Boom operator training: refueling experts

Aircrew members from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron brief each other in front of a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 3, 2021. Pre-flight briefings cover topics related to the safety of the aircrew and the success of the mission, ensuring operations run smoothly. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte)

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Boom operator training: refueling experts

Tech. Sgt. Brandon Harmon, 909th Air Refueling Squadron flight chief of B flight, observes Airman 1st Class Deull Arnold, 909th ARS boom operator apprentice, review pre-flight procedures at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 3, 2021. This refueling flight was an opportunity for Harmon to gain pre-certification experience as a boom operator instructor and for Arnold to earn his qualifications as a boom operator. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte)

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Boom operator training: refueling experts

Airman 1st Class Deull Arnold, 909th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator apprentice, reviews a pre-flight checklist at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 3, 2021. Using a specialized boom attached to the back of a KC-135 Stratotanker, boom operators are experts in safely transferring thousands of gallons of fuel to another aircraft in the air. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte)

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Boom operator training: refueling experts

Airman 1st Class Deull Arnold, 909th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator apprentice, refuels a U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle over the Pacific Ocean while Master Sgt. Michael Weidman, 909th ARS flight chief of D flight, supervises Sept. 3, 2021. Extensive training and supervised experience is required before boom operators are qualified to complete aerial refueling by themselves. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte)

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Boom operator training: refueling experts

Tech. Sgt. Brandon Harmon, 909th Air Refueling Squadron flight chief of B flight, refuels a U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle over the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 3, 2021. Boom operators have a unique job as one of the few enlisted crew positions to fly an aerodynamic surface. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte)

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Boom operator training: refueling experts

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron over the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 3, 2021. Aerial refueling allows aircraft to accomplish the mission efficiently, eliminating the need to return to base for fuel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte)

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Boom operator training: refueling experts

Tech. Sgt. Brandon Harmon, 909th Air Refueling Squadron flight chief of B flight, supervises aerial refueling over the Pacific Ocean Sept. 3, 2021. Becoming a boom operator instructor requires at least 700 hours of experience as a boom operator, as well as additional training and certifications. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte)

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Boom operator training: refueling experts

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle disconnects after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron over the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 3, 2021. The 909th ARS plays a vital role in promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific by providing air refueling so Kadena Air Base can deliver airpower any time, any place. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte)

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Boom operator training: Refueling experts

Published Oct. 5, 2021
By Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --

Boom operator training: refueling experts

Boom operator training: refueling experts

Boom operator training: refueling experts

Boom operator training: refueling experts

Boom operator training: refueling experts

Boom operator training: refueling experts

Boom operator training: refueling experts

Boom operator training: refueling experts