Military Aircraft Refueling Operations

Images depict various military aircraft, including Tornadoes and F-15s, engaging in aerial refueling from KC-135 Stratotankers over diverse landscapes.

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18C Hornet aircraft with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533 conducts aerial refueling with an Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft with the 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, over the Pacific Ocean, May 28, 2022. Marines with VMFA(AW)-533 traveled from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam to enhance squadron readiness and conduct joint-level training as part of an Aviation Training Relocation Program.

A German air force Tornado aircraft approaches a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, during exercise Cobra Warrior 22 over the North Sea, Sept. 7, 2022. Cobra Warrior develops the tactical interoperability skills of participating U.S. Airmen, allies and partners within a composite air operation environment.

A WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron flies in the eye of Hurricane Ian Sept. 27, 2022. Ian is projected to make landfall in Florida after bringing hurricane conditions to Cuba.

U.S. Air Force F-16 Falcons from the Air National Guard's 187th Fighter Wing, Montgomery, Alabama and F-15 Eagles from the Air National Guard's 159th Fighter Wing, New Orleans, Louisiana, are refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker from the Air National Guard's 117th Air Refueling Wing, on July 22, 2022. The flight crew wore helmets during the refueling to simulate a need for oxygen situation. (U.S Air National Guard Photos by Senior Airman Nicholas Faddis.)

A U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler aircraft attached to the Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138 "Yellowjackets", assigned to Carrier Task Force 70, Carrier Strike Group 5, flies next to a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron over the Pacific Ocean while flying in support of Exercise Valiant Shield 22 (VS22), June 13 2022. Exercises like VS22 allow forces across the Indo-Pacific the opportunity to integrate Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, and Space Force to train in precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force.

A view from the boom operator's station of an Alaska Tanker Task Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft which is refueling an F-15 Eagle aircraft. The Eagles need tanker support when they escort Soviet bombers from the Alaskan coast. Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Hawaii Air National Guard F-22 Raptor takes off and gives a traditional 'shaka' wave during a training exercise Jan. 21, 2022, at Honolulu International Airport, Hawaii. The exercise provides participants with a multi-faceted, joint venue with supporting infrastructure and personnel. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy)

A 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing F-15C Eagle aircraft pulls into a climb during a flight out of Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The aircraft is carrying two AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles on each wing and four AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAMs) on its fuselage weapons stations. Country: Gulf Of Mexico

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18C Hornet aircraft with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533 conducts aerial refueling with an Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft with the 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, over the Pacific Ocean, May 28, 2022. Marines with VMFA(AW)-533 traveled from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam to enhance squadron readiness and conduct joint-level training as part of an Aviation Training Relocation Program.

A Japanese Air Self-Defense Force F-15 takes off to join a multinational formation over Guam, Feb. 6, 2024. Participants exercise interoperability during Cope North 24 through agile combat employment and integrated generation of airpower from dispersed locations across the Indo-Pacific. Air Force

An in flight underside view of an F/A-18A Hornet aircraft of Marine Reserve Strike Fighter Squadron 321 (VMFA-321) taking off and climbing away fully armed with Mark 77 Napalm bombs for a close air support mission on the "Bravo-19" target range at the Naval Air Warfare Center complex. The reserve unit is performing their two week annual training duty. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-95-01459. Country: Caribbean Sea

DF-ST-89-05275. Subject Operation/Series: DISTANT MARINER Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Fighter plane in flight, F-15E Strike Eagle, US Air Force

An air-to-air overhead view of a Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) F-14A Tomcat aircraft over the Red Sea during Operation Desert Storm. The Tomcat is armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles on the outer pylons and AIM-7 Sparrow missiles on the fuselage pylons. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

DF-ST-90-04075. Subject Operation/Series: COMMANDO WEST 89-1 Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 4, 2018) An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Blue Blasters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34 breaks the sound barrier during an air power demonstration.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 179th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron conducts aerial refueling during an agile combat employment exercise with U.S. Central Command regional partners July 13, 2022. Ninth Air Force (AFCENT) led the combined rapid deployment exercise consisting of forward operating location establishment, simulated combat sortie generation, aerial refueling, ground hot-pit refueling as well as command and control procedures. This training demonstrates the flexibility of U.S. airpower assets and maintains interoperability with foreign partners for enhanced security of the region.

An F-15E Strike Eagle soars over the Offutt Air Force Base runway showcasing the F-15Eís capabilities at the 2011 Defenders of Freedom Open House and Air Show Aug. 27. The F-15E is a dual-role fighter with two crew members, a pilot and a weapons systems officer, performing air- to-air and air-to-ground missions.

DF-ST-89-05844. Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon with the 177th Fighter Wing flies behind a 108th Wing KC-135R Stratotanker during a refueling mission over the Atlantic Ocean on April 21, 2022. The 108th Wing's principal mission is air refueling for Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps aircraft as well as aircraft of allied nations.

