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U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brandon Krupa, 909th Air Refueling Squadron director of operations, prepares for take off in a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th ARS at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 2, 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 Senior Airman Gracelyn Hess)

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A Japan Air Self-Defense Force Mitsubishi F-2 pilot assigned to the 8th Air Wing approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron for aerial refueling over the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 2, 2026. Joint aerial refueling operation strengthens U.S.-Japan interoperability and allows both forces to practice extending aircraft range and endurance during real-world missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gracelyn Hess)

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260902-F-NW722-1388

Three Japan Air Self-Defense Force Mitsubishi F-2s assigned to the 8th Air Wing fly alongside a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron during bilateral training over the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 2, 2026. Based on the design of the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon, the F-2 is capable of both air-to-air and air-to-surface missions, making it a versatile platform for joint operations with U.S. forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gracelyn Hess)

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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Landren Dela Cruz, 909th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, conducts routine checks from the boom pod of a KC-135 Stratotanker over the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 2, 2026. 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 Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)

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260902-F-BX586-1302

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, and two Japan Air Self-Defense Force Mitsubishi F-2s assigned to the 8th Fighter Squadron, fly in formation during bilateral training over the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 2, 2026. 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 other partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)

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A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, and two Mitsubishi F-2s assigned to the 8th Fighter Squadron, fly in formation during bilateral training over the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 2, 2026. Bilateral training exercises help ensure that allies can come together to effectively respond to demanding scenarios in defense of a free and open Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)

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A Fueled Formation: JASDF F-2s and KC-46A Pegasus partner with USAF KC-135s

Published Sept. 15, 2026
By Senior Airman Melany Bermudez & Senior Airman Gracelyn Hess
18th Wing

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan. --

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, and two Mitsubishi F-2s assigned to the 8th Fighter Squadron, fly in formation during bilateral training over the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 2, 2026. Bilateral training exercises help ensure that allies can come together to effectively respond to demanding scenarios in defense of a free and open Pacific.

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