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A KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Squadron,Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., takes off from a runway after a hot-pit refuel on a KC-135 Stratotanker in support of Exercise Mobility Guardian 23 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 9, 2023. The hot-pit refueling process resulted in an 84% decrease in ground time between flights, turning a 6 hour process into 1 hour of work. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Catherine Daniel)

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A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron records data during a hot-pit refueling on a KC-135 Stratotanker in support of Exercise Mobility Guardian 23 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 9, 2023. Hot-pit refueling saves time, manpower and equipment usage by using a pressurized hydrant fueling system to refuel active aircraft between training missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Catherine Daniel)

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A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Squadron removes a refueling pipe during a hot-pit refueling on a KC-135 Stratotanker in support of Exercise Mobility Guardian 23 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 9, 2023. The KC-135 Stratotanker can hold up to 200,000 pounds of fuel, allowing for air-to-air refueling capabilities for multiple airframes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Catherine Daniel)

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A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Squadron communicates with his team over radio during a hot-pit refueling on a KC-135 Stratotanker in support of Exercise Mobility Guardian 23 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 9, 2023. The KC-135 Stratotanker’s aerial refueling capabilities enhance the Air Force's ability to accomplish its primary mission of global reach. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Catherine Daniel)

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A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron performs a hot-pit refueling on a KC-135 Stratotanker in support of Exercise Mobility Guardian 23 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 9, 2023. The KC-135 Stratotanker provides the core aerial refueling capability for the United States Air Force and has excelled in this role for more than 60 years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Catherine Daniel)

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U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron and the 92nd Air Refueling Squadron, Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., secure the fuel pump during a hot-pit refueling on a KC-135 Stratotanker in support of Exercise Mobility Guardian 23 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 9, 2023. Exercise Mobility Guardian 23 aims to overcome distance to deliver the mobilization, deployment and sustainment functions that the Joint Force, allies and partners depend on to respond to challenges worldwide. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Catherine Daniel)

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A KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Squadron[Location] lands for a hot-pit refueling in support of Exercise Mobility Guardian 23 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 9, 2023. The hot-pit refueling process resulted in an 84% decrease in ground time between flights, turning a six-hour process into one hour of work. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Catherine Daniel)

Easy in easy out, KC-135 hot pit refueling

Published July 13, 2023
18th WG/PA