From tanker to lifeline: 909th ARS, 18th AES train over Pacific

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron conduct a preflight brief, while Airmen from the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron load equipment onto a KC-135 Stratotanker at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Feb. 17, 2026. During medical emergencies, 18th AES and 909th ARS Airmen work together to reconfigure the inner layout of KC-135 Stratotankers, enabling safe and efficient patient transport. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

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From tanker to lifeline: 909th ARS, 18th AES train over Pacific

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron configure a litter system aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Feb. 17, 2026. During medical emergencies, 18th AES and 909th ARS Airmen work together to reconfigure the inner layout of KC-135 Stratotankers, optimizing it for safe and efficient patient transport. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

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From tanker to lifeline: 909th ARS, 18th AES train over Pacific

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron prepare to treat simulated patients aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Feb. 17, 2026. The 18th AES is the sole aeromedical evacuation unit in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, providing 24/7 critical care and transport for wounded personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

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From tanker to lifeline: 909th ARS, 18th AES train over Pacific

U.S. Air Force Capt. Walker Landry, left, and Capt. Kyler Wedgeworth, 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker pilots, perform preflight checks before takeoff from Kadena Air Base, Japan, Feb. 17, 2026. The 909th ARS provides KC-135 combat-ready tanker aircrews, providing air refueling support to the Department of War and allied partner units. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

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From tanker to lifeline: 909th ARS, 18th AES train over Pacific

U.S. Air Force Maj. Raymond Kelly, left, and Capt. Dreannan McConnell, both 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron flight nurses, conduct a preflight brief aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, at Kadena Air Base Japan, Feb. 17, 2026. 18th AES flight nurses specialize in providing critical in-flight care to injured personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

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From tanker to lifeline: 909th ARS, 18th AES train over Pacific

U.S. Air Force Maj. Raymond Kelly, 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron flight nurse, treats a simulated patient aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Feb. 17, 2026. 18th AES personnel train extensively to deliver life-saving care during aeromedical evacuation missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

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From tanker to lifeline: 909th ARS, 18th AES train over Pacific

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron evaluate simulated patients aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, over the Pacific Ocean, Feb. 17, 2026. 18th AES Airmen undergo extensive training to respond to various emergency medical scenarios, 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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From tanker to lifeline: 909th ARS, 18th AES train over Pacific

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 4th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed to Kadena Air Base, flies over the Pacific Ocean, Feb. 17, 2026. With its aerodynamic performance and advanced integrated avionics, the F-35A provides next-generation stealth, enhanced situational awareness, and reduced vulnerability for the U.S. and allied nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

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From tanker to lifeline: 909th ARS, 18th AES train over Pacific

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II, assigned to the 4th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed to Kadena Air Base, conducts aerial refueling operations with a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, over the Pacific Ocean, Feb. 17, 2026. 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 Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

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From tanker to lifeline: 909th ARS, 18th AES train over Pacific

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 4th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed to Kadena Air Base, flies over the Pacific Ocean, Feb. 17, 2026. Fighter rotations to Kadena demonstrate U.S. commitment to maintaining readiness and regional stability.(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

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From tanker to lifeline: 909th ARS, 18th AES train over Pacific

Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II’s, assigned to the 4th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed to Kadena Air Base, fly in formation with a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, over the Pacific Ocean, Feb. 17, 2026. Fighter rotations ensure aircraft remain ready to respond to missions across the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton)

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From tanker to lifeline: 909th ARS, 18th AES train over Pacific

Published Feb. 25, 2026
By Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton
18th Wing Public affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and 909th Air Refueling Squadron practice aeromedical evacuation procedures over the Pacific Ocean, Feb. 17, 2026. The training demonstrated the units’ ability to rapidly reconfigure a KC-135 Stratotanker to safely transport patients during medical emergencies.