.S. Air Force F-4 Phantom II aircraft, bottom, observing a Soviet Tu-95 Bear aircraft over international waters. Country: North Atlantic Ocean

980407-F-7910D-006. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

A 336th Tactical Fighter Squadron F-15E Eagle aircraft follows behind a KC-10A Extender aircraft as it prepares for aerial refueling operations. Country: Unknown

DF-ST-87-08301. Country: Unknown

A C-5M Super Galaxy approaches a KC-10 Extender over Oregon, Oct. 13, 2022. To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, the 6th and 9th ARS launched a heritage flight. During the flight, KC-10 pilots, engineers and boom operators were able to complete air refueling training with a C-5M Super Galaxy.

LARISSA AIR BASE, Greece. - Airmen from the 134th Air Refueling Wing refuel F-16s from the 337th Fighter Squadron based on Larissa Air Base on June 27th, 2023. The 134th was supporting Thracian Sentry 2023, a joint operation between the 134th, Hellenic and Bulgaria Air Forces.

The Boeing E-3A Sentry Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AWACS) carefully approaches the KC-135 Stratotanker for refueling. Subject Operation/Series: GREEN CLOVER '96 Base: Howard Air Force Base Country: Panama (PAN)

WC-135C/W Constant PhoenixPrimary function: Air sampling and collection operations. Speed: 403 mph. Dimensions: Wingspan 130 ft. 10 in.; length 139 ft. 11 in.; height 42 ft. Range: 4,000 miles unrefueled. Crew: Varies with mission.

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. Aerial refueling provides the B-52 a range limited only by crew endurance and has an unrefueled combat range in excess of 8,800 miles.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 421st Fighter Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, flies in formation behind a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, over the Pacific Ocean, after receiving fuel during Agile Combat Employment (ACE) rehearsals, June 30, 2022. ACE shifts operations from centralized physical infrastructures to a network of smaller, dispersed locations that can complicate adversary planning and provide more options for joint force commanders.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II with Luke Air Force Base conducts 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.

An air-to-air front view of a 25th Tactical Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft during Exercise Team Spirit '86. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '86 Country: South Korea

DF-ST-88-06660. Subject Operation/Series: KEYSTONE BADGER Country: Unknown

An A-10 Thunderbolt II, assigned to the 74th Fighter Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, GA, receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker, 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, over the skies of Afghanistan while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, May 8, 2011.

A US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the 344th Aerial Refeuling Squadron, McConell Air Force Base, Kansas, passes fuel to a Danish F-16 Falcon during a refueling mission in 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 C-17 Globemaster III flies overhead during the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 13, 2022. The air show provided an opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of a Joint Force in the Indo-Pacific Region. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to express MCBHs appreciation to the residents of Hawaii and their continued support of the installation.

A S-3 Viking from Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Squadron Two-Two (VS-22), "Checkmates", flies over the Arabian Gulf in support of a mission during Operation SOUTHERN WATCH (OSW) to enforce the southern Iraq "No Fly Zone." The squadron is currently embarked on board USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). TRUMAN is on station in the Arabian Gulf in support of OSW. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

An F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 64th Aggressor Squadron flies next to a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., during a Red Flag-Nellis 22-1 mission Jan. 28, 2022 over the Nevada Test and Training Range. Red Flag-Nellis 22-1 is a unique exercise demonstrating the most cutting edge tactical integration of airpower from the U.S. and allies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Alexandre Montes)

A US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the 344th Aerial Refeuling Squadron, McConell Air Force Base, Kansas, passes fuel to a British E-3 Sentry, during a refueling mission in 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

011008-F-5102J-003. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE State: Alabama (AL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

A U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler airborne electronic attack aircraft assigned to the Electronic Attack Squadron 134 approaches a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft assigned to the 92nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron for aerial refueling over Northern Poland, May 6, 2022. Both units departed from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, to support NATOs Enhanced Air Policing mission.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, receives fuel from a KC-135 assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, over the Indo-Pacific theater, May 3, 2022. Interoperability provides the U.S. Air Force an opportunity to demonstrate seamless, joint and partner combat capabilities to deter adversaries and reassure allies and partners.

