Aerial Refueling Operations

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

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

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 43d Fighter Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, receives fuel from a KC-10 Extender over the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, Florida, Aug. 16, 2022. Night time air-to-air refueling is mandatory training for student F-22 pilots in the eight-month-long basic raptor course.

220122-N-HS181-1226 PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 22, 2022) Two F-35C Lightning IIs, assigned to the Black Knights of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, fly over the Philippine Sea Jan. 22, 2022. Operating as part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, units assigned to Carl Vinson and Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Groups, Essex and America Amphibious Ready Groups, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force are conducting training to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Haydn N. Smith)

December 29, 2012 - A U.S. Navy F/A-18E Hornet breaks away after refueling from a U.S. Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker over Southwest Asia.

A flight deck crew member signals to the pilot of an F/A-18 Hornet aircraft following the Hornet's landing during flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Country: Adriatic Sea

Shot of the live 1,000 pound retarded bomb loaded aboard a US Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier aircraft from Marine Attack Squadron 311 (VMA-311), while onboard the USS TARAWA (LHA 1) for Exercise KERNEL BLITZ 2001. Subject Operation/Series: KERNEL BLITZ '01 Base: USS Tarawa (LHA 1) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

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)

980425-F-7910D-006. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

An A-10C Warthog pilot from the 163rd Fighter Squadron at the 122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne, Ind., taxis across the flight line after completing a training mission, July 14, 2015, at the Indiana Air National Guard Base, Fort Wayne, Ind.

A view of the tail fin of a B-52G Stratofortress bomber aircraft from the 1708th Bomb Wing at an air field during Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

A C-130 Hercules transport aircraft from the West Virginia Air National Guard flies over the United Arab Emirates during a troop-carrying mission in support of Operation Desert Storm. The aircraft is assigned to the 1630th Tactical Airlift Wing.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle aircraft assigned to the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron conducts aerial refueling operations in the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility Oct 13, 2022. The 335 EFS delivers airpower and showcases U.S. commitment to deterrence and regional stability.

Information from the Head-Up Display (HUD) is superimposed in the pilot's field of view in the cockpit of an F/A-18C Hornet aircraft as it prepares to takeoff. Four other Hornets from Fighter Attack Squadron 136 (VFA-136) are lined up on the runway. Base: Naval Air Station, Jacksonville State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Nike rockets in the darkness.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Kyle Oliver, opposing Solo Pilot with the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds” perform during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 30, 2022. The Thunderbirds serve as America’s premier air demonstration squadron, and are entrusted with the vital mission to recruit, retain and inspire past, present and future Airmen.

AN F-106 Delta Dart aircraft is parked during exercise Brim Frost '81. The aircraft is assigned to the 318th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST '81 Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220802-N-DW158-2139 PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 2, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to the Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115 launches from the flight deck of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 2. The Eagles conduct carrier-based air strike and strike force escort missions, as well as ship, battle group, and intelligence collection operations. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53 Super Stallion from the Heavy Marine Helicopter 464 Detachment A and a U.S. Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk from the 303rd ExpediRonary Rescue Squadron refuel from a U.S. Air Force MC-130 from the 81st ExpediRonary Rescue Squadron during a familiarizaRon flight, Jan. 29, 2013. The HMH-464 relinquished the Marines 10-year personnel recovery mission to the newly formed 303rd EQRS. The squadron will continue to ensure CJTF-HOA provides responsive medical evacuation support and personnel recovery for all U.S. personnel in East Africa.

