Air Force Refueling Operations

Action shots of military jets during aerial refueling missions, demonstrating the operational capabilities and coordination of air force units.

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

DF-ST-87-13356. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '85 Country: South Korea

An F-14A Tomcat aircraft refuels from a U.S. Air Force KC-10A Extender aircraft as other Tomcats fly in formation, during Operation Desert Storm. Squadrons represented by the aircraft are, from foreground: Fighter Squadron 33 (VF-33), Fighter Squadron 84 (VF-84) and Fighter Squadron 14 (VF-14). Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

DF-ST-89-00545. Country: Sicily (SIC)

Air to air left side view of a formation of five F-15 Eagle fighters assigned to and lead by the flag ship of the 405th Tactical Training Wing (TTW) flying a training mission near Phoenix, Arizona. Front to rear the aircraft are assigned to, 461st, and 426th TFTS (Tactical Fighter Training Squadron)405th TTW, 550th and 555th TFTS, Luke AFB, Arizona. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

An air-to-air left underside view of an OA-37B Dragonfly aircraft from the 169th Tactical Air Support Squadron, Illinois Air National Guard, during exercise Granadero I. Subject Operation/Series: GRANADERO I Country: Honduras (HND)

Two F-16C Fighting Falcon Block 52 aircraft's from the 157th Fighter Squadron, 169th Fighter Wing, McEntire Air National Guard Station, South Carolina, in flight. One of the aircraft's is armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and AIM-120 AMRAAM's (advanced medium-range air-to-air missile). Country: Unknown

A left side view of three F-14A Tomcat aircraft in flight, as seen from the cockpit of an Attack Squadron 176 (VA-176) KA-6D Intruder aircraft. The closer aircraft is from Fighter Squadron 31 (VF-31); the other two are assigned to Fighter Squadron 11 (VF-11). All aircraft are based aboard the aircraft carrier USS FORRESTAL (CV 59). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Two Hellenic Air Force F-16s fly in formation with a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron during a Bomber Task Force mission in Greece, March 22, 2023. BTF operations are U.S. Strategic Commands means of conducting Dynamic Force Employment in support of the National Defense Strategy.

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, from the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, refuels a French Dassault Rafale over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, April 29, 2022. U.S. Central Command service members consistently train with partner nations to strengthen our military-to-military relationships, promote regional security and improve interoperability.

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron prepares to refuel a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon during a refueling mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Jan. 1, 2022. The KC-135 delivers U.S. Air Forces Central a global reach aerial refueling capability to support joint and partner nation aircraft throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

An air-to-air right side view of a 613th Tactical Fighter Squadron F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft traveling in echelon as they make their approach to land at Incirlik Air Base while on deployment. Country: Turkey (TUR)

031206-F-2295B-004. Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: acc

F-22 RaptorUS Air Force

020928- F-7449W-001. Base: Waterkloof Air Force Base State: Pretoria Country: South Africa (ZAF) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A pair of F-16's from the 162nd Fighter Wing fly in formation during a training mission out of Tucson, Arizona.

Two F-16C Fighting Falcon Block 52 aircraft's from the 157th Fighter Squadron, 169th Fighter Wing, McEntire Air National Guard Station, South Carolina, in flight. The aircraft's are armed with AGM-88 HARM's (high-speed anti-radiation missile) and AIM-120 AMRAAM's (advanced medium-range air-to-air missile). Country: Unknown

020430-F-0193C-020. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE 2002 Country: United States Of America (USA)

Su-30SM jet fighters of the Russian Navy flying over Gulf of Finland, Russia.

A Belgian Air Component F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft takes-off during Tactical Leadership Programme 22-3 at Los Llanos Air Base, Spain, Sept. 26, 2022. TLP prepares NATO and allied forces flight leaders to be mission commanders, lead coalition force air strike packages and provide tactical air expertise to NATO agencies.

