Refueling the Pacific: 909th ARS

Photo By Staff Sgt. Rhett Isbell | An F-15C Eagle is aerially refueled Sept. 16, 2019, over the Pacific Ocean. Aerial refueling allows F-15C Eagle’s to perform efficiently, without needing to return to base to refuel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Rhett Isbell)  

KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JAPAN

10.03.2019

Story by Senior Airman Rhett Isbell 

18th Wing

The 909th Aerial Refueling Squadron operates day and night, always ready to support a variety of missions in the Indo-Pacific region.

As the premiere source for aerial refueling in the INDO-PACOM area of responsibility, the 909th ARS is constantly performing missions and providing support across the globe.

“The mission of the 909th ARS is to provide aerial refueling, assist in aeromedical evacuation, and transport passengers and cargo throughout the Pacific,” said Capt. Tom Griffin, 909th ARS pilot. “We’re the only active duty aerial refueling squadron in the Pacific, so we stay busy.”

Griffin and his fellow Airmen regularly support exercises and service members in a vital way.

“We participate in the majority of exercises in the INDO-PACOM area in one way or another,” said Tech. Sgt. Jason Markham, 909th ARS boom operator. “If an exercise requires aerial refueling support, we’re going to be there.”

Along with their crucial reinforcement of so many missions and exercises, the 909th ARS also performs many real-world tasks.

“Out here we’re mostly dealing with real-world missions,” Markham said. Maintaining such a high tempo requires a high level of training and confidence. This means that 909th ARS Airmen must keep theirabilities sharp.

"Training for us involves Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape training, aerial refueling contact training, and mission-specific training we receive once we get to our duty station,” Markham said. “Once we’re certified on tasks, we also have continuation training we have to keep up. This can range from refueling different types of aircraft, refueling in various lighting conditions and accomplishing refueling up to certain fuel quantities.”

This training is necessary due to the high potential for missions occurring at a moment’s notice. Being capable of providing this unwavering support to fellow Airmen, as well as sister services and allied countries demands a resilient mindset. It also necessitates being prepared to drop everything and fly out to support those in need.

“It’s definitely a mindset that we have to be in,” Markham said. “To be able to mentally prepare yourself for the fact that you could be called upon at any time to complete a mission.”

Developing this mindset occurs after countless hours of doing the job, but another thing also develops and grows as 909th ARS Airmen work tirelessly around the clock.

“Being a part of our mission set and the importance of it gives me a great sense of pride,” Griffin said. “Having people rely on us all throughout the pacific and for us to consistently be able to support them is something that I’m proud to be a part of.”

• Date Taken: 10.03.2019
• Date Posted: 10.03.2019 18:46
• Story ID: 345608
• Location: KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JP