Aerial Refueling Operations

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

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

An air-to-air left side view of a B-1B bomber during an acceptance flight being conducted by Detachment 15 of the Air Force Contract Management Division. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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. (Duplicate image, also see DN-SD-02-04090 or 010208-N-9964S-002). Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Country: Arabian Gulf

A Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning II from No. 3 Squadron receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 203rd Air Refueling Squadron December 7, 2022, near the coast of Oahu, Hawaii. The U.S. Air Force routinely trains alongside allied partners, such as the RAAF, and is postured respond to crises and contingencies throughout the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

A F-15SG Strike Eagle assigned to the Republic of Singapore Air Force receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2, June 10, 2022. The JPARC airspace provides a realistic training environment, allowing Airmen and the Republic of Singapore Air Force to train for full spectrum engagement, ranging from individual skills to complex, large-scale joint engagement. The Strike Eagles are assigned to the 428th Fighter Squadron, RSAF, and a Stratotanker is assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, Fairchild Air Force Base.

Right side view of a KC-10 Extender aircraft refueling an SR-71 Blackbird aircraft in flight during testing. The Extender, silhouetted against the sunset horizon, is from the 78th Air Refueling Squadron, and the Blackbird, the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing. Base: Beale Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F/A-18 Hornet with the VFA-151 Fighter Attack Wing, Naval Air Station Lemoore, California is being refueled by a KC-135E from the 146th Air Refueling Squadron, 171st Air Refueling Wing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Air National Guard during Roving Sands '96, the US military's largest annual joint air defense training exercise. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS '96 Base: Midland State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force AC-130J Ghostrider assigned to Hurlburt Field, Florida, practices aerial refueling procedures with a U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender assigned to Travis Air Force Base, California, during a routine aerial refueling training mission over Alabama, Feb. 18, 2024. The AC-130J provides ground forces an expeditionary, direct-fire platform that is persistent, ideally suited for urban operations and delivers precision low-yield munitions against ground targets. Air Force

Two Hellenic F-16C aircraft simulate the interception of the U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules during Stolen Cerberus IX over Greece, May 9, 2022. This exercise enhances the partnership between Hellenic armed forces and U.S. military members.

A U.S. Air Force B-1 Lancer from the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, in support of the airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against Iranian backed militia groups over the Atlantic Ocean, Feb. 2, 2024. B-1 crews routinely conduct long duration CONUS-to-CONUS missions as a part of strategic Bomber Task Force missions undertaken by Air Force Global Strike Command across the globe. Air Force

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)

DF-ST-85-12451. Base: Fairchild Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit Stealth Bombers, assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing, fly a Bomber Task Force mission July 18, 2022, alongside a Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning II over Royal Australia Air Force Base Curtin, Australia, during exercise Koolendong 22. Exercise Koolendong 22 is a combined and joint force exercise focused on expeditionary advanced base operations conducted by U.S. service members and Australian Defence Force personnel. The BTF will conduct joint training and missions alongside Allies and partners in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

DF-ST-89-03669. Base: Unknown

Several KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft sit parked along the flight line during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

A10 Thunderbolt II

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 61st Fighter Squadron and T-38A Talons assigned to the 2d Fighter Training Squadron fly in formation over southern Idaho, Sept. 14, 2022. The units, assigned to Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, and Eglin AFB, Florida, traveled to Idaho for a training exercise as the F-35 student pilots basic course capstone.

DF-ST-88-05399. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD Country: Unknown

Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers assigned to the 34th Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, taxi down the ramp before taking off at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 6, 2022, in support of a Bomber Task Force mission. Bomber Task Force missions strengthen the collective ability of the U.S. and our allies and partners to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, receives fuel from 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 demonstrate lethality and interoperability in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

DN-ST-89-06431. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

AN air-to-air left side view of a KC-10A Extender aircraft, left, refueling a B-52G Stratofortress aircraft. Country: United States Of America (USA)

030602-F-3354H-009. Base: Middletown State: Pennsylvania (PA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air left side view of a B-52G Stratofortress aircraft of the 60th Bomber Squadron dropping Mark-82 500-pound high-drag bombs over the Far Albon Island Bombing Range during exercise Harvest Coconut. Subject Operation/Series: HARVEST COCONUT Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III approaches a K-135 Stratotanker with the 161st Air Refueling Wing, during a refueling mission on a multi-day readiness exercise, at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 12-17, 2022. The exercise focused on demonstrating the Department of the Air Forces priority of Agile Combat Employment (ACE), which uses multi-capable Airmen to facilitate a proactive and reactive operational scheme of maneuver to increase resiliency and survivability while generating combat power.