AN air-to-air left rear view of an F-5 Tiger II aircraft banking to the left over a range. One AIM-9J Sidewinder missile is on each wing tip. The aircraft is assigned to the 57th Fighter Weapons Wing. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An aerial view of United States Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornets above the South China Sea, Malaysia.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, fly for the Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach, California, Sept. 30, 2022. Huntington Beach played host to more than a million attendees along the stretch of Pacific Coast Highway that the Thunderbirds used for their demonstration.

Egyptian Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons 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 28, 2022. Agile Phoenix is a joint agile combat employment exercise focused on enhancing interoperability and ensuring regional security.

A Spanish Air Force C-15 from Torrejón Air Base pulls away after refueling from a U.S. Air Force KC-46A Pegasus from McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, April 18, 2022. The fighter was amongst the first Spanish or European aircraft fueled by the U.S.s newest tanker. McConnells aircrew and Pegasi were in Spain for an Employment Concept Exercise, which is designed to further operational testing and evaluation, increase crews' proficiency and support personnel and strengthen aircraft sustainment operations.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, receives fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, over the Pacific Ocean, April 5, 2023. The U.S. is committed to providing safety and security for its allies throughout the Indo-Pacific through unwavering and unmatched aerial denial and deterrence capabilities.

An F-14A Tomcat aircraft from Fighter Squadron 31 (VF-31) flies near the right wing tip of an Attack Squadron 176 (VA-176) KA-6D Intruder aircraft. Both squadrons are based aboard the aircraft carrier USS FORRESTAL (CV 59). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

041110-F-2295B-176. Base: Unknown Country: United States Of America (USA)

010811-F-7910D-032. Base: Buckley Air Force Base State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Combat Command

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor conducts a heritage flight during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The F-22 Raptor is the Air Forces fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Its combination of stealth, super-cruise, maneuverability, and integrated avionics, coupled with improved supportability, represents an exponential leap in war-fighting capabilities. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, “Marines Fight, Evolve and Win,” reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

040814-F-6740T-107. Country: Iraq (IRQ)

F-15C Eagles, assigned to the 125th Fighter Wing, Jacksonville Air National Guard Base, Florida, and F-35A Lightning IIs, from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida fly together during a training exercise in Jacksonville on Sept. 10, 2022. This training aides pilot familiarization as the 125th Fighter Wing, Home of the Thunder, prepares for its transition to the F-35A Lightning II from the F-15C Eagles currently flown by the Wing. The first F-35A Lightning II is expected to arrive at the 125th Fighter Wing in 2024.

DN-SC-04-08946. Base: San Clemente State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Lt. Col. Christopher Finkenstadt, 64th Aggressor Squadron commander, pilots a F-16C back into the training airspace May 4, 2021, over the Nevada Test and Training Range, Nevada. The Aggressor program began in the fall of 1972 with the activation of the 64th Aggressor Squadron. This program started as a direct result of the high air combat loss rate experienced in the Vietnam War.

060415-N-0490C-001. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

A B-1B Lancer from the 28th Air Expeditionary Wing (EW), maneuvers to receive fuel while on a bombing mission, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

DF-ST-88-07187. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors fly in formation during a training mission, Dec. 9, 2009. The F-22 fighters and crews are deployed from the 27th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va., and in the Air Forces Central area of responsibility for the first time as part of a multinational exercise where aircrews from France, Jordan, Pakistan, the U.A.E., the U.K., and the U.S. trained together in fighting a large-scale air war.

An F-35A Lightning II from Hill Air Force Base, Utah connects to the flying boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker for refueling over the Utah Test and Training Range, March 30, 2017.

030729-F-7709A-005. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

040818-F-4884R-018. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

DF-ST-85-03740. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR '83 Country: Unknown

KC-10 Extender aircraft's from the 9th Air Refueling Squadron, Travis Air Force Base, California, ready to deploy to Diego Garcia to provide air refueling support for B-52 Bombers during Operation DESERT STRIKE. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STRIKE Country: Unknown

F-22A Raptors with the 94th Fighter Squadron drop joint direct attack munitions during the 95th anniversary of when Gen. William Billy Mitchell bombed the Ostfriesland, a captured German warship, at Langley Air Force Base, Va., July 21, 2016. Mitchell and the 1st Provisional Air Brigade demonstrated to the world the superiority of airpower by sinking the reputedly unsinkable Ostfriesland.

An air to air rear underside view of two US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles from the 494th Fighter Squadron, Lakenheath Royal Air Force, England. The aircraft are flying sorties in support of the enforcement of a NATO no fly zone over Bosnia-Herzegovina. Subject Operation/Series: DENY FLIGHT Country: Adriatic Sea

Three US Navy Grumman F-14D Tomcats of VF-31 Tomcat aka Felix in tight formation photographed from a tanker over land.

DF-ST-88-08313. State: Utah (UT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

JAS-39 Gripen aircraft of the Czech Air Force fly in formation with a U.S. Air Force F-16.

A Strike Fighter Squadron 136 (VFA-136) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft receives fuel from an Air Anti-submarine Squadron 31 (VS-31) S-3 Viking aircraft as two VFA-131 Hornets fly alongside. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

An Oregon Air National Guard F-15C Eagle takes off from the Portland Air National Guard Base Oct. 2, 2010.

An Egyptian F-16B Fighting Falcon aircraft is positioned for in-flight refueling from a KC-10 Extender aircraft during the joint exercise Bright Star '83. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR '83 Country: Egypt (EGY)

A self portrait of Commander John Leenhouts of Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72) as he pilots his A-7E Corsair aircraft during a flight off of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67). Leenhouts is accompanied by two other VA-72 A-7E Corsair aircraft. Country: Caribbean Sea

AN air-to-air right rear view of the F-5 Tiger II aircraft over a range. One AIM-9J Sidewinder missile is on each wing tip. The aircraft is assigned to the 57th Fighter Weapons Wing. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air right side view of a Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) F-14A Tomcat aircraft on patrol during Exercise Deterrent Force 2/90, a part of Operation Desert Shield. The plane is attached to Carrier Air Wing Three, embarked on the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Subject Operation/Series: DETERRENT FORCE 2/90DESERT SHIELD Country: Unknown

030403-M-5607A-002. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

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.

f 18 Hornet at a Exercise from Air Defender 1038805103

040814-F-6740T-191. Country: Iraq (IRQ)

050811-F-6655M-357. State: Oregon (OR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

US Air Force F-18 Hornet jet fighters

High angle view of a fighter plane in flight, F-15C Eagle, US Air Force

US Air Force Lockheed F-16 Viper / Fighting Falcon of the 64th Aggressor Squadron (formerly the 414th Combat Training Squadron at time picture taken) in signature brown camouflage. Used as aggressor or enemy aircraft during training exercises at Nellis AFB, NV and other locations

030218-F-3961R-016. Subject Operation/Series: COPE TIGER 2003 Country: Unknown

U.S. Navy F-18s fly with a B-52H Stratofortress over the Pacific Ocean, Feb. 24, 2024. Joint operations, such as these, provide the opportunity to improve shared tactics to better integrate joint defense capabilities. Air Force

070118-F-7270C-005. State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air right side view of three F-15 Eagle aircraft armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles..

A KC-135 Stratotanker refuels an F-16 Fighting Falcon over Afghanistan, on Dec. 22, 2012. The F-16 Fighting Falcon deployed from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., received fuel to conduct missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The KC-135 Stratotanker is from the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron. (US Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Ashley Reed)

DF-ST-85-13140. Subject Operation/Series: GRANADERO I Country: Honduras (HND)

DN-ST-85-05498. Country: Unknown

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.

A U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler.

An air-to-air right side view of an F/A-18C Hornet aircraft, foreground, an F-14D Tomcat aircraft, background. The Hornet is equipped with F404-GE-402 enhanced performance engines (EPE). Country: Unknown

US Air Force Lockheed F-16C with AIM-120 AAMRAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles/ordnance, Harm targeting pod and centerline ECM (electronic counter measures) pod

An F-15 Eagle from the 104th Fighter Wing, Massachusetts Air National Guard lands at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Westfield Massachusetts, after participating in a training mission. The 104th Fighter Wing provides Air Sovereignty Alert support, protecting the Northeastern United States.

