Photo By Airman 1st Class Arnet Tamayo | A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 119th Expeditionary Fighter...... read more read more
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KADENA AIR BASE, Japan – U.S. Air Force Airmen operating a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, conducted aerial refueling operations with F-35A Lightning IIs and F-16C Fighting Falcons, in support of an 18th Wing operational readiness exercise over the Pacific Ocean, Japan, Nov. 4, 2025.
The training, part of exercise BH 26-1, tested Kadena Air Base’s ability to generate, employ and sustain airpower under simulated combat conditions. KC-135 Stratotanker crews worked alongside F-35As from the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and F-16Cs from the 119th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron to demonstrate agile interoperability and rapid response.
“Exercises like these are important because they provide training and preparation for real-world events,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Alex Cruz, 909th ARS KC-135 Stratotanker pilot. “Knowing where we’re succeeding and where we need to make improvements in a degraded environment is key to strengthening our readiness so that we’re prepared to execute if and when the time comes.”
The 909th ARS plays a vital role in enabling Kadena’s mission as the Keystone of the Pacific. Its refueling capability extends the range and endurance of both U.S. and allied aircraft, ensuring persistent presence and rapid response throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
During the exercise, 909th boom operators executed precise refueling maneuvers while maintaining communication and situational awareness with multiple receiving aircraft; skills that are essential for mission success in contested environments.
“We practice how we play,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Aristides Soto, 909th ARS boom operator. “If the call comes, we’ll be ready.”
By training alongside both deployed and permanent-party units, the exercise underscored the importance of seamless coordination and shared mission understanding across Kadena’s diverse force. The 18th Wing’s ability to sustain combat operations under realistic conditions reflects its commitment to maintaining regional stability and deterrence.
BH 26-1 highlighted the 18th Wing’s readiness to generate combat airpower at a moment’s notice. Through high-tempo, real-world simulations like midair refueling, Airmen refined the precision, discipline, and adaptability required to operate in dynamic environments. Each sortie flown and each connection made reinforced the Wing’s ability to respond decisively—proving Kadena’s Airmen remain ready to fight tonight and win tomorrow.
| Date Taken: | 11.03.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.14.2025 01:22 |
| Story ID: | 551070 |
| Location: | KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 68 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, BH 26-1: 909th ARS Refuels with precision, by A1C Arnet Tamayo, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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