230711-M-KP777-1556 A KC-130J Super Hercules from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, flies during a training exercise. The Hercules is celebrating 70 years and counting since its inception in 1954. Today, the C-130 Hercules is used in over 70 countries with more than a million flight hours and growing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

211223-M-BH827-1229 MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan (Dec. 23, 2021) U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 taxiing at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 23, 2021. Marines with VMGR-152 conducted a simultaneous large-scale launch of multiple aircraft and practiced training scenarios that included formation flying, simulated aerial delivery, and tactical flying. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jackson Ricker)

211223-M-JO217-1323 MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan (Dec. 23, 2021) U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 flies in formation above Japan, Dec. 23, 2021. Marines with VMGR-152 conducted a simultaneous large-scale launch of multiple aircraft and practiced training scenarios that included formation flying, simulated aerial delivery and tactical landings. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Harmon)

220615-M-JO217-1310 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 15, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, embarked aboard the America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), fly in formation with a KC-130J Super Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 above the Pacific Ocean, June 15, 2022, after participating in a joint maritime strike rehearsal to demonstrate service components fires and effects capabilities in the maritime environment during exercise Valiant Shield 22 (VS 22). Exercises such as Valiant Shield allows the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Task Force the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct long-range, precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Task Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Harmon)

211223-M-BH827-1229 MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan (Dec. 23, 2021) U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 taxiing at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 23, 2021. Marines with VMGR-152 conducted a simultaneous large-scale launch of multiple aircraft and practiced training scenarios that included formation flying, simulated aerial delivery, and tactical flying. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jackson Ricker)

201023-M-AN418-0049 YUMA, Ariz. (Oct. 23, 2020) A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules aircraft with Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) lands at Assault Landing Zone (ALZ) Hawkeye at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, Ariz., Oct. 23, 2020. This was the first landing of an aircraft on an unimproved assault strip aboard MCAS Yuma. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Gabrielle Sanders)

181023-M-PJ332-590 EAST CHINA SEA (Oct. 23, 2018) A pair of F-35B Lightning II fly alongside a KC-130J tanker aircraft during an aerial refueling mission above the East China Sea, Oct. 23, 2018. The F-35Bs belong to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 and the KC-130J belongs to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152. VMFA-121, part of the Aviation Combat Element for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is the Marine Corps’ only forward-deployed F-35B squadron ? as part of the 31st MEU, the squadron provides fixed-wing attack capabilities across the Indo-Pacific region during Marine Corps and U.S. Navy amphibious operations. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide-range of military operations across the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. T. T. Parish/Released)

190924-M-QK951-191 MORON AIR BASE, Spain (Sept. 24, 2019) A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey receives fuel from a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa 19.2, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, during air-to-air refueling rehearsals off the coast of Spain, Sept. 24, 2019. The aviation combat element rehearses aerial refueling to maintain proficiency and increase the operational reach of the MV-22. SPMAGTF-CR-AF is deployed to conduct crisis-response and theater-security operations in Africa and promote regional stability by conducting military-to-military training exercises throughout Europe and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Capt. Clay Groover/Released)

Rendezvous point A KC-10 Extender refuels an F-22 Raptor during Exercise Razor Talon Feb. 7, 2013, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. Razor Talon is an Atlantic Coast monthly large force exercise and joint-unit training opportunity to employ cutting edge operational concepts such as Air-Sea battle and maritime air support. The KC-10 is assigned to the 305th Air Mobility Wing, McGuire Air Force Base, N.J. and the F-22 is assigned to Langley AFB, Va. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Andy M. Kin)

KC-135R air refueling mission A KC-10 Extender from the 305th Air Mobility Wing flies over the Atlantic Ocean March 18, 2016. The wing is stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. (U.S. Air National Guard photo/Tech. Sgt. Matt Hecht)

Welcome home A KC-10 Extender assigned to the 305th Air Mobility Wing returns from the U.S. European Command area of responsibility, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., May 25, 2022. The return marks an end to EUCOM aerial refueling support for KC-10 Extenders assigned to the 305th AMW. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Simonne Barker)

KC-10 Extender A 908th Expeditionary Aerial Refueling Squadron KC-10 Extender is prepared for a flight at the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates before a mission in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, March 14, 2019. The 908th EARS empowers the fight against ISIS by providing mission extending aerial refueling services to U.S. and Coalition forces conducting operations in OIR’s area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jordan Castelan)

