U.S. Navy, 909th ARS perform night training over the Pacific

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, sits on the flightline before takeoff from Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 29, 2025. The 909 ARS executes rapid deployment to support a multitude of Pacific Air Force missions, displaying Kadena’s commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

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U.S. Navy, 909th ARS perform night training over the Pacific

U.S. Air Force Landren Dela Crus, 909th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, performs pre-flight inspections before takeoff at Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 29, 2025. Pre-flight inspections are necessary to ensure that both the aircraft and crew are in good working order, guaranteeing mission success. Boom operators receive years of extensive training to skillfully pump thousands of gallons of fuel into any capable aircraft, including joint-partner aircraft like the U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

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U.S. Navy, 909th ARS perform night training over the Pacific

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jacob Urlaub, 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker pilot, prepares for takeoff at Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 29, 2025. The 909th ARS executes rapid deployment of KC-135s to support a multitude of Pacific Air Force missions, displaying Kadena’s commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

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U.S. Navy, 909th ARS perform night training over the Pacific

A U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon performs aerial refueling operations with a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, over the Pacific Ocean, May 29, 2025. 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 Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

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U.S. Navy, 909th ARS perform night training over the Pacific

A U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon 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 Pacific Ocean, May 29, 2025. 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 Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

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U.S. Navy, 909th ARS perform night training over the Pacific

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jacob Urlaub, 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker pilot, flies over the Pacific Ocean, May 29, 2025. The 909th ARS executes rapid deployment to support a multitude of Pacific Air Force missions, displaying Kadena’s commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

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U.S. Navy, 909th ARS perform night training over the Pacific

U.S. Air Force Capt. Matthew Taira, 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron flight nurse, watches Senior Airman Landren Dela Cruz, 909th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, perform aerial refueling operations over the Pacific Ocean, May 29, 2025. 18 AES nurses and technicians undergo extensive training with the 909th ARS, ensuring they are prepared to evacuate, treat and transport wounded military and civilian personnel at a moment’s notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

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U.S. Navy, 909th ARS perform night training over the Pacific

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, sits on the flightline after performing aerial refueling operations at Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 29, 2025. The KC-135 provides the core aerial refueling capability for the U.S. Air Force and has excelled in this role for more than 60 years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

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U.S. Navy, 909th ARS perform night training over the Pacific

Published June 6, 2025
By Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --

A U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon performs aerial refueling operations with a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, over the Pacific Ocean, May 29, 2025. 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. The 909th ARS executes rapid deployment to support a multitude of Pacific Air Force missions, displaying Kadena’s commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.