AN air-to-air left side view of an F-15 Eagle aircraft in flight over the White Sands Missile Range. Two AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles are mounted on each side of the fuselage. The aircraft is assigned to the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing. Base: Holloman Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Top front view of an F-14 Tomcat aircraft being refueled by a KC-10 Extender aircraft from the 678th Air Defense Group, during exercise Ocean Venture '82. Subject Operation/Series: OCEAN VENTURE '82 Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-89-05295. Subject Operation/Series: DISTANT MARINER Base: Andersen Air Force Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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. Tight crop

An F-4E Phantom II aircraft of the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing launches an AGM-65 Maverick Missile..

DN-SC-89-11086. Country: Japan (JPN)

DM-SC-89-05516. Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, 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, May 5, 2022. The JPARC provides more than 77,000 square miles of airspace, making it the worlds largest instrumented air, ground and electronic combat training range. 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. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing over the North Sea during exercise Cobra Warrior 22, Sept. 21, 2022. The partnerships created through recurring training events like Cobra Warrior, better support the ability to employ a strategic force in theater whenever called upon.

F-22 Raptors with the 90th Fighter Squadron, 3rd Wing, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, fly over the air field at Royal Air Force Lakenehath, England, July 26, 2022. The fifth generation capability contributes to the Air Shielding mission with its ability to provide lethality and survivability against any emerging high end threats.

An air-to-air underside view of a 335th Tactical Fighter Squadron F-4E Phantom II aircraft, equipped with an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile. State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Aimee Rebel Fiedler, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team commander and pilot, performs a demonstration with Col. Kristoffer Smith, 20th Fighter Wing commander, in the back seat at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Aug. 18, 2022. Fiedler performs precision aerial maneuvers to demonstrate the unique capabilities of one of the Air Force's premier multi-role fighters, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

A 44th Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle approaches a 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker for refueling over the Pacific Ocean, June 15, 2022. The KC-135 Stratotanker enhances the Air Force's capabilities by refueling aircraft mid-flight and increasing time spent in the air.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Joshua Cabo Gunderson, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander and pilot, performs during the Orlando Air and Space Show at the Orlando Sanford International Airport, Florida, Oct. 30, 2022. The F-22A is a fifth-generation fighter incorporating fourth-generation technology, radical maneuvering capabilities, the ability to fly at supersonic speed without afterburners and unprecedented pilot situational awareness.

050917-N-0295M-350. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Air to Air view of CBU-89/AGM-65 Maverick air-to-surface missiles on an F-15E Eagle, tail #188. Air to Air view of CBU-89/AGM-65 Maverick air-to-surface missiles on an F-15E Eagle, tail #188.

A U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, 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 23-1 over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, Oct. 11, 2022. The JPARC covers more than 77,000 square miles and provides a realistic training environment, allowing those who conduct operations in the area to train for full spectrum engagements, ranging from individual skills to complex, large-scale joint engagements.

An F-4E Phantom II aircraft of the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing launches an AGM-65 Maverick Missile. Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Fly-over by US Navy F-14 Tomcat aircraft, US Air Force F-1 Mirage, Canadian Air Force CF-18 Hornet and a USAF F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft at the Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) change of command ceremony. Base: Peterson Air Force Base State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-15C Eagle aircraft from the 22nd Tactical Fighter Squadron is towed out of its shelter during Exercise Oksboel '86. Subject Operation/Series: OKSBOEL '86 Base: Alborg Air Station Country: Denmark (DNK)

A F-22 Raptor makes one final pass before returning to Edwards Air Force Base, California, on March 1ST, 1999, to undergo further testing as part of the F-22 Combined Test Force including Lockheed, Boeing and Pratt and Whitney. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

US Navy VFA-115 Boeing F/A-18C Hornet above the Pacific Ocean and clouds near Hawaii in warm evening light, sunset

F/A-18s assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 Silver Eagles from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, fly in formation during an aerial refueling operation off the coast of North Carolina following Exercise Razor Talon May 19, 2022. Razor Talon is the premiere training initiative that offers joint integration opportunities for the Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy, Army and Coast Guard.

U.S Air Force Captain Kristin BEO Wolfe, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team Commander, flies during a demonstration at the Oregon International Airshow in McMinnville, Ore., Aug. 20, 2022. The F-35 Demo team travels around the United States and around the world, showcasing the worlds most technologically advanced fifth-generation fighter jet.

U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagles assigned to the 18th Wing from Kadena Air Base, Japan, fly over Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Jan. 26, 2022. The aircraft flew in to participate in the upcoming exercise Cope North 22. Exercises such as Cope North allow the Pacific Air Forces to validate new ways to deploy and maneuver assets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Micaiah Anthony)

A B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron flies in formation with several partner nations in a training exercise Aug. 24, 2022. U.S. Strategic Command forces are on watch 24 hours a day, seven days a week to deter and defeat strategic attack against the U.S. and our allies with our Nations arsenal.