A 729th Airlift Squadron, 452nd Air Mobility Wing, C-141B from March ARB, California, is in flight over the Grand Canyon in preparation for an in-flight refueling. Country: United States Of America (USA)

A formation of 1st Special Operations Squadron MC-130J Commando IIs fly during Flight of the Flock off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 6, 2022. The 1st SOS operates the MC-130J Commando II to provide infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of special operations forces and equipment in hostile or denied territory.

Air-to-air, close-up, front view of a 60th Airlift Wing C-5B Galaxy airlifter, flying over the farmland of northern California. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Base: Travis Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Spencer Balcom, 909th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, refuels a U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, over the Indo-Pacific theater, Sept. 28, 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 B-2 Spirit Bomber aircraft nicknamed "The Spirit of Hawaii" taxies around the flight line at Whiteman AFB, Missouri during the Air Force Bases's first "Beast Walk" Exercise. "Beast Walk" is an exercise nuclear alert in which the bombers respond using quick engine start and taxi procedures. Base: Whiteman Air Force Base State: Missouri (MO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two F/A-18C Hornet aircraft from Strike Fighter Squadron 82 (VFA-82) rendezvous with a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft for an in-flight refueling during Operation Desert Shield. VFA-82 is embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV-66).. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia(SAU)

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 (VMM 266), maneuvers into position to receive fuel from a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules, assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252(VMGR 252), over East Africa Nov. 1, 2022 during a tiltrotor air-to-air refueling training. The refueling unit is deployed from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, and supports the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa by providing aerial refueling, airdrop and rescue capabilities to the area of operations.

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

A B-52 Stratofortress assigned to a Bomber Task Force from the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, parks at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, April 1, 2023. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command force employment, military posture, and operations honor our security commitments in the region by enabling us to rapidly respond to any potential crisis or challenge in the Indo-Pacific.

DF-ST-87-07199. Subject Operation/Series: REFORGER '86 Country: West Germany (FRG)

An air-to-air left side view of an Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75) KA-6D Intruder aircraft. The aircraft, stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67), is flying over the Atlantic coast while taking part in exercise Fleet Ex '90. Base: USS John F. Kennedy(CV 67)

KC-135 Stratotankers from the 203rd Air Refueling Squadron fly near Honolulu, Hawaii, June 27, 2023. The 154th Wing conducted a four-ship flyover that took place over portions of Oahu in celebration of 100 years of aerial refueling.

DF-ST-89-04166. State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Side View of a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Tanker Refueling One of Four F-105 Aircraft, Southeast Asia. Side View of a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Tanker Refueling One of Four F-105 Aircraft, Southeast Asia.

DF-ST-89-08405. Base: Andrew Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030413-F-9528H-012. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

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

981209-F-4190S-013. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT THUNDER 2 Country: Unknown

020430-F-0193C-022. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE 2002 Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, takes off during Checkered Flag 23-1 at Tyndall AFB, Florida, Nov. 4, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 23-1 iteration of the exercise was held Oct. 31 - Nov. 10, 2022.

050711-F-7564C-074. Base: Volk Field State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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

An air-to-air front view of a flight of one KA-6D Intruder and three A-6E Intruder aircraft from Attack Squadron 34 (VA-34) passing over the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia -- January 17, 1991A KC-135E tanker from the Kansas Air National Guard's 190th Air Refueling Group returns to King Abdul Aziz International Airport at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on January 17, 1991, the opening day of the air campaign against Iraq. Tankers played crucial roles in three different aspects of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm: the rapid deployment of large coalition military forces to the region, the sustained readiness of the forces, and the use of forces in large and complex combat operations. Elements of the 190th had been the first tankers to arrive at Jeddah in August 1990. They played a lead role in the 1709th Air Refueling Wing (Provisional). That composite organization represented a new way of doing business by temporarily blending the three major organizational components of the Total Air Force for the duration of the 1990-1991 Persian Gulf crisis. The wing consisted of Air Guard tankers from several states as well as those from the

U.S. Air Force F-16C Falcons from the 187th Fighter Wing, Montgomery, Alabama, are refueled by a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 117th Air Refueling Wing, Birmingham, Alabama, Aug. 17, 2022. Photo was taken with the Red Tails and the 100th anniversary commemorative tail for the 117th Air Refueling Wing.

