F-35s support free, open Indo-Pacific

Airmen assigned to the 909th Aircraft Maintenance Unit and 909th Air Refueling Squadron review KC-135 Stratotanker maintenance records at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 28, 2022. The 909th ARS is the Pacific Air Force's lead force for air refueling U.S. and allied aircraft during all contingencies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Yosselin Campos)

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F-35s support free, open Indo-Pacific

Airmen assigned to the 909th Aircraft Maintenance Unit and 909th Air Refueling Squadron review KC-135 Stratotanker maintenance records at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 28, 2022. Kadena conducts operations in support of the defense of Japan, as well as U.S. efforts to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Yosselin Campos)

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F-35s support free, open Indo-Pacific

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Alexander Nunn, 909th Aircraft Maintenance Unit KC-135 Stratotanker communication and navigation specialist, listens to an aircraft preflight check at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 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 Senior Airman Yosselin Campos)

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F-35s support free, open Indo-Pacific

U.S. Air Force Maj. John Della Pia, 909th Air Refueling Squadron pilot, conducts a preflight briefing at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 28, 2022. Aircrews routinely fly missions aimed at sharpening the necessary skills needed to respond to emerging situations at a moment’s notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Yosselin Campos)

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F-35s support free, open Indo-Pacific

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Spencer Balcom, 909th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, refuels a U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, over the Indo-Pacific theater, Sept. 28, 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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Yosselin Campos)

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F-35s support free, open Indo-Pacific

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, receives fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, over the Indo-Pacific theater, Sept. 28, 2022. U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps aircrews routinely train together to enhance bilateral interoperability in support of the defense of Japan while securing a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Yosselin Campos)

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F-35s support free, open Indo-Pacific

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, receives fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, over the Indo-Pacific theater, Sept. 28, 2022.Conducting integrated operations with joint partners and allies ensures Pacific Air Forces maintains a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Yosselin Campos)

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F-35s support free, open Indo-Pacific

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, approaches a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, to receive aerial refueling over the Indo-Pacific theater, Sept. 28, 2022. Pacific Air Forces utilize various aircraft to maintain a flexible theater posture to enhance its ability to provide the Department of Defense options to support our allies and partners in a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Yosselin Campos)

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F-35s support free, open Indo-Pacific

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, approaches a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, to receive aerial refueling over the Indo-Pacific theater, Sept. 28, 2022. Pacific Air Forces utilize various aircraft to maintain a flexible theater posture to enhance its ability to provide the Department of Defense options to support our allies and partners in a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Yosselin Campos)

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F-35s support free, open Indo-Pacific

Published Oct. 2, 2022
By Senior Airman Yosselin Campos
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --