909th ARS keeps bombers airborne

A U.S. Air Force 5th Bomb Wing B-52H Stratofortress approaches a 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker for aerial refueling over the Pacific Ocean, Oct. 27, 2022. 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 Jessi Roth)

909th ARS keeps bombers airborne

A U.S. Air Force 5th Bomb wing assumes position to recieve fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron over the Pacific Ocean, Oct. 27, 2022. Kadena Air Base is the hub of airpower in the Pacific, and home to the 18th Wing and a variety of associate units to form a world-class combat team ready to ensure peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Alexis Redin)

909th ARS keeps bombers airborne

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tyler Espinoza, 909th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, prepares to refuel an B-52 Stratofortress, assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, over the Pacific, Oct. 27, 2022. Boom operators directly control the metal arm located in the rear of refueling aircraft, commonly known as the "boom," to refuel Ally aircraft in mid-air. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Alexis Redin)

909th ARS keeps bombers airborne

A U.S. Air Force 5th Bomb Wing B-52H Stratofortress departs after receiving fuel from a 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker over the Pacific Ocean, Oct. 27, 2022. 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 Jessi Roth)

909th ARS keeps bombers airborne

A U.S. Air Force 5th Bomb Wing B-52 Stratofortress approaches a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, over the Pacific Ocean Oct. 27, 2022. The B-52 is a long range heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Alexis Redin)

909th ARS keeps bombers airborne

A U.S. Air Force 5th Bomb Wing B-52H Stratofortress receives fuel from a 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker over the Pacific Ocean, Oct. 27, 2022. 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 Jessi Roth)

909th ARS keeps bombers airborne

A KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron sits on the flightline prior to an early morning refueling flight at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 27, 2022. The KC-135 Stratotanker provides the core aerial refueling capability for the Department of Defense, supporting the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and Allied nation aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessi Roth)

909th ARS keeps bombers airborne

Airmen from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron perform pre-flight checks on a KC-135 Stratotanker before a refueling mission at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 27, 2022. Kadena Air Base is the hub of airpower in the Pacific, and home to the 18th Wing and a variety of associate units to form a world-class combat team ready to ensure peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Alexis Redin)

909th ARS keeps bombers airborne

Published Nov. 6, 2022
By Senior Airman Jessi Roth
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --