Air Force Operations and Aircraft

Photos of U.S. Air Force aircraft in action, including refueling missions and air-to-air combat displays, showcasing aerial military prowess.

An air-to-air right side view of two F-15 Eagle aircraft. The F-15 in the background is banking to the left.

67th Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagles fly alongside a 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker over the Pacific Ocean, July 20, 2022. The F-15 Eagle was first assigned to Kadena Air Base on September 29, 1979.

An air-to-air right side view of two F-15 Eagle aircraft. The F-15 in the background is banking to the left.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron prepares to refuel 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, Oct. 31, 2022. The KC-10 directly supports the CENTCOM Air Tasking Order, bringing the gas to the fight and keep fighter aircraft on target.

A US Air Force F-16C Falcon from the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, moves into the contact position during a refueling mission 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

040918-F-6565E-001. State: Minnesota (MN) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-07351. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE 88 Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air right side view of a Fighter Squadron 211 (VF-211) F-14A Tomcat aircraft. Country: Unknown

DF-ST-88-08396. Country: Holland / Netherlands (HOL)

030917-F-0381R-004. Complete Scene Caption: Four US Air Force (USAF) F-16C Fighting Falcon, 120th Fighter Squadron (FS), 140th Fighter Wing (FW), Colorado Air National Guard (COANG), fly an echelon formation as they return to Cold Wing Canada during the second Tiger Meet of the Americas. The Falcons are carrying an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile (left) and Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) pod under the wing and an Acceleration Monitor Assembly (AMA) pod on the wing tip. The Tiger Meet of the Americas, first ever held in Canada, inaugurated in 2001 in the Western Hemisphere to carry on the Tiger tradition of the long-established European original experience; promoting solidarity and operational understanding between NATO members. The Meet attracted 400 participants and over 20 aircraft, with at least 6 fighter jets painted in distinctive "Tiger" schemes. For a squadron to be invited, only one simple criterion required, the unit must have a Tiger or other big cat on their unit's

An F-15 Eagle, with the 159th Fighter Wing, Louisiana, flies over the wing of a KC-135 Stratotanker with the 914th Air Refueling Wing, New York, July 10, 2022 over Southeastern United States. The 159th FW is nicknamed the Bayou Militia, which is displayed on the F-15s tail.

An air-to-air right side view of an F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft, foreground, and an F-4G Phantom II Wild Weasel aircraft, both from the 52nd Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW), Spangdahlem Air Base. The F-16C is armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and AGM-45A Shrike missiles and the F-4G is armed with AGM-88A high-speed anti-radiation missiles (HARMs) and AIM-7 Sparrow missiles. Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

F-16 Falcon Jet Fighters

Aerial view of an F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 542nd Fighter Squadron, Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, returning from a bombing mission in New Mexico. The F-16's bombing missions are part of the world's largest joint service, multi-national tactical air operations exercise being held in the southwestern United States. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS '97 State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020531-F-7709A-026. State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A fuel hose is connected to an A-6 Intruder aircraft from a KC-10 Extender aircraft, for in-flight refueling during the joint Exercise Bright Start '83. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR '83 Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle assigned to the Lousiana Air National Guard 159th Fighter Squadron, prepares to receive fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, 6th Air Refueling Wing in support of North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) Operation Noble Defender (OND) June 29, 2022. As 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 missle 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 missle threats. NORAD is a bi-national Canadian and American command that employs a network of aerial, gro

A United States Air Force (USAF) B-1B Lancer bomber from the 116th Bomb Wing (BW), Air National Guard (ANG), Robins Air Force Base (AFB), Georgia, peels away from a 2-ship formation during a training mission over the Georgia skies. State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Su-30SM jet fighters of the Russian Navy flying in mid-air.

030611-F-7709A-004. Country: Gulf Of Mexico Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 3rd Wing receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Aerial Refueling Squadron during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, Alaska, Aug. 1, 2022. The JPARC is the largest airspace over land that the Department of Defense has, its size is optimal to push the capabilities of fifth-generation aircraft pilots forward.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker for refueling during Red Flag 14-2 March 13, 2014, over the Nevada Test and Training Range. During Red Flag, mid-air refueling allowed aircraft to save time and quickly get back into the fight, without having to return to the ground to refuel. The KC-135 is assigned to the 350th Air Refueling Squadron at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan.

A pair of U.S. Air Force F-15C aircraft over the Gulf of Mexico.

