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.
Secretary of Defense Austin Lloyd III met with his counterparts from Australia, Japan and the Philippines to discuss bolstering defense ties on May 2. The discussion included plans for joint F-35 exercises with Japan and Australia in the coming years.