Air Refueling: Power beyond the horizon

A U.S. Air Force B1-B Lancer assigned to the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, over the Pacific Ocean, Oct. 27, 2025. Aerial refueling capabilities are vital for sustaining long range operations in defense of the Indo-Pacific theater. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erin Currie)

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Air Refueling: Power beyond the horizon

A U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II assigned to the 4th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed to Kadena Air Base, Japan, receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, over the Pacific Ocean, Oct. 27, 2025. The continuous rotation of aircraft to Kadena ensures the 18th Wing remains flexible and postured to deliver lethal and credible airpower to deter acts of aggression. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erin Currie)

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Air Refueling: Power beyond the horizon

A U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II assigned to the 4th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed to Kadena Air Base, flies alongside a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, following air refueling operations over the Pacific Ocean, Oct. 27, 2025. The KC-135 Stratotanker is a unique asset that enhances the Air Force's capability to accomplish its primary mission of global reach through aerial refueling. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erin Currie)

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Air Refueling: Power beyond the horizon

A U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II assigned to the 4th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed to Kadena Air Base, flies over the Pacific Ocean after an aerial refueling, Oct. 27, 2025. As the Keystone of the Pacific, Kadena is a pivotal hub for Agile Combat Employment, which allows units to project combat power in concert with U.S. allies and partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erin Currie)

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Air Refueling: Power beyond the horizon

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Caleb Mills, 909th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, prepares to fuel aircraft over the Pacific Ocean, Oct. 27, 2025. Air refueling serves as a force multiplier, enabling assets to extend their operational endurance beyond their normal ranges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erin Currie)

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Air Refueling: Power beyond the horizon

A U.S. Air Force B1-B Lancer assigned to the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, prepares to receive fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, over the Pacific Ocean, Oct. 27, 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 Senior Airman Erin Currie)

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Air Refueling: Power beyond the horizon

U.S. Air Force Capt. Max Kaslon, 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker pilot, conducts pre-flight checks at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 27, 2025. The KC-135 is the premier long-term aircraft that provides aerial refueling capabilities for the U.S. Air Force, effectively supporting peacetime operations and all levels of conflict in the Indo-Pacific theater. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erin Currie)

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Air Refueling: Power beyond the horizon

U.S. Air Force Capt. Max Kaslon, left, and Capt. Wil Andahazy, 909th Air Refueling squadron KC-135 Stratotanker pilots, discuss mission requirements before takeoff at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 27, 2025. Aerial refueling allows aircraft to extend flight duration without needing to land to refuel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erin Currie)

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Air Refueling: Power beyond the horizon

Published Dec. 1, 2025
By Senior Airman Erin Currie
18 Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron conducts aerial refueling operations with B1-B Lancers and F-35 Lightning IIs over the Pacific Ocean, Oct. 27, 2025.The KC-135 is the premier long-term aircraft that provides aerial refueling capabilities for the U.S. Air Force, effectively supporting peacetime operations and all levels of conflict in the Indo-Pacific theater.