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5th Air Force

USAF, JASDF work for peace in Pacific

U.S. Air Force Capt. James Bradford, 909th Air Refueling Squadron aircraft commander, performs pre-flight checks in a KC-135 Stratotanker at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 19, 2023. Kadena’s 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 Staff Sgt. Dwane R. Young)

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USAF, JASDF work for peace in Pacific

U.S. Air Force Capt. James Bradford, 909th Air Refueling Squadron aircraft commander, performs pre-flight checks in a KC-135 Stratotanker at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 19, 2023. Kadena’s 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 Staff Sgt. Dwane R. Young)

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USAF, JASDF work for peace in Pacific

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jason Duckett, 909th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, performs pre-flight checks in a KC-135 Stratotanker at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 19, 2023. Kadena serves as a hub for airpower in the Pacific, ensuring readiness to project force capabilities and provide support to regional allies and partners when called upon. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dwane R. Young)

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USAF, JASDF work for peace in Pacific

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Arica Snodgrass, 909th Air Refueling Squadron pilot, reviews her pre-flight checklist in a KC-135 Stratotanker at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 19, 2023. Kadena routinely conducts training that enhances the lethality and readiness of U.S. forces and its ability to project superior airpower to the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dwane R. Young)

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USAF, JASDF work for peace in Pacific

Two U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and two F-35A Lightning IIs join four Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15 Eagles over the Sea of Japan, July 19, 2023. The U.S.-Japan Alliance is built on shared interests, values and a commitment to freedom and human rights; the Alliance is strong and focused on enhancing a security architecture of regional partnerships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dwane R. Young)

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USAF, JASDF work for peace in Pacific

Two U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and two F-35A Lightning IIs join four Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15 Eagles over the Sea of Japan, July 19, 2023. The U.S. remains committed to peace and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific alongside our Japanese allies, together acting as the cornerstone of regional security and presenting an ironclad defense of Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dwane R. Young)

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USAF, JASDF work for peace in Pacific

Two U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and two F-35A Lightning IIs join four Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15 Eagles over the Sea of Japan, July 19, 2023. The U.S.-Japan Alliance is built on shared interests, values and a commitment to freedom and human rights; the Alliance is strong and focused on enhancing a security architecture of regional partnerships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dwane R. Young)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
USAF, JASDF work for peace in Pacific

Two U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and two F-35A Lightning IIs join four Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15 Eagles over the Sea of Japan, July 19, 2023. The U.S. remains committed to peace and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific alongside our Japanese allies, together acting as the cornerstone of regional security and presenting an ironclad defense of Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dwane R. Young)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
USAF, JASDF work for peace in Pacific

Two U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and two F-35A Lightning IIs join four Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15 Eagles over the Sea of Japan, July 19, 2023. The U.S.-Japan Alliance is built on shared interests, values and a commitment to freedom and human rights; the Alliance is strong and focused on enhancing a security architecture of regional partnerships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dwane R. Young)

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USAF, JASDF work for peace in Pacific

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jason Duckett, 909th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, looks out of the boom operator's window for receivers while laying in the boom pod of a KC-135 Stratotanker over the Pacific Ocean, July 19, 2023. Kadena serves as a hub for airpower in the Pacific, ensuring readiness to project force capabilities and provide support to regional allies and partners when called upon. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dwane R. Young)

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USAF, JASDF work for peace in Pacific

A U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II aircraft assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron to receive fuel over the Pacific Ocean, July 19, 2023. Kadena routinely conducts training that enhances the lethality and readiness of U.S. forces and its ability to project superior airpower to the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dwane R. Young)

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USAF, JASDF work for peace in Pacific

A U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II aircraft assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron to receive fuel over the Pacific Ocean, July 19, 2023. Kadena serves as a hub for airpower in the Pacific, ensuring readiness to project force capabilities and provide support to regional allies and partners when called upon. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dwane R. Young)

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USAF, JASDF work for peace in Pacific

A U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II aircraft assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron to receive fuel over the Pacific Ocean, July 19, 2023. Kadena’s 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 Staff Sgt. Dwane R. Young)

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USAF, JASDF work for peace in Pacific

U.S. Air Force Capt. James Bradford, 909th Air Refueling Squadron aircraft commander, and 1st Lt. Arica Snodgrass, 909th ARS pilot, prepare to land a KC-135 Stratotanker at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 19, 2023. 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 Staff Sgt. Dwane R. Young)

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USAF, JASDF work for peace in Pacific

Published July 20, 2023
By Staff Sgt. Dwane R. Young
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan. -- U.S. Air Force Capt. James Bradford, 909th Air Refueling Squadron aircraft commander, performs pre-flight checks in a KC-135 Stratotanker at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 19, 2023. Kadena’s 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 Staff Sgt. Dwane R. Young)