Minimal ground time, maximum refueling

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 6th Refueling Wing, approaches Kadena Air Base, Japan, to receive hot-pit refueling, June 28, 2022. Hot-pit refueling allows the aircraft to keep its engines running while receiving fuel, which minimizes ground time and ensures the mission will continue with minimal delay. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Yosselin Perla)

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Minimal ground time, maximum refueling

A 909th Aircraft Maintenance Unit KC-135 Stratotanker crew chief marshals a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, prior to performing hot-pit refueling operations at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 28, 2022. By operating out of Kadena Air Base, visiting forces build invaluable experience operating in the physically vast and strategically complex environment of the Indo-Pacific, enabling greater readiness and interoperability with joint, partner and allied forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman First Class Yosselin Perla)

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Minimal ground time, maximum refueling

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Trey Branch, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron forward area refueling point team chief, prepares a Versatile Integrating Partner Equipment Refueling kit for hot-pit refueling operations at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 28, 2022. The VIPER kit is a universal system that can be outfitted with multiple adapters to refuel varying airframes, pushing the envelope of U.S. Air Force refueling capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Yosselin Perla)

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Minimal ground time, maximum refueling

18th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operators perform hot-pit refueling operations at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 28, 2022. Hot-pit refueling allows the aircraft to keep its engines running while receiving fuel, which minimizes ground time and ensures the mission will continue with minimal delay. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Yosselin Perla)

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Minimal ground time, maximum refueling

Airmen assigned to the 18th Logistics Squadron perform hot-pit refueling operations at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 28, 2022. As the Keystone of the Pacific, Kadena Air Base plays a vital part in supporting the Pacific Air Forces’ effort to operationalize concepts designed to become more agile in our execution, more strategic in our deterrence, and more resilient in our capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Yosselin Perla)

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Minimal ground time, maximum refueling

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Diquan Landers, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels distribution supervisor, drags a refueling hose towards a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing during hot-pit refueling operations at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 28, 2022. By operating out of Kadena Air Base, visiting forces build invaluable experience operating in the physically vast and strategically complex environment of the Indo-Pacific, enabling greater readiness and interoperability with joint, partner and allied forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman First Class Yosselin Perla)

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Minimal ground time, maximum refueling

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 909th Aircraft Maintenance Unit and 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron oversee a KC-135 hot-pit operation at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 28, 2022. Hot-pit refueling allows the aircraft to keep its engines running while receiving fuel, which minimizes ground time and ensures the mission will continue with minimal delay. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Yosselin Perla)

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Minimal ground time, maximum refueling

18th Logistics Squadron fuels distribution operators perform a KC-135 hot-pit refueling operation at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 28, 2022. As the Keystone of the Pacific, Kadena Air Base plays a vital part in supporting the Pacific Air Forces’ effort to operationalize concepts designed to become more agile in our execution, more strategic in our deterrence, and more resilient in our capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Yosselin Perla)

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Minimal ground time, maximum refueling

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Collin Stratton, 18th Logistics Squadron fuels distribution supervisor, stands in front of a fuel truck during a KC-135 Stratotanker hot-pit refueling operation at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 28, 2022. Kadena Air Base is the hub of airpower in the Pacific, and home to the 18th Wing and a variety of associate units to form a world-class combat team ready to ensure peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Yosselin Perla)

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Minimal ground time, maximum refueling

Airmen assigned to the 909th Aircraft Maintenance Unit and 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron perform a hot-pit refueling operation on a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 28, 2022. Hot-pit refueling allows the aircraft to keep its engines running while receiving fuel, which minimizes ground time and ensures the mission will continue with minimal delay. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Yosselin Perla)

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Minimal ground time, maximum refueling

Published June 28, 2022
By Airman 1st Class Yosselin Perla
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --