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    Refueling Readiness: JASDF F-2s and KC-46A Pegasus partner with USAF KC-135s [Image 1 of 12]

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    A smiling military aviator is seated in the cockpit of what appears to be a large military aircraft, likely a tanker. He is wearing a flight suit with a squadron patch reading 'Air Refueling' and 'Always There,' along with aviation headset and sunglasses. The cockpit displays a complex array of analog and digital instruments, with cloudy skies visible through the windscreen.

    KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JAPAN

    09.01.2026

    Photo by Senior Airman Gracelyn Hess 

    18th Wing

    U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brandon Krupa, 909th Air Refueling Squadron director of operations, prepares for take off in a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th ARS at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 2, 2026. The 909th ARS provides KC-135 combat-ready tanker aircrews, providing air refueling support to the Department of War and allied partner units. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gracelyn Hess)

    IMAGE INFO

    Date Taken: 09.01.2026
    Date Posted: 09.11.2026 03:12
    Photo ID: 9925692
    VIRIN: 260901-F-NW722-1181
    Resolution: 6048x4024
    Size: 3.69 MB
    Location: KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JP
    Web Views: 73
    Downloads: 2

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    This work, Refueling Readiness: JASDF F-2s and KC-46A Pegasus partner with USAF KC-135s [Image 12 of 12], by SrA Gracelyn Hess, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

    GALLERY

    A smiling military aviator is seated in the cockpit of what appears to be a large military aircraft, likely a tanker. He is wearing a flight suit with a squadron patch reading 'Air Refueling' and 'Always There,' along with aviation headset and sunglasses. The cockpit displays a complex array of analog and digital instruments, with cloudy skies visible through the windscreen.
    Two Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-2 fighter jets flying in formation over open water or clouds. The lead aircraft bears the tail number '133' and displays the Japanese Hinomaru (red circle) roundel on its fuselage. Both aircraft are painted in a dark blue-gray camouflage scheme typical of JASDF F-2s.
    An aerial photograph taken from the fuselage or wing of a large military aircraft, likely a tanker, showing a Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-2 fighter jet flying in close formation. The F-2 is identifiable by the Japanese hinomaru (red circle) roundel on its tail. Two additional fighter aircraft are visible in the distant background flying in loose formation.
    The image shows a view from inside a military tanker aircraft, likely from the boom operator's position, looking out a rear window at a receiving aircraft during an aerial refueling operation. The receiving aircraft displays a red roundel marking consistent with Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) insignia, with a tail number partially visible as '906'. The interior is heavily shadowed with a silhouetted crew member visible in the foreground.
    A group of military personnel, appearing to be U.S. Air Force aviators, are gathered around a yellow cart or stand reviewing documents or a flight binder outdoors on what appears to be an airfield. The central figure is a bald man wearing a green flight suit with Pacific Air Forces patches and pilot wings. The setting suggests a pre-flight briefing or mission planning activity on a flight line.
    Two military personnel are conducting a close inspection of the underside of a military aircraft, likely during a pre-flight or maintenance check. One individual is wearing an olive green flight suit with a squadron patch, while the other is in camouflage (OCP/MultiCam) uniform. Both are leaning in and pointing at a specific area of the aircraft's fuselage near the nose gear.
    An aerial refueling operation is taking place between a tanker aircraft and a Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-2 fighter jet. The image is taken from the boom operator's position aboard the tanker, looking down at the fighter approaching the refueling boom. The F-2 displays Japanese military markings including the Hinomaru (rising sun) roundel and a two-tone blue/gray camouflage scheme.
    An aerial close-up photograph taken from above showing a military jet fighter pilot in the cockpit during flight. The aircraft displays red roundel markings consistent with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), and the image appears to be taken from a tanker or chase aircraft during an aerial refueling or formation flight. The pilot is wearing a flight helmet with visible markings and sunglasses, with a green HUD (Heads-Up Display) visible in the foreground.
    Two military fighter jets are flying in formation over a large body of open blue water. The lead aircraft displays a red roundel marking consistent with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), identifiable as a Mitsubishi F-2 variant. The aircraft are photographed from a close aerial vantage point, likely from a third aircraft, in clear daylight conditions.
    A formation of military aircraft flying at high altitude over a cloud-covered landscape. Two fighter jets bearing Japanese Air Self-Defense Force markings (red circle insignia) fly in close formation alongside what appears to be a large tanker or transport aircraft visible in the foreground. Additional aircraft are visible in the distant background at higher altitude.
    Two military jet fighters are flying in close formation over a body of water with scattered clouds visible in the background. The lead aircraft displays a red circle roundel on its fuselage, consistent with Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) markings, and carries multiple underwing stores including missiles and fuel tanks. The aircraft appear to be Mitsubishi F-2 fighters, a Japanese-developed variant based on the F-16 design.
    An aerial refueling operation is captured from the boom operator's window of a tanker aircraft, showing a Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-2 fighter jet receiving fuel via a flying boom. The F-2 aircraft displays distinctive Japanese roundel markings (red circles) on its wings and fuselage. The deep blue ocean is visible far below, indicating high-altitude flight.

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    PACOM, USPACOM, 909ARS, JASDF, KC-46A Pegasus, F-2, 405 ARS,8th Air Wing

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