US Air Force Boeing F-15C Eagle of the Oregon Air National Guard with missiles / ordnance

020114-F-1851B-003. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Test Center releases two GBU-24 laser guided bombs during a test mission.

A French Navy Rafale receives fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, in a joint aerial exercise in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 2, 2022. The KC-135 provides U.S. and partner nation aircraft the ability to remain in the air for longer durations, maximizing their patrol time and ensuring regional stability.

A Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon flies a training mission over Tucson, Ariz.

A pair of US Air Force (USAF) F-16C Fighting Falcons from the 162nd Fighter Squadron (FS), Springfield, Ohio Air National Guard (ANG), fly over the Gulf of Mexico armed with AIM-9M Sidewinder heat-seeking air-to-air missiles. Their mission is part of an air-to-air Weapon System Evaluation Program (WSEP), more commonly known as Combat Archer. Country: Gulf Of Mexico

An air-to-air left side view of a pair of Fighter Squadron 142 (VF-142) F-14A Tomcat aircraft off the coast of Virginia. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

An air-to-air left underside view of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft of the 429th Tactical Fighter Squadron releasing four Mark 84 2000-pound bombs over a range in Nevada. Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle assigned to the 67th Fighter Squadron receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 168th Air Refueling Wing during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, May 12, 2022. The JPARC airspace covers more than 77,000 square miles and provides a realistic training environment, allowing RF-A participants to train for full spectrum engagements, ranging from individual skills to complex, large-scale joint engagements.

030624-F-7709A-007. Country: Gulf Of Mexico Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

Egyptian Air Force F-16 aircraft conduct aerial training operations with U.S. Air Force partners in support of exercise Agile Phoenix within the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility June 29, 2022. Agile Phoenix is a joint agile combat employment exercise focused on enhancing interoperability and ensuring regional security.

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles, from the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, circle around a cave in eastern Afghanistan after bombing it with 2,000 pound Joint Direct Attack Munitions, Nov. 26, 2009. The 335th is deployed to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C.

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

An air-to-air right side view of two F-4E Phantom II aircraft of the 81st Tactical Fighter Squadron, armed with Mark 82 500-pound bombs, banking to the left. Country: Spain (ESP)

An air-to-air left side view of an Attack Squadron 34 (VA-34) EA-6B Prowler aircraft. Country: Eastern Mediterranean Sea

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, assigned to the 179th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, carries out aerial operations in the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility, June 19, 2022. The 179th EFS delivers airpower and showcases U.S. commitment to deterrence and regional stability.

220804-N-CR843-0190MISAWA, Japan (Aug. 04, 2022) Three EA-18G Growlers assigned to the Star Warriors of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 209 conduct intercept training with a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft assigned to the Fighting Tigers of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 over the Pacific Ocean off the coast of northern Japan. VP-8 is currently deployed to NAF Misawa, Japan conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance and theater outreach operations within U.S. 7th Fleet (C7F) area of operations in support of Commander, Task Force 72, C7F, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command objectives throughout the region.

An air-to-air left side view of two F/A-18A Hornet aircraft of Strike Fighter Squadron 303 (VFA-303) over Southern California. Country: Unknown

Left side front view, medium aerial shot, out the boom operator's window on a KC-135, as a flight of four US Air Force F-16's from Aviano Air Base, Italy, are escorted to MacDill Air Force Base, Florida by KC-135's (Not shown). The 555th Fighter Squadron deployed to MacDill due to temperary closure of Aviano's airfield. Country: Unknown

An F/A-18 Hornet with the VFA-151 Fighter Attack Wing, Naval Air Station Lemoore, California breaks away from the KC-135E tanker, from the 146th Air Refueling Squadron, 171st Air Refueling Wing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Air National Guard, after being refueled 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)

Three F/A-18 Hornet aircraft's from the "Gunslingers" of Strike-Fighter Squadron One Zero Five (VFA-105) fly together in formation prior to returning to the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) (not shown). Enterprise Battle Group is operating in the central Mediterranean Sea. Country: Unknown

An air-to-air right side view of an F-15 Eagle aircraft, assigned to the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan. Country: Unknown

980411-F-7910D-001. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Al Dhafra Air Base Country: United Arab Emerites (UAE) Scene Major Command Shown: NAVCENT