A pair of F-15Cs, assigned to the Oregon Air National Guards 142nd Wing, Portland Air National Guard base, perform several flybys at the Oregon International Airshow in McMinnville, Ore., Aug. 20, 2022. The Oregon Air National Guard maintains two flying wings, one co-located at the Portland International Airport, and the 173rd Fighter Wing, an F-15 training unit, is located in Klamath Falls.

F-14A Tomcat aircraft of Fighter Squadron 84 (VF-84) bank to the left while flying in formation. The Tomcat in the foreground is armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles on its outer pylons, AIM-7 Sparrow missiles on its inner pylons and practice bombs under the fuselage. The F-14A at center is armed with Sidewinders on the outer pylons, Sparrows on the inner pylons, and AIM-54 Phoenix missiles under the fuselage. The F-14A in the background is armed with Sidewinders on the outer pylons, Sparrows on the inner pylons and carries a tactical air reconnaissance pod system (TARPS) under the fuselage. Country: Unknown

Straight on medium close-up aerial shot, looking out the boom operator's window on a KC-135, as a US Air Force F-16 gets refueled by a KC-135. This aircraft and other F-16s (Not shown), from Aviano Air Base, Italy, are being escorted to MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, by KC-135s (Only the end of the boom is shown). The 555th Fighter Squadron deployed to MacDill due to temporary closure of Aviano's airfield. Country: Unknown

Carrying a load of general-purpose bombs, a Strike Fighter Squadron 81 (VFA-81) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft sits ready for launch on the flight deck of the aircraft USS SARATOGA (CV-60) during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 179th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, flies in the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility, April 21, 2022. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that delivers airpower to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Heat waves radiate from an engine as a 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing SR-71 aircraft taxis on the flight line after arriving on base for its deactivation ceremony. The plane's pilot, MAJ Terry B. Pappas, and MAJ John D. Manzi, reconnaissance officer, are delivering the aircraft to the March Field Museum for permanent display. Base: March Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing soars through the sky during routine training at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 22, 2022. U.S. and ROKAF service members carried out bilateral training to improve mission focus and force interoperability.

The Royal Air Force in Malta, June 1943 Rear port view of a De Havilland Mosquito flying over the Mediterranean on its return to Malta from a raid on enemy territory in Southern Italy.

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.

DN-ST-88-00498. Subject Operation/Series: DISPLAY DETERMINATION. '86 Country: Unknown

DF-ST-86-12453. Subject Operation/Series: PROUD PHANTOM Base: Cairo West Country: Egypt (EGY)

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform for the Airshow London Skydrive in London, Ontario, September, 9, 2022. This was the Thunderbirds second performance in Canada for the 2022 season.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron receives fuel from a 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker over the Pacific Ocean, June 17, 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 U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle aircraft assigned to the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron conducts aerial refueling operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Oct 13, 2022. The 335 EFS delivers airpower and showcases U.S. commitment to deterrence and regional stability.

DF-ST-89-04137. Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors fly in formation during a training mission, Dec. 6, 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 U.S. fighter jet refuels from an Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker Aug. 21.

041116-N-4308O-014. Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

Two Saab JAS 39 fighter jets from the Hungarian Air Force perform maneuvers above Chievres Air Base, Belgium as part of the Chievres Air Fest June 24, 2022. .S. Army Garrison Benelux hosted the 2022 Chièvres Air Fest June 24 and 25 at Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, in celebration of the decades of partnership between the U.S. Army and its host nation community.

A U.S. Air Force F-15 Strike Eagle, assigned to the 389th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, flies alongside a HC-130J Combat King II, assigned to the 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, during a fighter escort exercise in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 31, 2023.The exercise demonstrated fighter aircraft integration and escort capabilities, as well as aerial refueling operations.

A Royal Air Force of Oman F-16 Fighting Falcon conducts aerial refueling operations with a U.S. Air Force KC- 135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, May 17, 2022 during exercise Accurate Test 22. U.S. participation in exercises such as this reassures our coalition and regional partners and allies of our commitment to the security and stability of this region.

DF-ST-86-11641. Country: Unknown

A formation of F-14 Tomcat, F/A-18 Hornet, S-3A Viking, EA-3B Skywarrior and A-6 Intruder aircraft make an overflight of the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) during TIGER CRUISE. Subject Operation/Series: TIGER CRUISE Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 20, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Vigilantes” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151 conducts a fly-by off the port side of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101). 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. Air Force pilot assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, prepares for takeoff during Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.12 at Tyndall AFB, Florida, Sept. 14, 2022. WSEP-E 22.12 is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

220914-N-XN177-1222 PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 14, 2022) - An MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) flies over amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Sept. 14, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

240122-N-ED228-2368 PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 21, 2024) An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, launches off the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations conducting advanced tactical training that increases warfighting capability and tactical proficiency across all domains.

