Fueling the fight for RF-A 17-1
A U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Maxwell Smesny, a boom operator assigned to the 350th Air Refueling Squadron out of McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., follows a preflight checklist prior to take off from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Oct. 10, 2016, during RED FLAG-Alaska (RF-A) 17-1. Aircrews operating KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft are vital to the success of RF-A, a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training exercises for U.S. and partner nation forces, enabling joint and international units to sharpen their skills by flying simulated combat sorties in a realistic threat environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Karen J. Tomasik)