Two U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles from the Louisiana Air National Guard's 159th Fighter Wing fly in formation with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 92nd Air Refueling Wing during Operation Noble Defender (OND) over the Caribbean Sea near Puerto Rico, June 29, 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 tank

Two F-16C Fighting Falcons assigned to 64th Aggressor Squadron fly back into the training area during a Red Flag-Nellis 22-1 mission Jan. 28, 2022 over the Nevada Test and Training Range. The 64th AGRS played as the Red Force against Blue Forces in training that prioritizes first timers combat missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Alexandre Montes)

021119-F-7709A-011. Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 310th Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, waits to be refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker, July 11, 2022. The F-16s were conducting training with Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, approaches a KC-10 Extender assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, for air refueling support, over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Aug. 31, 2022. The vision of the 9th Air Force (Air Forces Central), is in concert with partners, deliver dominant coalition combat power and integrated command and control to secure and stabilize the region.

Several F-14A "Tomcat" aircraft attached to the "Black Aces" of Fighter Squadron Four One (VF-41) operating from the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65), air-to-air refuel with a United States Air Force KC135R Stratotanker. Base: Uss Enterprise (CVN 65) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

011029-F-7910D-004. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Combat Command

Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 Hornets fly next to a Maine Air National Guard KC-135R after a mid-air refueling Oct, 27, 2022.

An air-to-air left side view of three 169th Tactical Fighter Group F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft of the South Carolina Air National Guard in formation. The F-16s, armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, display the new "South Carolina" tail marking. State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 130 (VAQ-130) EA-6B Prowler aircraft refuels from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft as another Prowler and a Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) F-14A Tomcat aircraft fly in formation nearby. The aircraft are en route to targets over Iraq and Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

050328-F-7709A-003. Base: Gulf Of Mexico Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons with Luke Air Force base prepare to be refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 161st Air Refueling Wing during a local sortie on Aug. 6, 2022. The 161st out of Goldwater Air National Guard Base, conducts regular air refueling missions with their regional partners at Luke Air Force Base.

DF-ST-86-12598. Country: Unknown

020502-F-0193C-010. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE 2002 Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-16 Falcon from the 18th Fighter Squadron and a A-10 Warthog from the 355th Fighter Squadron, both from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, fly over the coast at the Kunsan Bomb Range a bombing exercise. The aircraft are returning from a live ordnance bomb drop. The exercise was to use up some of the old Vietnam Era ordnance that was still in the Air Force inventory. Subject Operation/Series: CAPABILITIES EXERCISE (CAPEX) Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

020930-F-4649H-026. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon of the 510th Fighter Squadron, flies over the airfield. The aircraft is completing a sortie in support of the enforcement of a NATO no fly zone over Bosnia-Herzegovina. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: DENY FLIGHT Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

021007-F-7709A-008. State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040719-F-9032T-014. Country: Unknown

DF-ST-87-13147. Country: North Sea

050917-F-5480T-003. Complete Scene Caption: A US Navy (USN) F/A-18F Super Hornet, Strike Fighter Squadron 41 (VFA-41), Black Aces, Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore, California (CA), conducts a mission over the Persian Gulf. The Hornet is armed with an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile on the wingtip and an AGM-65 Maverick missile on the pylon and a GBU-12 500-pound bombs on the other pylons. Tucked under the intake is an AAQ-14 LANTIRN (Low-Altitude Navigation and Targeting InfraRed for Night) pod. Also under the fuselage, a 370-gallon External Fuel Tank. The VFA-41 is currently embarked aboard the USN Aircraft Carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is currently on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). Country: Persian Gulf

F-15 Eagles, with the 159th Fighter Wing, Louisiana, fly over the wing of a KC-135 Stratotanker with the 914th Air Refueling Wing, New York, July 10, 2022 over Southeastern United States. The 159th FW is nicknamed the Bayou Militia, which is displayed on the F-15s tail.

U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 refuel an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 during Ryukyu Vice 23.1 near Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 7, 2022. Ryukyu Vice is a joint, fixed-wing aviation command and control exercise that provides critical training to 1st Marine Aircraft Wing tactical air control personnel through offensive, defensive and counter-air live-flight scenarios.

DF-ST-87-13437. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '85 Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

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

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 14th Fighter Squadron, Misawa Air Base, Japan, takes off after being refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 22nd Air Refueling Wing, McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex during RED FLAG-Alaska, Oct. 14, 2022. RF-A provides integrated joint and multilateral training opportunities in the JPARC, an expansive co-located air and land range with significant potential for co-located air and sea ranges.

Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs from No. 3 Squadron, rendezvous with a Hawaii Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker for an in-air refueling December 7, 2022, near the coast of Oahu, Hawaii, during exercise PACIFIC EDGE 23. 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 U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon from the 177th Fighter Wing, prepares to refuel from a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 108th Wing during the "Thunder over the Boardwalk" Air Show in Atlantic City, N.J., Aug. 22, 2018. Now celebrating its 16th year, the Atlantic City Airshow returned to the skies above the free beaches and Boardwalk in Atlantic City with a multitude of performers and acts.

A Danish Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon escorts a U.S. Air Force 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron B-52H Stratofortress over the North Sea during a Bomber Task Force mission Aug. 27, 2022. B-52s from the 23EBS flew to Sweden to demonstrate their Global Strategic Bomber Presence as a part of the pre-planned Bomber Task Force Europe series of missions.

U.S. Marine Corps Harrier Jump Jet

021112-F-7709A-006. Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

DF-ST-87-09693. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

An air-to-air right side view of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing as it drops 500-pound practice bombs during a mission out of Hill Air Force Base. State: Utah (UT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two F-15 Eagles from the 173rd Fighter Wing conduct air-to-air training over Central Oregon.

AN air-to-air view of an F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft during exercise Border Star '81. The aircraft is assigned to the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing. Subject Operation/Series: BORDER STAR '81 Base: Holloman Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

USAF U-2 RECONNAISSANCE AIRCRAFT FLYING AT NIGHT

A view from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft boom operator's window of an F-111 aircraft as it approaches the refueling boom of the KC-135 during Exercise Pitch Black '83-1. Subject Operation/Series: PITCH BLACK '83-1 Country: Unknown

A Bulgarian Air Force MiG-29s during a training mission over Bulgaria.

5th Air Force Commander, Lieutenant General Paul Hester, flies a F-15C Eagle from the 18th Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan, during a training mission over the Pacific Ocean near Okinawa. Base: Pacific Ocean State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

DF-ST-88-08398. Country: Holland / Netherlands (HOL)

An air-to-air view of two Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) F-14A Tomcat aircraft on a combat patrol off of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) during Operation Desert Storm. Each aircraft is armed with an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile on the outer portion of its wing pylon, an AIM-7 Sparrow missile on the inner portion and an AIM-54 Phoenix missile beneath its fuselage. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

An F-22 Raptor from Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., moves into position behind a KC-135 Stratotanker from Altus AFB, Okla., during an air refueling, Aug. 21, 2012.The F-22 was refueled outside of New York in support of the Brooklyn Cyclone flyover during Air Force Week. (Air Force

A left front view of an F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft from the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing involved in Exercise Red Flag '81. Subject Operation/Series: RED FLAG '81 Base: March Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Formation of Italian Air Force AMX Ghibli and EF-2000 Typhoons over the Dolomites in Italy.

DF-ST-87-07427. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER '86-1 Country: Philippines (PHL)

F-15C and F-15E model fighters 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. Country: Unknown

An F-16C Falcon from the 52nd Fighter Wing based at Spandahlem AB Germany breaks away from a 100th Air Expeditionary Wing KC-135R Stratotanker (not shown) from RAF Mildenhall United Kingdom on 31 Mar 99. While patroling the skies over Kosovo during Operation Allied Force, it is armed with AIM-120C missiles for self protection and Highspeed Anti Radiation Missiles on the inboard stations to suppress anti-aircraft radar sites. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Base: Raf Mildenhall Country: Great Britain / England (GBR)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon maneuvers into position near a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron to receive fuel while flying over Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn, Nov. 18, 2010.

A 6th Air Refueling Squadron KC-10A Extender aircraft refuels a 185th Tactical Fighter Group A-7D Corsair during the Strategic Air Command exercise Proud Visitor mission. Another Corsair is on the left. Subject Operation/Series: PROUD VISITOR Country: Unknown

F-22 Raptors in Flight

December 17, 2010 - A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft is refueled by a KC-135R Stratotanker over North Carolina during a local training mission.

An air-to-air left side view of an F-15 Eagle aircraft from the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., during Operation Ocean Venture. Subject Operation/Series: OCEAN VENTURE Country: Unknown

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