030924-F-7823A-005. Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: NORTHCOM

A Kentucky Air National Guard C-130 Hercules flies in formation as another C-130 deploys flare countermeasures in the skies over Alaska during exercise Red Flag-Alaska on May 22, 2014. Aircrews from Kentuckys 165th Airlift squadron received intensive combat training during the exercise, which ran from May 7 to 23.

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.

PHILIPPINE SEA (May 31, 2022) An EA-18G Growler, assigned to the "Wizards" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133, launches from the flight deck of 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 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.

010323-F-0966E-015. State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, flies over the Indo-Pacific theater during a Bomber Task Force mission, Nov. 9, 2022. The U.S. Air Force is committed to upholding a rules-based, free and open Indo-Pacific that respects every nation and ensures the peaceful resolution of disputes free from coercion.

A B-52 Stratofortress from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, over the Trøndelag region of Norway, while participating in exercise Cold Response. The exercise featured maritime, land, and air operations to underscore NATOs ability to defend against any threat in any environment.

B-2 Spirit US Air Force

DN-SC-04-09514. Base: San Clemente State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force U-2 Dragon Lady aircraft from the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron lands at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia on Nov. 23, 2010. The U-2 is a high altitude reconnaissance aircraft that reaches altitudes above 70,000 feet.

DM-SC-88-01985. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT Base: Philippine Islands

An air-to-air front view of a 43rd Electronic Combat Squadron EC-130H Hercules aircraft flying a low-level route over the German countryside. The EC-130H "Compass Call" aircraft is based at Sembach Air Base. Its mission is to provide electronic countermeasures (ECM) to reduce the enemy's capability to wage war. Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

A formation of A-10 Thunderbolt IIs attached to the 442nd Fighter Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., departs a KC-135 Stratotanker after receiving fuel over Kansas March 6, 2019. The KC-135 is attached to the Air National Guards 185th Air Refueling Wing at Sioux City, Iowa, and is regularly scheduled to refuel A-10s for training purposes.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 (VMM 266), maneuvers into position to receive fuel from a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules, assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252(VMGR 252), over East Africa Nov. 1, 2022 during a tiltrotor air-to-air refueling training. The refueling unit is deployed from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, and supports the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa by providing aerial refueling, airdrop and rescue capabilities to the area of operations.

An air-to-air view of an MC-130E Hercules aircraft of the 8th Special Operations Squadron approaching the refueling boom of a tanker aircraft. The Hercules is equipped with the Fulton recovery system. State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A 552nd Airborne Warning and Control Wing E-3 Sentry aircraft flies over the desert during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

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)

An air-to-air long shot of a US Air Force B-2 Spirit Bomber aircraft during a training exercise. The B-2 Spirit is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions. Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Medium close 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 B-1B Lancer aircraft assigned to the 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 927th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill AFB, Florida, to receive fuel 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.

The Idaho Air National Guards 124th Fighter Wing hosted the biennial A-10 Thunderbolt II competition, Hawgsmoke, Sept. 6-9, 2022. On Sept. 8, nearly 30 A-10s from across the nation took off from Gowen Field's flight line for the competition that took place at Idaho's Saylor Creek Range. At the previous competition, Hawgsmoke 2021, the 124th Fighter Wings 190th Fighter Squadron was recognized as the top pilot team at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. The winning team traditionally hosts the next competition. The 190th Fighter Squadron won all three team awards in 2021: overall champion, top bombing team and top tactical team. The 190th was announced winners of the 2022 Hawgsmoke on Sept. 9, making this overall win the squadrons fourth since 2003. More than 150 pilots, maintainers and weapon teams from approximately 14 active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units from across the globe are in the competition.

