BG 25: Endurance in Action

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

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron flies over the Pacific Ocean during a refueling mission in preparation of Exercise Bushido Guardian 2025.

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A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron flies over the Pacific Ocean during a refueling mission in preparation of Exercise Bushido Guardian 2025 near Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 26, 2025. The operation highlights how air refueling extends the global reach of U.S. airpower, ensuring rapid response and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)
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SLIDESHOW | 6 images | 250926-F-VQ736-1122
A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron flies over the Pacific Ocean during a refueling mission in preparation of Exercise Bushido Guardian 2025.

250926-F-VQ736-1122

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron flies over the Pacific Ocean during a refueling mission in preparation of Exercise Bushido Guardian 2025 near Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 26, 2025. The operation highlights how air refueling extends the global reach of U.S. airpower, ensuring rapid response and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jordan Barker, 909th Air Refueling Squadron (ARS) boom operator, operates a refueling boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th ARS during a refueling mission in preparation of Exercise Bushido Guardian 2025 over the Pacific Ocean.

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U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jordan Barker, 909th Air Refueling Squadron (ARS) boom operator, operates a refueling boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th ARS during a refueling mission in preparation of Exercise Bushido Guardian 2025 over the Pacific Ocean near Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 26, 2025. Such missions demonstrate the seamless partnership between allies, guaranteeing airpower projection and strategic deterrence against evolving threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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Frost collects on the window of a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron during a refueling mission in preparation of Exercise Bushido Guardian 2025 over the Pacific Ocean.

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Frost collects on the window of a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron during a refueling mission in preparation of Exercise Bushido Guardian 2025 over the Pacific Ocean near Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 26, 2025. The mission highlights how joint integration ensures persistent presence, strengthens allied interoperability and enhances deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 421st Fighter Squadron flies alongside a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron during a refueling mission in preparation of Exercise Bushido Guardian 2025 over the Pacific Ocean.

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A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 421st Fighter Squadron flies alongside a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron during a refueling mission in preparation of Exercise Bushido Guardian 2025 over the Pacific Ocean near Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 26, 2025. The operation showcased U.S. and Japanese forces’ ability to project power, sustain combat operations and defend shared regional interests. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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A ‘contact’ sensor lights up on the control panel of a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron during a refueling mission in preparation of Exercise Bushido Guardian 2025 over the Pacific Ocean.

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A ‘contact’ sensor lights up on the control panel of a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron during a refueling mission in preparation of Exercise Bushido Guardian 2025 over the Pacific Ocean near Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 26, 2025. The flight demonstrates how persistent airpower presence supports regional stability, deters aggression and safeguards a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron refuels an F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 421st Fighter Squadron over the Pacific Ocean during a refueling mission in preparation of Exercise Bushido Guardian 2025.

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A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron refuels an F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 421st Fighter Squadron over the Pacific Ocean during a refueling mission in preparation of Exercise Bushido Guardian 2025 near Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 26, 2025. Such flights highlight how air refueling enables uninterrupted combat operations, amplifying joint force lethality and resilience. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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