A 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker joins an elephant walk during a no-notice readiness exercise April 12, 2017, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Maintaining operational readiness is essential for the 18th Wing to be able to respond to any natural disaster or threat in the region. The 909th ARS enables joint and allied forces to extend air operations range and times on station, enhancing their ability to deter and respond to possible threats throughout the Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman John Linzmeier)