Col. Theresa Weems, 60th Operations Group commander, takes final flight at Travis AFB U.S. Air Force Col. Theresa Weems, 60th Operations Group commander, conducts “touch-and-goes” aboard a KC-10 Extender during her final flight July 24, 2019, at Travis Air Force Base, California. The flight, which is a military tradition, served as an opportunity for the Travis community to honor Weems and wish her well on her next assignment. Weems has served as the commander for the 60th OG for the largest air mobility wing in the Air Force since July 2017. (U.S. Air Force photo by Heide Couch)

KC-10s provide aerial refueling support A KC-10 Extender takes off from an air base in Southwest Asia en route to provide aerial refueling support for Operation Enduring Freedom. The KC-10 is an advanced tanker and cargo aircraft capable of providing more than 356,000 pounds of fuel and can carry 75 passengers. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Charles Larkin Sr) (Released)

Wings Over Solano A KC-10 Extender lands at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., during the Wings Over Solano Air Show May 6, 2017. The two-day event featured performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team, flyovers and static displays. (U.S. Air Force photo by Heide Couch)

220514-F-RU983-3427 A U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender performs a fly-by during Wings Over Solano at Travis Air Force Base, California, May 14, 2022. The Wings Over Solano open house and air show provided an opportunity for the local community to interact directly with the base and its Airmen and see capabilities on full display at Travis AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Heide Couch)

190603-F-BG094-0194 Tech. Sgt. Arriel Bromley, 78th Aerial Refueling Squadron in-flight refueler, out of McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., operates the fuel injection arm of a KC-10 Extender connected to an F-35 Lightning II for a mid-air refueling training mission during exercise Astral Knight 19 over the Adriatic Sea, June 3, 2019. Astral Knight is a joint, multinational exercise taking place throughout various locations in Europe, with more than 900 Airmen participating in the exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua R. M. Dewberry)

240625-F-WJ090-2027 A newly installed static display of a KC-10 Extender boom is showcased at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., June 25, 2024. Formerly, the 605th Aircraft Generation Squadron, now known as the 605th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, was activated on July 1, 1995, in support of the then McGuire Air Force Base’s adoption of a KC-10 aircraft fleet. The static display was created to memorialize the service of the KC-10 provided following it’s official retirement on June 21, 2023. Thanks to the efforts of the 605th AMXS team, including U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Aaron Vogeler, commander; Capt. Steven Winiarski, section commander; Tech. Sgt. Damien Fitzpatrick, KC-46 all-purpose general noncommissioned officer in charge; Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Chevalier, unit deployment manager; Tech. Sgt. Ryle Griffin, KC-46 APG craftsman; and Senior Airman Brian Izaguirre, assistant mobility UDM, the static display proudly recognizes the heritage of the 605th AMXS and cements the lasting legacy of the KC-10. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aidan Thompson)

240625-F-WJ090-2016 A newly installed static display of a KC-10 Extender boom is showcased at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., June 25, 2024. Formerly, the 605th Aircraft Generation Squadron, now known as the 605th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, was activated on July 1, 1995, in support of the then McGuire Air Force Base’s adoption of a KC-10 aircraft fleet. The static display was created to memorialize the service of the KC-10 provided following it’s official retirement on June 21, 2023. Thanks to the efforts of the 605th AMXS team, including U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Aaron Vogeler, commander; Capt. Steven Winiarski, section commander; Tech. Sgt. Damien Fitzpatrick, KC-46 all-purpose general noncommissioned officer in charge; Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Chevalier, unit deployment manager; Tech. Sgt. Ryle Griffin, KC-46 APG craftsman; and Senior Airman Brian Izaguirre, assistant mobility UDM, the static display proudly recognizes the heritage of the 605th AMXS and cements the lasting legacy of the KC-10. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aidan Thompson)

Gas and go An A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to Moody Air Force Base, Ga., flies below a KC-10 Extender assigned to Travis AFB, Calif., after receiving fuel over California, June 30, 2022. The A-10 participated in Exercise Green Flag-West 22-08. Green Flag-West is a close air support and joint exercise administered by the U.S. Air Force Air Warfare Center and Nellis AFB through the 549th Combat Training Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Traci Keller)

F-117A stealth fighter 1990’s — A 37th Tactical Fighter Wing F-117A stealth fighter aircraft refuels from a 22nd Air Refueling Wing KC-10 Extender aircraft during Operation Desert Shield. The F-117A is en route to Saudi Arabia.

