F-35A Lightning II Aerial Refueling

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, gets refueled by a KC-135R Stratotanker assigned to the 117th Air Refueling Wing during Exercise Savannah Shift, Savannah, Georgia, Sept. 21, 2020. The KC-135 provides the core aerial refueling capability of the U.S. Air Force for over 60 years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Heather LeVeille)

F-35A Lightning II Aerial Refueling

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II pilot assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, holds the jet’s position while being aerial refueled during Exercise Savannah Shift, Savannah, Georgia, Sept. 21, 2020. The pilots of the jet and refueling tanker must hold their position without any relative movement while traveling at speeds of 350 mph. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Heather LeVeille)

F-35A Lightning II Aerial Refueling

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II pilot from the 33rd Fighter Wing closes the gap between the jet and the KC-135R Stratotanker for an aerial refueling during Exercise Savannah Shift, Savannah, Georgia, Sept. 21, 2020. Aerial refueling allows aircraft to remain in the air longer and extends the pilot’s range. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Heather LeVeille)

F-35A Lightning II Aerial Refueling

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II pilot assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, flies over Savannah, Georgia, during Exercise Savannah Shift, Savannah, Georgia, Sept. 21, 2020. The F-35 will provide next-generation stealth, situational awareness and reduced vulnerability for the United States and its allies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Heather LeVeille)

F-35A Lightning II Aerial Refueling

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, gets refueled by a KC-135R Stratotanker assigned to the 117th Air Refueling Wing during Exercise Savannah Shift, Savannah, Georgia, Sept. 21, 2020. During an aerial refueling, the pilot positions the jet within 50 feet of the refueling tanker. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Heather LeVeille)

F-35A Lightning II Aerial Refueling

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II jets assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, fly in formation beside a KC-135R Stratotanker during Exercise Savannah Shift, Savannah, Georgia, Sept. 21, 2020. The F-35 gives pilots an advantage over adversaries with its advanced capabilities, integrated avionics and superior sensor package that gives pilots more information than any other fighter. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Heather LeVeille)

F-35A Lightning II Aerial Refueling

A U.S. Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker assigned to the 117th Air Refueling Wing is positioned to refuel an F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, during Exercise Savannah Shift, Savannah, Georgia, Sept. 21, 2020. A crew member, known as the boom operator, is stationed in the rear of the KC-135 to control the boom during in-flight air refueling. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Heather LeVeille)

F-35A Lightning II Aerial Refueling

Published Dec. 21, 2020
By Senior Airman Heather Leveille
33rd FIghter Wing

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --

A U.S. Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker assigned to the 117th Air Refueling Wing refuels F-35A Lightning II jets assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, during Exercise Savannah Shift, Savannah, Georgia, Sept. 21, 2020. Aerial refueling allows aircraft to remain in the air longer and extends the pilot’s range. (U.S. Air Force photos by Senior Airman Heather LeVeille)