980622-F-9580Z-026. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-87-13095. Base: Colorado Springs State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Christopher Hurd, an F-35A Lightning II maintenance instructor assigned to the 388th Logistics Support Squadron, helps guide an F-135 engine into an F-35 Lightning II jet at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Feb. 15, 2024. With the new trainer in place, the Field Training Detachment and the Logistics Support Squadron can more efficiently ensure that maintainers get the training they need without borrowing aircraft from the flightline. Air Force

Flight deck crew members prepare to tow an Attack Squadron 196 (VA-196) A-6E Intruder aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) during PACEX '89. Subject Operation/Series: PACEX '89 Country: Aleutian Islands

DF-ST-87-12791. Country: Unknown

020207-F-1631A-004. Base: Zaragosa Air Base Country: Spain (ESP) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Military Lockheed Martin Jets Fixed Wing Aviat Airplanes F-117 Stealth Fighter front nose head on

The Altitude Wind Tunnel (AWT) was the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) Aircraft Engine Research Laboratorys largest and most important test facility in the 1940s. The AWT employed massive cooling and exhaust systems to simulate conditions found at high altitudes. The facility was originally designed to test large piston engines in a simulated flight environment. The introduction of the turbojet during the tunnels construction, however, changed the facilitys focus before it became operational. Its first test program was a study of the Bell YP-59A Airacomet and its General Electric I-16 turbojets. The Airacomet was the United States first attempt to build a jet aircraft. 1600-horsepower centrifugal engines based on an early design by British engineer Frank Whittle were incorporated into an existing Bell airframe. In October 1942 the Airacomet was secretly test flown in the California desert. The aircrafts performance was limited, however, and the NACA was asked to

A 23rd Wing A-10C Thunderbolt II sits loaded with several Miniature Air-Launched Decoy craft at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Nov. 4, 2022. The MALDs were designed to negate enemy air defense systems and enable previously vulnerable aircraft to operate in heavily contested operating environments.

Military Jets Fixed Wing Boeing Aviat Airplanes Blue Angels USN US Navy F/A-18 Hornet parking

110630-N-AW206-013SOUTH CHINA SEA (June 30, 2011) An F/A-18F Super Hornet from the Diamondbacks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 launches from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

DF-ST-86-09699. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD 85 Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A close-up view of the tail fin of an F-15E Eagle aircraft of the 492nd Fighter Squadron. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

111221-N-DR144-375 PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 21, 2011) An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are underway on a western Pacific deployment.

In 1991, the Leeuwarden airbase took the "demo" from Twente, two F-16As, the J-226 and the J-231 from 322 and 323 Squadron, were provided with an attractive color scheme. In the tail both devices felt it Leegarden airbase emblem, the "Fryske Drak", with a motto "for friend and enemy ready". On 22 May 1991 the devices were shown to the press. The demo flyer was Kapitein Reindert Zwaart.

Maj. Blaine Jones pitches to land as Maj. Jason Curtis waits for clearance to land June 30, 2014, upon returning from a practice demonstration sortie at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The Thunderbirds, flying red, white and blue F-16 Fighting Falcons, are the Air Forces precision flying demonstration team. Jones is Thunderbird 5 and the lead solo. Curtis is Thunderbird 6 and the opposing solo.

DM-ST-86-07379. Base: Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-SD-07-25388. State: Oregon (OR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

July 25, 2006 - A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit bomber conducts a refueling with a KC-10 Extender aircraft over Australia during exercise Green Lightning. The exercise will improve the U.S. capabilities and operational familiarity in the region for the Pacific bomber presence and servers to enhance relations with the Australians.

DF-ST-86-05028. Subject Operation/Series: TRIAD '84 Base: Whenuapai Air Base Country: New Zealand (NZL)

Military Lockheed Martin Jets Fixed Wing Aviat Airplanes Thunderbirds USAF U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter performance flying team air show aerobatic flight demonstration squadron sky winter

In the front room of the Museum of Aviation sits the first single seat F-15 delivered to the Air Force and a huge mural that mesmerizes visitors with its realistic 3-D effect. Base: Warner Robins Air Force Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

General Dynamics F-16A.

US Navy Blue Angels Lockheed C-130 flown by an all USMC crew performs a JATO (rocket assisted) takeoff at an airshow.

Capt. John Waters, an F-16 Viper Demonstration Team pilot, prepares to taxi during the Heritage Flight Training Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Feb. 12, 2017. The HFTC taught and trained military and civilian pilots on how to fly in a close formation with World War II, Vietnam, and current day fighter aircraft.