KC-10 Refuels Joint Fighters An F-22 Raptor, assigned to the 3rd Wing, receives fuel from a KC-10 Extender over Alaska during exercise Northern Edge 21, May 7, 2021. The exercise is one in a series of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command exercises designed to sharpen the joint forces’ skills; to practice tactics, techniques, and procedures; to improve command, control and communication relationships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Burt Traynor)

Falcon refuel A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon receives fuel from a KC-10 Extender over an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 26, 2022. F-16s routinely conduct presence patrols within the CENTCOM area of responsibility to reassure allies and ensure regional security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gerald R. Willis)

Feb. 18 airpower summary: B-1Bs provide overwatch A B-1B Lancer receives fuel from a KC-10 Extender over Afghanistan. B-1Bs fly close-air-support missions for both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Aaron Allmon)

Travis aircrew assists Rose Bowl flyover A B-2 Spirit from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, conducts an aerial refuel by a 9th Air Refueling Squadron KC-10 Extender Jan. 1, 2015, along the California coastline. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Laurel Cummins)

Buffs and Extenders: The Strike Eagle perspective A B-52 Stratofortress assigned to Barksdale Air Force Base, La., receives fuel from a KC-10 Extender during a bomber task force mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 27, 2021. The bomber deployment underscores the U.S. military’s commitment to regional security and demonstrates a unique ability to rapidly deploy on short notice. The B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber that is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet and provides the United States with a global strike capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Trevor T. McBride)

Fuel for fighters A KC-10 Extender from the 908th Expeditionary Aerial Refueling Squadron refuels a Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet Dec. 11 over Afghanistan. The KC-10 holds six tanks that carry more than 356,000 pounds of fuel. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Aaron Allmon)

KC-10 Extender fuels way to the Pacific U.S. Airmen with the 6th Air Refueling Squadron and 60th Aerial Port Squadron load cargo onto a KC-10 Extender at Travis Air Force Base, California, Feb. 21, 2023. A multi-unit aircrew transported 11,000 pounds of cargo to Kadena Air Base, Japan, in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexander Merchak)

Two refuelers, one squadron can handle any situation Master Sgt. Todd McPeak walks back from the refueling pod of a KC-10 Extender during an Operation Iraqi Freedom mission on July 18. Sergeant McPeak is a boom operator for the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron in Southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Brian Ferguson)

US Air Force completes first commercial air-to-air refueling of fighter aircraft A commercial KDC‐10 tanker aircraft refuels a U.S. Air Force F‐16 Fighting Falcon from the 51st Fighter Wing, enroute to Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore, Nov. 6, 2023. The aircraft features dual usage with the capability to refuel mid‐flight and carry freight or passengers. This groundbreaking event is the first ever contracted aerial refueling of Air Force fighter aircraft which took place to support the F‐16s in Commando Sling 23. CS23 is a Pacific Air Forces‐sponsored bilateral training event with the Republic of Singapore Air Force designed to increase interoperability and improve alliance capability. (Courtesy Photo)

The last U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender takes off from the flightline during the KC-10 farewell ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., Sept. 26, 2024. As the final base to operate the KC-10, Travis AFB had the honor of bidding farewell to an aircraft that has been a vital component of the U.S. military’s global reach and power projection capabilities, this ceremony marking the closing of an important chapter in the history of military aviation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kenneth Abbate)

KC-46 refueling F-15E

Aerial refueling Test pilots and personnel from the 418th Flight Test Squadron, out of Edwards Air Force Base, California, conducted aerial refueling testing with a KC-46 Pegasus and an E-4B Nightwatch, out of Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, in the skies over Southern California, April 4. (Air Force photo by Christian Turner)

KC-46 Pegasus A KC-46 Pegasus took to the skies for its first flight at Paine Field in Everett, Wa., Sept. 25, 2015. (U.S. Air Force photo/Jet Fabara)

A Boeing KC-46A Pegasus takes off A Boeing KC-46A Pegasus takes off at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 25, 2018, during a system evaluation. This is the first time the KC-46A visited Japan. The flight is to support an initial evaluation by the USAF of the KC-46A’s integrated mission system suite as well as its ability to conduct worldwide navigation, communication and operation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)

Gas and go A KC-46 Pegasus assigned to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. prepares for air refueling during the first mission over the North Atlantic Ocean, Dec. 2, 2021. The KC-46 maintains air refueling edge through the use of both the refueling boom and drogue systems, allowing for simultaneous air refueling of multiple aircraft with wing pods. The KC-46 is designed to refuel allied and coalition aircraft and provide multifunctional support, like passenger and cargo transport along with medical and humanitarian relief. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ariel Owings)

KC-46 The KC-46 Pegasus development program completed its first flight of Engineering, Manufacturing and Development (EMD) aircraft #1 Dec. 28, 2014. The maiden flight took off at 9:29 AM PST from Paine Field in Everett, Washington, and landed at 1:01 PM PST at Boeing Field in Seattle.EMD #1 is a provisioned 767-2C freighter and the critical building block for the KC-46 missionized aerial refueler.

A KC-46A Pegasus prepares to land A KC-46A Pegasus prepares to land July 28th, 2019 at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. Two high-bypass turbofans power the KC-46 to takeoff at gross weights up to 415,000 pounds. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Skyler Combs)

Picture-perfect landing A KC-46 Pegasus out of McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., lands at Edwards AFB, Calif., April 15, 2024. The aircraft was relocated to Edwards AFB ahead of severe weather expected to hit McConnell AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Bryce Bennett)

Pegasus drogue, hose, boom systems deployed The KC-46A Pegasus deploys the centerline boom for the first time Oct. 9, 2015. The boom is the fastest way to refuel aircraft at 1,200 gallons per minute. (Boeing photo/John D. Parker)

200106-F-UJ876-2191 A KC-46 Pegasus assigned to the 22nd Air Refueling Wing flies away after being refueled during a refueling training mission over Kansas, Jan. 6, 2020. The training mission allowed 911th Airlift Wing personnel from pilots to boom operators to use the opportunity to sharpen their skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Joshua J. Seybert)

Pegasus drogue, hose, boom systems deployed The KC-46A Pegasus deploys the Centerline Drogue System located on the belly of the fuselage on Oct. 8, 2015. The drogue system is used to refuel probe receiver aircraft. (Boeing photo/John D. Parker)

Pegasus drogue, hose, boom systems deployed The KC-46A Pegasus deploys the drogue from the wing aerial refueling pods located on the wing tips Oct. 8, 2015. The drogue systems are used to refuel helicopters along with Navy and Marine Corps aircraft. (Boeing photo/John D. Parker)

KC-46 refuels A-10 A KC-46 Pegasus refuels an A-10 Thunderbolt II with 1,500 pounds of fuel July 15, 2016. The mission was the last of all flight tests required for the tanker’s Milestone C production decision. (Boeing photo/John D. Parker)

Gunfighters demonstrate air dominance at Checkered Flag 21-1 A 389th Fighter Squadron F-15E Strike Eagle connects to the boom of a KC-46A during Checkered Flag 21-1, Nov. 2, 2020, at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. The 366th Fighter Wing refueled for the first time with the KC-46A Pegasus tanker at Checkered Flag 21-1. Checkered Flag is one of the Department of Defense’s largest air-to-air combat exercises. (U.S Air Force photo by Maj. Mark Calendine)

The KC-46A Pegasus performs its first-ever aerial refueling The KC-46A Pegasus performs its first-ever aerial refueling Jan. 24, 2016, passing 1,600 pounds of fuel to an F-16 Fighting Falcon. (Boeing photo/Paul Weatherman)

New Hampshire-based KC-46A aircrew refuel a U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet off the coast of Maryland, July 1, 2020. This marked the first time the aircrew utilized the KC-46A centerline drogue system to refuel an aircraft. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Zach Fisher)

KC-46 flies past latest milestone EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. –KC-46 refuels the B-2 for the first time during developmental flight test over Edwards AFB and the Sierra Nevada Mountains on Apr. 23, 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo by Christian Turner)

Fueled for the fight A KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 168th Air Refueling Wing refuels F-22 Raptors from the 3rd Wing alongside F-15 Eagles from the 144th Fighter Wing over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, Alaska, April 18, 2022. The aircraft trained together as part of Alaska Dissimilar Aircraft Combat Training. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Charles Vaughn)

KC-135 soars over CENTCOM AOR A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, assigned to the 350th Expeditionary Aircraft Refueling Squadron, flies over Qatar, Feb. 13, 2021. The KC-135 delivers U.S. Air Forces Central Command a global reach aerial refueling capability to support joint and coalition aircraft throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Joey Swafford)

