909th ARS fuels Rocketeers 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, July 25, 2025. The KC-135 provides core aerial refueling capabilities for the U.S. Air Force and has excelled in this role for over 60 years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
909th ARS fuels Rocketeers over the Pacific

U.S. Air Force Capt. Caroline Bates, 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker instructor pilot, performs pre-flight checks before takeoff from Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 25, 2025. 909th ARS 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 Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
909th ARS fuels Rocketeers over the Pacific

U.S. Air Force Capt. Adam Payne, 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker co-pilot, pilots a KC-135 over the Pacific Ocean, July 25, 2025. The 909th ARS executes rapid deployments 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)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
909th ARS fuels Rocketeers over the Pacific

U.S. Air Force Capt. Caroline Bates, 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker instructor pilot, prepares for takeoff at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 25, 2025. Refueling missions extend the breadth of U.S. aerial capabilities throughout the Indo-Pacific, demonstrating the multi-domain benefit of critical deterrence missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
909th ARS fuels Rocketeers over the Pacific

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, assigned to the 336th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed to Kadena Air Base, Japan, approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, over the Pacific Ocean, July 25, 2025. 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 Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
909th ARS fuels Rocketeers over the Pacific

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kelsi Steadman, 909th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, observes U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Matthew Hurless, 909th ARS operations flight chief and instructor boom operator, performing aerial refueling operations over the Pacific Ocean, July 25, 2025. Boom operators are highly trained experts in providing aerial refueling to ensure missions continue without the need to return to an airfield for fuel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
909th ARS fuels Rocketeers over the Pacific

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, performs aerial refueling operations with an F-15E Strike Eagle, assigned to the 336th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed to Kadena Air Base, Japan, over the Pacific Ocean, July 25, 2025. 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 Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
909th ARS fuels Rocketeers over the Pacific

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Matthew Hurless, 909th ARS operations flight chief and instructor boom operator, annotates a post-aerial refueling checklist over the Pacific Ocean, July 25, 2025. Boom operators receive years of extensive training to pump thousands of gallons of fuel into any capable aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

909th ARS fuels Rocketeers over the Pacific

Published Aug. 1, 2025
By Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, performs aerial refueling operations with F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 336th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed to Kadena Air Base, Japan, over the Pacific Ocean, July 25, 2025. The 909th ARS is the Pacific Air Force's lead force for air refueling U.S. and allied aircraft during all contingencies.