020403-F-9916S-020. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG/AMC

An air-to-air left side view of a KC-135A Stratotanker aircraft from the 97th Bombardment Wing, refueling two C-141B Starlifter aircraft from the 437th Military Airlift Wing. Country: Unknown

030625-F-7685H-107. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

May 29, 2008 - A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft moves into position to receive fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker during a mission over Afghanistan. A-10 is deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom and the KC-135 is assigned to the 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Manas Air Base Kyrgyzstan and is deployed from 141st Air Refueling Wing Fairchild Air Force Base Washington.

010808-F-7910D-015. Base: Buckley Air Force Base State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Combat Command

An F-16C Fighting Falcon from the 64th Aggressor Squadron flies as a wingman during a training mission during a Red Flag 22-1 mission Jan. 28, 2022 over the Nevada Test and Training Range. Participants of Red Flag-Nellis engage with 57th Wing professional aggressors integrate with other units in execution of the USAFs core functions of air superiority. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Alexandre Montes)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 180th Fighter Wing, Ohio Air National Guard, arrives at a training base in Northern Jordan as part of Exercise Eager Lion. Eager Lion is a U.S. Central Command-directed, irregular warfare-themed exercise focusing on missions the United States and its coalition partners might perform in support of global contingency operations.

DF-ST-86-05141. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER '84-7 Country: Philippines (PHL)

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.

An Ohio Air National Guard A-7D Corsair II aircraft is refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft during exercise Quick Force. The U.S. Central Command exercise is designed to increase combat capabilities and provide a realistic combat environment simulating areas such as Southwest Asia, the Middle East and the Horn of Africa. The refueling mission is taking place at the Utah Test and Training Range. Subject Operation/Series: QUICK FORCE State: Utah (UT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

DN-SC-87-10753. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division (Arctic Angels) conduct airborne operations at Malemute Drop Zone after exiting a U.S. Air Force C-17 GlobeMaster III, assigned to the 62nd Airlift Wing, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, August 24, 2022. The Arctic Angels stay proficient at their primary function of being a Joint Forcible Entry unit, able to respond and project power across the Pacific within 18 hours.

An air-to-air left side view of a KC-10A Extender aircraft flying in formation with five F-15 Eagle aircraft during Exercise William Tell. The KC-10A's refueling boom is extended for the refueling of one the F-15 aircraft. Subject Operation/Series: WILLIAM TELL Country: Unknown

A KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., prepares to refuel a F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 64th Aggressor Squadron during a Red Flag 22-1 mission Jan. 28, 2022 over the Nevada Test and Training Range. Aircraft flying as the red force drive static, dynamic and adaptive threat to challenge participants in ways they have never been before. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Alexandre Montes)

A C-5 Galaxy approaches the boom of a KC-10A Extender with the 163rd Air Refueling Wing from March ARB, California, to begin refueling operation during Exercise Red Flag 99-1 at Nellis AFB, Nevada. Red Flag is a simulated training exercise held by the US and its allies. It is conducted on the vast range north of Nellis AFB. Red Flag is one of a series of advanced training programs administered by the 414th Combat Training Squadron, Air Warfare Center at Nellis AFB. Subject Operation/Series: RED FLAG 99-1 Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

Medium long shot. A McGuire AFB, KC-10 Extender from the 2nd Air Refueling Squadron is refueled by a KC-10 Extender aircraft. Although the primary mission of the KC-10 is aerial refueling, it can combine the tasks of tanker and cargo aircraft by refueling fighters while carryling the fighters' support people and equipment during overseas deployments. The KC-10A can transport up to 75 people and about 170,000 pounds of cargo a distance of about 4,400 miles. Without cargo, the KC-10A's unrefueled range is more than 11,500 miles. Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from Fairchild Air Force Base refuels a B-52 Stratofortess from Minot Air Force Base, departing McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, for a 72-hour endurance mission Oct. 6, 2022. Team Fairchild continues to set new standards for global reach and the enduring tanker force.

The 151st Air Refueling Wing and ESGR brought approximately 20 employers on an appreciation air refueling mission here on August 17, 2022. The employers, nominated by their Air National Guard employees, boarded a KC-135R Stratotanker, and witnessed the refueling of three F-16 Falcons and four F-35 Lightings while taking in an aerial view of Utahs West desert.

A view of bombs on the flight line prior to being loaded onto A-6E Intruder aircraft from Carrier Air Wing Six (CVW-6). Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Fighter Squadron 33 (VF-33) F-14A Tomcat aircraft is refueled by an Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, left, as an F/A-18C Hornet aircraft receives fuel from an Attack Squadron 85 (VA-85) KA-6D Intruder aircraft, third from left, during Operation Desert Storm. The aircraft are accompanied by a Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 137 (VAQ-137) EA-6B Prowler aircraft, second from right. The Navy aircraft, all part of Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1), are based aboard the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV 66).. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Saudi Arabia(SAU)

Four EA-6B Prowlers belonging to each Prowler squadron aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point conducted a "Final Four" division flight aboard the air station March 1, 2016. The "Final Four" flight is the last time the Prowler squadrons will be flying together before the official retirement of Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Training Squadron 1 at the end of Fiscal Year 16 and the eventual transition to "MAGTF EW". MAGTF EW is a more distributed strategy where every platform contributes to the EW mission, enabling relevant tactical information to move throughout the electromagnetic spectrum and across the battlefield faster than ever before.

LARISSA AIR BASE, Greece. - Airmen from the 134th Air Refueling Wing refuel F-16s from the 337th Fighter Squadron based on Larissa Air Base on June 27th, 2023. The 134th was supporting Thracian Sentry 2023, a joint operation between the 134th, Hellenic and Bulgaria Air Forces.

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.

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

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.

Under the direction of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), F-15s assigned to the Massachusetts Air National Guard fly in formation with 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 fighter aircraft controlled by a sophisticated command and c

An Israeli Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon prepares to receive refuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, as part of a bilateral exercise over an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 30, 2022. The exercise demonstrated fighter aircraft integration and escort as well as refueling operations as part of the first of several exercises to maintain the ironclad commitment and bilateral aerial capability between the U.S. and Israeli Air Forces.

A 199th Fighter Squadron F-22A Raptor approaches a 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker over the East China Sea June 8, 2022. The 199th FS conducted agile combat employment operation in the Pacific to strengthen the readiness and interoperability needed to defend Japan and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

DF-ST-89-05287. Subject Operation/Series: DISTANT MARINER Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

010809-F-7910D-002. Base: Buckley Air Force Base State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFRC

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.

May 12, 2009 - A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit aircraft receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker over the western Pacific Ocean.

050207-F-2907C-228. Country: United States Of America (USA)

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

030927-F-6844O-009. Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

Decembe 10, 2008 - A U.S. Air Force KC-10 refuels a B-1B Lancer over Afghanistan.

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle from the 159th Fighter Wing, Louisiana Air National Guard, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, La., is refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., upon completion of North American Aerospace Defense Commands (NORAD) Operation Noble Defender (OND) over the Caribbean Sea near Puerto Rico, July 1, 2022. As a part of OND, which is a recurring operation, the Continental U.S. NORAD Region 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-na

A Fighter Squadron 2 (VF-2) F-14A Tomcat aircraft climbs away from a cloud bank during a flight off of the aircraft carrier USS RANGER (CV 61). Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

DF-ST-85-11507. Country: Unknown

A B-2 spirit bomber assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, receives fuel from a KC-10 Extender assigned to Travis Air Force Base, California, Jan. 1, 2022, over southern California. The 70th Aerial Refueling Squadron and 79th ARS offloaded 55,000 pounds of fuel to a B-2 spirit bomber in support of a flyover at the Rose Bowl and Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena California.

031206-F-2295B-001. Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: acc

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, with the 512th Airlift Wing, Delaware flies to the boom of a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, with the 914th Air Refueling Wing, New York May 12, 2022 over Northwestern U.S. Both units are a part of the Air Force Reserve Command. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tiffany A. Emery)

Air to air front view of Special Operations Wing AC-130 Hercules gunship on a training mission over the Gulf of Mexico. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress leads a formation of aircraft, including two Polish air force F-16 Fighting Falcons, four U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, two German Eurofighter Typhoons and four Swedish Gripens over the Baltic Sea, June 9, 2016. The formation was part of exercise BALTOPS 2016.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft, assigned to the 355th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, conducts a training exercise alongside regional partner nation air forces within across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, June 7, 2022. This routine exercise is designed to ensure seamless integration between forces, fortifying our collective capability to maintain a stable and secure region.

Watching The US Air Force Thunderbirds from the Wing of a C-17 Globemaster

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