March 26, 2007 - A F-15 Eagle receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker over the Pacific Alaska Range Complex.

An air-to-air right side view of an F-4E Phantom II aircraft of the 51st Tactical Fighter Wing, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. The aircraft is equipped with an ALQ-119 electronic countermeasures pod and an Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) pod. (AIRMAN Magazine, Apr 1984). Country: Unknown

220717-N-WI365-1129 SOUTH CHINA SEA (July 17, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 flies over the flight deck of the Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). The Royal Maces 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 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.

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.

An Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VX-1) ES-3A Shadow aircraft approaches the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) during the NATO exercise Display Determination '92. An A-6E Intruder aircraft is in the foreground. Subject Operation/Series: DISPLAY DETERMINATION '92 Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 4th Fighter Wing receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 91st Air Refueling Squadron over the Northeastern U.S. Aug. 24, 2022. The 91st ARS refueled four F-15E aircraft as part of an Agile Combat Employment capstone exercise. In order to successfully qualify, Airmen must demonstrate skills acquired from a years worth of tasks and objectives within 3 days while conducting 24-hour operations.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Joshua Cabo Gunderson, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander and pilot, performs during the Orlando Air and Space Show at the Orlando Sanford International Airport, Florida, Oct. 30, 2022. The F-22 Demo Team travels to air shows across the world to showcase the performance and capabilities of the worlds premier fifth-generation fighter.

PHILIPPINE SEA (MAY 05, 2022) Two F/A-18E Super Hornets, assigned to the "Tophatters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, fly by 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.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Ryan "Pabst" Wilmes, a native of Aurora, Ill., prepares an F-16 Fighting Falcon for takeoff as part of The Falcon Air Meet 2010 at Azraq Air Base, Jordan, Oct. 18, 2010. Capt. Wilmes is assigned to the 77th Fighter Squadron from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Falcon from the South Dakota Air National Guards 114th Fighter Wing follows behind the boom of a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the Iowa Air National Guards 185thAir Refueling Wing in over Southeast South Dakota on June 27, 2023. The aircraft are flying together as part of a nationwide aerial refueling demonstration, commemorating the 100thanniversary of air refueling.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 100th Fighter Wing, Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama, flies beside a KC-135 Stratotanker out of the 186th Air Refueling Wing, Key Field, Meridian, Mississippi, after receiving fuel during Southern Strike 2022, April 27, 2022. Southern Strike 2022 is a large-scale, joint multinational combat exercise that provides tactical level training for the full spectrum of conflict. It emphasizes air dominance, maritime operations, maritime air support, precision engagement, close air support, command and control, personnel recovery, aero medical evacuation, and combat medical support.

Two F-22 Raptors fly in formation behind a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron during a Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve mission over Iraq, April 11, 2017. The Raptor performs both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions allowing full realization of operational concepts vital to the 21st century Air Force.

U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning IIs from the 356th Fighter Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base fly side by side with Republic of Korea Air Force F-35s from the 151st and 152nd Combat Flight Squadrons as part of a bilateral exercise over the Yellow Sea, Republic of Korea, July 12, 2022. Fight Tonight readiness highlights the security and stability across the Korean peninsula and remains the number one priority for United States Forces Korea.

Two F-14A Tomcat aircraft fly over the air station. Base: Naval Air Station, Cubi Point State: Luzon Country: Philippines(PHL)

A low angle left side view of an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft in flight. The aircraft, from the 81st Tactical Fighter Wing, is carrying four AGM-65B Maverick Scene Magnification missiles and one AN/ALQ-119 electronic countermeasures pod. Base: Raf Bentwaters Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle, assigned to the 104th Fighter Wing, takes off June 3, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. The 104FW is trained to provide around-the-clock Aerospace Control Alert, providing armed F-15 fighters ready to scramble in a moments notice to protect the northeast United States from any airborne threat.

Spouses of 507th Air Refueling Wing members take flight April 29, 2022, on a KC-135 Stratotanker at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

An F-35 Lightning II Hornet flies above the flight line during the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration of the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The MAGTF Demo displays the coordinated use of close-air support, artillery and infantry forces, and provides a visual representation of how the Marine Corps operates. 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.

A C-130 Hercules aircraft assigned to the 120th Airlift Wing takes off from the Montana Air National Guard Base, Great Falls, Montana Sept 9, 2022. The "Heritage" paint scheme represents 75 years of Montana aviation history and is dedicated to the past, present, and future members of the MTANG

020307-F-1718K-003. State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

of 3