100th ARW provides refueling capabilities in Exercise Trident Juncture

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Christine Groening | From left to right, U.S. Air Force Capt. RJ Allen, 351st Air Refueling Squadron pilot, U.S. Air Force Maj. Joseph Smith, 351st ARS instructor pilot, and U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Danielle Repp, 351st ARS boom operator, study and plan for an air refueling mission Oct. 21, 2015, at Son San Juan Air Base, Spain. Exercise Trident Juncture aims to train NATO Response Force Allies and other Allied forces. The Airmen from the 351st Air Refueling Squadron will refuel approximately 130 aircraft during the course of the exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christine Halan/Released)  

SPAIN

09.22.2015

Story by Senior Airman Christine Groening 

100th Air Refueling Wing   

SON SAN JUAN AIR BASE, Spain – The 100th Air Refueling Wing began its participation in Exercise Trident Juncture, Oct. 21, 2015, over the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.

The 351st Air Refueling Squadron will provide air refueling capabilities to approximately 30 nations during the exercise.

Aiming to test, train and enhance the ability of NATO military forces, Trident Juncture is one of the largest exercises in the world since the past 20 years. It will test the readiness of land, air, maritime and special forces units for potential crisis from any direction in the world.

“We’re expecting to refuel about 130 aircraft during the exercise, but that number could change dramatically,” said Capt. Joshua Fuller, 351st Air Refueling Squadron instructor pilot. “As part of the exercise we’ll be evaluating our ability to change directions and respond to evolving requirements with little notice.”

This exercise will provide Airmen gained knowledge and training through experience and teamwork while working with NATO partners.

“For me the most exciting aspect of this exercise is showing the world that the incredible capability this aircraft brings to the fight is just as valid today as it has ever been.” Fuller said.

“We’ve been proving it over and over again since the first KC-135 Stratotanker rolled off the line in 1956. Movies are made about fighter and bomber, but people don’t make movies about the ‘blue collar’ crews of the tanker. I’m excited to tell that story to the world through this exercise, and to show all our NATO and coalition partners the force-extending role that tankers can bring to bear on any conflict.”

• Date Taken: 09.22.2015
• Date Posted: 10.22.2015 05:49
• Story ID: 179571
• Location: ES