RED FLAG exercises combat readiness

ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- A 168th Air Refueling Wing KC-135 extends their refueling boom to an 517th Airlift Squadron C-17 during a RED FLAG-Alaska exercise mission June 12. RED FLAG-Alaska 08-3 has participants for the Japan Air Self Defense Force and the Republic of Korea air force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class David Carbajal)

Alaska ANG support key to Northern Edge success

Two F-22 Raptors from the 3rd Wing at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, fly beside a KC-135 Stratotanker May 8 prior to refueling. The aircraft are part of the more than 120 participating in Northern Edge 2008, the largest military training exercise in Alaska. Aircrews train in counter-air, close-air-support and air-interdiction missions. An Alaska Air National Guard KC-135 from Eielson Air Force Base's 168th Air Refueling Wing, delivered the fuel during the mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Mikal Canfield)

Alaska ANG KC-135s provide edge anytime, anywhere

An F-22 Raptor from the 3rd Wing at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, rejoins the fight after refueling during Northern Edge 2008 May 8. Twelve Elmendorf AFB F-22s were part of the more than 120 aircraft participating in the largest military training exercise in Alaska. An Alaska Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska's, 168th Air Refueling Wing delivered the fuel during the refueling mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Mikal Canfield)

Alaska ANG KC-135s provide edge anytime, anywhere

Three F-15 Eagles from the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base, Japan, fly beside a KC-135 Stratotanker after refueling May 8 over Alaska. The aircraft are part of the more than 120 participating in Northern Edge 2008, the largest military training exercise in Alaska. Aircrews train in counter-air, close-air-support and air-interdiction missions. An Alaska Air National Guard KC-135, from Eielson Air Force Base's 168th Air Refueling Wing delivered the fuel during the mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Mikal Canfield)

Aerial pit stop

OVER ALASKA -- A KC-135 Stratotanker from the Alaska Air National Guard 168th Air Refueling Wing refuels an F-22 Raptor from the 90th Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base. With the KC-135's mission of air refueling, the F-22 capabilities can accomplish its mission of global engagement. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathan Steffen)

Aerial pit stop

OVER ALASKA -- A KC-135 Stratotanker from the Alaska Air National Guard 168th Air Refueling Wing refuels an F-22 Raptor from the 90th Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base fly in for refueling. With the KC-135's mission of air refueling, the F-22 capabilities can accomplish its mission of global engagement. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathan Steffen)