The tail of a 137th Special Operations Wing MC-12W appears struck by the Aurora Borealis while participating in ATREUS 22-4 at Andøya Space Defense Range, Norway, Nov. 7, 2022. Two Air Force Special Operations Command wings partnered in a total force initiative to conduct the first live-fire demonstration of Rapid Dragon, a long-range palletized munitions system.

USA, Indiana, Indianapolis, Mount Comfort Airport. Front of an A-10 Thunderbolt II warplane painted with a shark face.

110707-N-BA418-115PENSACOLA, Fla. (July 7, 2011) The U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, perform a delta loop break cross maneuver during a practice flight over Pensacola Beach. The Blue Angels are scheduled to perform in the 2011 Pensacola Beach Air Show July 9 as part of the Centennial of Naval Aviation.

A U.S. Air Force B-2 aircraft hovers into place for aerial refueling over the Atlantic Ocean during an April mission in support of NATO Operation Allied Force. The aircraft belongs to Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, and is working with the Air Force Reserves and the Air National Guard, supporting missions between McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, and the Balkans. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Country: Unknown

220923-N-MU675-2016 PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 23, 2022) An F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the Flying Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122, prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

EL CENTRO, Calif. (March 4, 2013) Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Vania Reid, assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, acts as ground safety observer for the morning turn-up operations of an F/A-18 Hornet at Naval Air Facility El Centro, Calif. Reid, from Trelawny, Jamaica, is one of many Blue Angels team members who has moved to the United States and joined the Navy.

110321-M-1869L-084MEDITERRANEAN SEA (March 21, 2011) A Harrier jet aircraft assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU) returns to the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) for fuel and ammunition resupply while conducting air strikes supporting Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn. Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn is the U.S. Africa Command task force established to provide operational and tactical command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya and enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973.

View from the cockpit of a General Dynamics F-16A.

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter assigned to the 301st Tactical Fighter Squadron sits on the flightline at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 21, 2022 during the Japanese-American Friendship Festival fireworks display. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, this year festival marks the first time Yokota has held the annual event since 2019. The festival is aimed at increasing bilateral relationships between U.S. and Japanese communities and allows people to see U.S. and Japanese military capabilities first-hand.

The tail section of an F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 510th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Wing, based at Aviano Air Base, Italy. Subject Operation/Series: DECISIVE EDGE Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

Israeli Air Force Heron TP Eitan at Tel Nof Air Force Base, Israel.

The tail of a C-130 Hercules from the 463rd Military Airlift Wing, used in the joint Bolivia/U.S. exercise Fuerzas Unidas. Base: Reyes Country: Bolivia (BOL)

La Spezia, Italy - 25 August 2021: Aerial view of a F-104 Starfighter, Italy.

DF-SC-85-01211. Country: Unknown

A right side view of four F-4E Phantom II aircraft flying in formation. The 347th Tactical Fighter Wing, middle, and Egyptian air force aircraft are flying past the pyramids during exercise Proud Phantom. Subject Operation/Series: PROUD PHANTOM Base: Cairo West Country: Egypt (EGY)

A view of the sign at the main entrance to the base. In the background, a B-52 Stratofortress aircraft comes in to land. Base: Andersen Air Base Country: Guam (GUM)

A view of the artwork on the side of a B-1B Lancer aircraft on display at 1991 Department of Defense Joint Services Open House. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

110321-M-1869L-084.jpg (March 20, 2011) ABOARD USS KEARSARGE, at sea ñ A Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unitís AV-8B Harrier jump jet returns to USS Kearsarge for fuel and ammunition resupply while conducting air strikes in support of Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn, March 20, 2011. Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn is the U.S. Africa Command task force established to provide operational and tactical command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya and enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973. UNSCR 1973 authorizes all necessary measures to protect civilians in Libya under threat of attack by Qadhafi regime forces. JTF Odyssey Dawn is commanded by U.S. Navy Admiral Samuel J. Locklear, III.

DF-SC-89-11510. Country: Unknown

031213-M-8316T-001. State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: MAG-24

980620-F-2907C-017. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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