Aiding and abetting the bombers and fighters that make up the Pacific region’s global strike task force are USAF KC-135 tankers. Right now that group is the Air National Guard’s 168th Air Refueling Wing, Eielson AFB, Alaska—making their second appearance at Andersen AFB, Guam, in five years. The 168th Guam team comprises more than 100 airmen, some of whom have parents younger than the tankers they fly and maintain, according to USAF photojournalist MSgt. Val Gempis.
The last remaining T-1 Jayhawk at JBSA-Randolph, Texas, took its final flight to the "Boneyard" at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., on July 15. The 99th Flying Training Squadron will train pilots using T-6 and simulator until it gets T-7 Red Hawk in fiscal 2026.