An F-111F aircraft from the 494th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 48th Tactical Fighter Wing, passes over a target at the Bardenas Reales bombing range during a training deployment. The aircraft is carrying 12 Mark 82 500-pound practice bombs. Country: Spain (ESP)

DF-ST-85-03738. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR '83 Country: Unknown

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" perform their demonstration at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida, March 31 - April 2, 2023. The Thunderbirds headlined the Wings Over Homestead Air Show with the mission to recruit, retain, and inspire American communities.

060918-F-9471S-113. Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

An air-to-air right side view of four F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft banking to the left while in echelon formation near a snow-covered mountain range. The aircraft are assigned to the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Country: Unknown

DF-ST-88-02979. Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

A P-51D Mustang and F-22 Raptor participate in a traditional "Heritage Flight" during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

An air-to-air left side view of the Advanced Fighter Technology Integration (AFTI) F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft (No. 750), as it is escorted to Fort Worth, Texas by two F-16As. Country: Unknown

An airborne view of a T-38 taken from the Atlantis (STS-36) while landing at Edwards Air Force Base, California 03/04/90 by Mission Specialist Richard M. Mike Mullane.

011113-F-2171A-009. Base: Randolph Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

051012-F-5480T-002. Country: Persian Gulf

DN-SP-04-08649. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-88-03477. Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Royal Malaysian Air Force Mig-29 Fulcrum maneuvering into position with United States Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet

DF-SC-87-02091. Country: Unknown

An Attack Squadron 115 (VA-115) A-6E Intruder aircraft from the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41) approaches a U.S. Air Force KC-135E Stratotanker aircraft to conduct an in-flight refueling. Country: Indian Ocean(IOC)

A U.S. Air Force 44th Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle receives fuel from a 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker over South Korea, Nov. 4, 2022. The Eagle's air superiority was achieved through a mixture of unprecedented maneuverability and acceleration, range, weapons and avionics.

A right side overhead view of two F-14B Tomcat aircraft of Fighter Squadron 143 (VF-143) in-flight near Puerto Rico. Below the aircraft is the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) which is conducting her shakedown cruise. Country: Caribbean Sea

DF-ST-87-12712. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER '86-3 Country: Philippines (PHL)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 64th Aggressor Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, takes off in support of Black Flag 22-2, at Nellis Air Force Base, Sept. 20 Sept. 2022. The 64th AGRS provided adversary air during the exercise. This Black Flag assessed interoperability of near-future capabilities across the domains and services with a focus on tactical data link and consolidated F-35 cross service maintenance and logistics.

030618-F-7709A-004. Country: Gulf Of Mexico Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

Two U.S. Marine Corp F-18 Hornet return to base after performing aerial maneuvers at Miramar Marine Corp Air Station, San Diego, California, Aug 5, 2022. The 140th Wing is performing aerial maneuvers and training with the F-18 fighter jets, stationed at Miramar Air Station, to enhance their wartime readiness capabilities utilizing the latest combat scenarios.

February 7, 2007 - An F-22 Raptor participates in a Red Flag exercise over Nevada. Red Flag is an exercise designed to hone the warfighting skills of Air Force pilots.

Three of the four ship formation with F-16s assigned to the 64th Aggressor Squadron and 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron fly in a formation during the 50th Anniversary fly-by during Aviation Nation 2022 Nov. 4, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The airshow will feature 17 performers and served as a way for military members and installations to show appreciation to local communities and showcase Department of Defense and Air Force capabilities.

Am aerial view of a Malaysian Air Force Mikoyan-Gurevich Mig-29 Fulcrum above the South China Sea, Malaysia.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Kristin "BEO" Wolfe, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team Pilot and Commander, climbs upwards during the Oregon International Air Show at Hillsboro Airport, Ore., May 20, 2022. The "She Flies with Her Own Wings" air show was considered an all-female air show, to include female performers, maintenance personnel, emcees, and air bosses.

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