A riveting refuel of 82nd RS RC-135 Rivot Joint

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jordan Barker, 909th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, refuels a RC-135 Rivet Joint assigned to the 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron over the Pacific Ocean, March 31, 2025. Aerial refueling capabilities extend airborne training time and combat radius, ensuring joint and Allied aircraft are postured to maintain regional peace and stability within the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)

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A riveting refuel of 82nd RS RC-135 Rivot Joint

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron review KC-135 Stratotanker maintenance records at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 31, 2025. The 909th ARS is the U.S. Pacific Air Force’s premier unit for providing air refueling to joint and Allied aircraft throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)

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A riveting refuel of 82nd RS RC-135 Rivot Joint

U.S. Air Force Capt. Joffre Alvarez, 909th Air Refueling Squadron pilot, performs engine start up procedures on a KC-135 Stratotanker at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 31, 2025. Kadena conducts operations in support of the defense of Japan and to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)

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A riveting refuel of 82nd RS RC-135 Rivot Joint

A U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint assigned to the 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron to receive aerial refueling over the Pacific Ocean, March 31, 2025. The U.S. Air Force deploys its most advanced capabilities to the Indo-Pacific region to signify a continued commitment to regional stability and security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)

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A riveting refuel of 82nd RS RC-135 Rivot Joint

A U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint assigned to the 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron to receive aerial refueling over the Pacific Ocean, March 31, 2025. The RC-135 supports theater and national level consumers with near real-time, on-scene intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)

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A riveting refuel of 82nd RS RC-135 Rivot Joint

U.S. Air Force Capt. Nico Ouano, 909th Air Refueling Squadron pilot, performs engine start up procedures on a KC-135 Stratotanker at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 31, 2025. The 909th ARS is the U.S. Pacific Air Force’s premier unit for providing air refueling to joint and Allied aircraft throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)

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A riveting refuel of 82nd RS RC-135 Rivot Joint

U.S. Air Force Capt. Joffre Alvarez, 909th Air Refueling Squadron pilot, performs engine start up procedures on a KC-135 Stratotanker at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 31, 2025. The 909th ARS is the U.S. Pacific Air Force’s premier unit for providing air refueling to joint and Allied aircraft throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)

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A riveting refuel of 82nd RS RC-135 Rivot Joint

U.S. Air Force Capt. Joffre Alvarez, 909th Air Refueling Squadron pilot, conducts pre-flight checks on a KC-135 Stratotanker at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 31, 2025. Kadena conducts operations in support of the defense of Japan and to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)

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A riveting refuel of 82nd RS RC-135 Rivot Joint

A U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint assigned to the 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron conducts aerial refueling with a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron over the Pacific Ocean, March 31, 2025. The RC-135 supports theater and national level consumers with near real-time, on-scene intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)

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A riveting refuel of 82nd RS RC-135 Rivot Joint

Published April 14, 2025
By Senior Airman Melany Bermudez
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan. --

A U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint assigned to the 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron received aerial refueling by a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron on March 31, 2025. The primary mission for the 82nd RS is to provide vital intelligence to U.S. and Allied forces while securing a strategic military advantage in the Pacific theater. The RC-135 supports theater and national level consumers with near real-time, on-scene intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination capabilities.