030411-N-0442L-005. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

DN-ST-90-05149. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air right side view of a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft preparing to refuel a 43rd Electronic Combat Squadron EC-130H Hercules aircraft at approximately 12,000 feet. The EC-130H "Compass Call" aircraft is based at Sembach Air Base, Germany. Its mission is to provide Electronic CounterMeasures (ECM) to reduce the enemy's capability to wage war. Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

DN-SP-04-08648. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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

DF-SD-07-26039. Base: Unknown

An instructor pilot from the 559th Flying Training Squadron flies a T-37 Tweet aircraft over hill country during Torchlight '87, a four-day flying and maintenance competition hosted by the 12th Flying Training Wing at Randolph Air Force Base. Subject Operation/Series: TORCHLIGHT '87 State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-88-02996. Subject Operation/Series: PEGASUS Country: Central America

An air-to-air right underside view of an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft armed with an AGM-65 Maverick and two AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-117A Nighthawk stealth fighter from the 49th Fighter Wing, 9th Fighter Squadron "Iron Knights," Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, flys a training mission over the New Mexico desert. One of the only two operational Nighthawk Squadrons, the 9th deploys worldwide using special low observable technologies to deliver precision guided weapons against heavily defended targets. This photograph is from the October 1999 issue of AIRMAN Magazine. State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A front view of a Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter taking on fuel from a Marine Refueler-Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252) KC-130R Hercules aircraft during a flight out of Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, North Carolina. Country: Unknown

DF-ST-86-03905. Subject Operation/Series: WILLIAM TELL '84 Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

Air to air front view of Air Mobility Command's 60th Military Airlift Wing's C-141 Starlifter after takeoff from Travis AFB, California. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

DF-ST-86-09700. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD 85 Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force 5th Bomb Wing B-52H Stratofortress approaches a 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker for aerial refueling 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.

Russian 24S Returned Imagery Part 208

A Military Airlift Command C-141B Starlifter aircraft is loaded with equipment during exercise Market Square III. Subject Operation/Series: MARKET SQUARE III Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lighting IIs assigned to the 354th Fighter Wing fly over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, April 14, 2022. The F-35A, the U.S. Air Forces latest fifth-generation fighter, brings an enhanced capability to survive in the advanced threat environment in which it was designed to operate.

An elevated view of the attack submarines USS RAY (SSN-653), USS HAWKBILL (SSN-666), and USS ARCHERFISH (SSN-678) surfaced at the geographic North Pole. This is the first time three nuclear-powered submarines have simultaneously surfaced at the pole. Country: Arctic Ocean

The Idaho Air National Guards 124th Fighter Wing hosted the biennial A-10 Thunderbolt II competition, Hawgsmoke, Sept. 6-9, 2022. On Sept. 8, nearly 30 A-10s from across the nation took off from Gowen Field's flight line for the competition that took place at Idaho's Saylor Creek Range. At the previous competition, Hawgsmoke 2021, the 124th Fighter Wings 190th Fighter Squadron was recognized as the top pilot team at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. The winning team traditionally hosts the next competition. The 190th Fighter Squadron won all three team awards in 2021: overall champion, top bombing team and top tactical team. The 190th was announced winners of the 2022 Hawgsmoke on Sept. 9, making this overall win the squadrons fourth since 2003. More than 150 pilots, maintainers and weapon teams from approximately 14 active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units from across the globe are in the competition.

Two A-10 Thunderbolt's from the 124th Fighter Wing join up with a KC-135 to conduct aerial refueling training over Central Idaho.

An air-to-air left rear view of a U.S. Air Force KC-10A Extender aircraft refueling a U.S. Navy KA-6D Intruder aircraft during the multi-national Exercise Bright Star '83. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR '83 Country: Unknown

020430-F-0193C-008. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE 2002 Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of the Royal New Zealand Air Forces 40 Squadron observe from the open ramp of a U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando IIs assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing over New Zealands South Island during a dissimilar formation flight as part of exercise Teak Net 22, May 13, 2022. The formation flight of a RNZAF C-130H Hercules, left, and two USAF MC-130J Commando IIs tested the aircrews knowledge of the multiple airframe capabilities and how to combine the tactics and procedures in flight.

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