U.S. Air Force 92nd Maintenance Group Airmen prepare a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 916th Air Refueling Wing, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, for aircrew to disembark, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, Oct. 16, 2019. Team Fairchild received the first of 12 additional KC-135s to join the base fleet; the remaining aircraft are scheduled to arrive by the end of February 2020. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Kiaundra Miller)

A KC-135 Stratotanker takes off from the flightline at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Feb. 18, 2015. The KC-135 fleet at Al Udeid AB flew more than 14,700 sorties in 2015 accumulating 103,419 combat hours in support of Operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom’s Sentinel. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kia Atkins)

250210-F-AC360-1163 434th ARW Joins Partner Nations at Cope North 25 A U.S. Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker waits to be towed after arriving to support Cope North 2025 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 10, 2025. The Stratotanker, assigned to the 434th Air Refueling Wing, will refuel aircraft from the U.S. Pacific Air Forces, U.S. Marine Corps, Royal Australian Air Force, and Japanese Air Self Defense Force during the exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elise Faurote)

60th Anniversary of the KC-135: Age is just a number A KC-135 Stratotanker from the New Jersey Air National Guard’s 108th Wing flies over Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Aug. 31, 2016. The KC-135 celebrated its 60th anniversary, having made its first flight on Aug. 31, 1956. (U.S. Air National Guard photo/Tech. Sgt. Matt Hecht)

Airmen prepare KC-135 A KC-135 Stratotanker takes off April 14, 2011, from Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich. (U.S. Air Force photo/John S. Swanson)

KC-135 Stratotanker practices landings A KC-135 Stratotanker descends before landing at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., Jan. 18, 2018. Air Mobility Command’s tanker fleet, which is primarily made up of KC-135s, offloaded 1.18 billion pounds of fuel to U.S. and allied aircraft in 2017. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Erin McClellan)

Last tanker leaves Grand Forks The final KC-135 Stratotanker formerly stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., performs a low approach, with its boom fully extended, in one last salute to the men and women of Grand Forks AFB, after taking off from the base Dec. 4, 2010, for the final time. The departure of this aircraft signaled the end of the KC-135 air refueling mission at Grand Forks AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Johnny Saldivar)

Soaring over Arizona Master Sgt. Vincent Jones, a KC-135 Stratotanker boom operator with the Arizona Air National Guard’s 161st Air Refueling Wing based in Phoenix, refuels an A-10 Thunderbolt II April 29 from the 355th Fighter Wing at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Alesia Goosic)

F-22 refuels with synthetic fuel An F-22 Raptor from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., receives synthetic fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker Aug. 28 during an aerial refueling test using an alternative jet engine fuel. The KC-135 Stratotanker is from March Air Reserve Base, Calif. (Lockheed Martin photo)

Eglin Air Force Base key to Emerald Flag success A 96th Test Wing F-15E Strike Eagle prepares for in-flight refueling from a 155th Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotanker during exercise Emerald Flag over the Gulf of Mexico, Dec. 3, 2020. More than 25 agencies participated in the exercise at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The exercise incorporated ground, space, cyberspace and air platforms for joint test and experimentation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Hoskins)

Lightning from above A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 355th Fighter Squadron receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron during a bilateral air exercise with Japan Air Self-Defense Force fighters over the Pacific Ocean, April 14, 2023. Bilateral operations exemplify the U.S. and Japan alliance’s ability to quickly and decisively respond to threats within the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessi Roth)

140923-F-YQ276-364 A KC-135 Stratotanker from Fairchild Air Force Base refuels a B-1B Lancer during a training exercise Sept. 23, 2014, over South Dakota. For more than 50 years the KC-135 has provided the core aerial refueling capability for the Air Force. The aircraft can travel up to 1,500 miles with 150,000 pounds of transfer fuel, which enables the Air Force to project rapid, flexible military power. The B-1B is assigned to Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mary O’Dell)

Deter and Assure; 100th ARW increases bomber’s global reach A KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, prepares to transfer fuel to a B-2 Spirit from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., off the coast of Spain, June 13, 2017. Two B-2s deployed to the U.K. to participate in theater bomber assurance and deterrence operations. Bomber deployments enhance the readiness and training necessary to respond to any contingency or challenge across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Micaiah Anthony)

180615-F-ZU607-0119 A KC-135 Stratotanker refuels a Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet over Iraq June 15, 2018. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Corey Hook)