Fueled to Fight: The Precision Fueling Behind Every Sortie

  • Published
  • By Airman Hannah Bench
  • 35th Fighter Wing

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jose Pro, left, and U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Andrews Mikel, 35th Logistic Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operators, approach an R-11 fueling truck and F-16 Fighting Falcon for a fuel run at Misawa Air Base, June 10, 2025.

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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jose Pro, left, and U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Andrews Mikel, 35th Logistic Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operators, approach an R-11 fueling truck and F-16 Fighting Falcon for a fuel run at Misawa Air Base, June 10, 2025. Using R-11 and R-12 refueling units, fuel specialists support round-the-clock operations to keep the 35th Fighter Wing’s aircraft fueled, enabling immediate combat response and sustained mission readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)
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SLIDESHOW | 5 images | 250610-F-VQ736-1003
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jose Pro, left, and U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Andrews Mikel, 35th Logistic Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operators, approach an R-11 fueling truck and F-16 Fighting Falcon for a fuel run at Misawa Air Base, June 10, 2025.

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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jose Pro, left, and U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Andrews Mikel, 35th Logistic Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operators, approach an R-11 fueling truck and F-16 Fighting Falcon for a fuel run at Misawa Air Base, June 10, 2025. Using R-11 and R-12 refueling units, fuel specialists support round-the-clock operations to keep the 35th Fighter Wing’s aircraft fueled, enabling immediate combat response and sustained mission readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jose Pro, 35th Logistic Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operator, checks the pressure gauge of an R-11 fueling truck during an F-16 Fighting Falcon fuel run at Misawa Air Base, June 10, 2025.

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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jose Pro, 35th Logistic Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operator, checks the pressure gauge of an R-11 fueling truck during an F-16 Fighting Falcon fuel run at Misawa Air Base, June 10, 2025. Whether fueling in a hardened aircraft shelter or on the flightline during hot-pit operations, fuel operators sustain the 35th Fighter Wing’s ability to generate combat airpower to safeguard regional security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Andrews Mikel, right, and U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jose Pro, 35th Logistic Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operators, watch for an F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chief’s signal to start fueling at Misawa Air Base, June 10, 2025.

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U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Andrews Mikel, right, and U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jose Pro, 35th Logistic Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operators, watch for an F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chief’s signal to start fueling at Misawa Air Base, June 10, 2025. Fuels distribution specialists operate day and night to refuel aircraft, enabling the 35th Fighter Wing to sustain airpower dominance and forward engagement across the Indo-Pacific theater. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Andrews Mikel, 35th Logistic Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operator, holds the deadman switch of an R-11 fueling truck during an F-16 Fighting Falcon fuel run at Misawa Air Base, June 10, 2025.

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U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Andrews Mikel, 35th Logistic Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operator, holds the deadman switch of an R-11 fueling truck during an F-16 Fighting Falcon fuel run at Misawa Air Base, June 10, 2025. Fuels operators support contingency operations, ensuring the 35th Fighter Wing remains agile, fueled, and ready to fight anytime, anywhere. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jose Pro, left, and U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Andrews Mikel, 35th Logistic Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operators, round up the hose for an R-11 fueling truck at Misawa Air Base, June 10, 2025.

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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jose Pro, left, and U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Andrews Mikel, 35th Logistic Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operators, round up the hose for an R-11 fueling truck at Misawa Air Base, June 10, 2025. Utilizing pump control panels and emergency shutdown systems, fuel operators protect assets and preserve readiness across the 35th Fighter Wing’s mission set. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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