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 Air Force is placing Air Combat Command in charge of teaching combat tactics to fighter and remotely-piloted aircraft units, according to a May 12 announcement. Beginning this summer, the service will reassign the formal training units for the F-35, F-16, and MQ-9 from Air Education and Training Command to…