Kadena conducts first KC-135 hot pit refueling in the Pacific
U.S. Air Force Capt. John Della Pia, right, 909th Air Refueling Squadron pilot, is marshaled by an Airman, left, from the 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, positioning the aircraft for the first KC-135 Stratotanker hot pit refueling taking place in the Pacific at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 22, 2022. Hot pit refueling uses a single-point refuel pump, allowing an aircraft to be refueled immediately after landing, with the engine running. This procedure is used with fighter jets frequently, but is new to the KC-135 Stratotanker, making it essential to practice and increase capabilities available to the Pacific Air Forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cesar J. Navarro)