Pacific Ocean near Misawa Air Base, Japan – On Sept. 26, 2025, U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 4th Fighter Squadron carried out aerial refueling with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron.

The refueling mission was conducted in preparation for Exercise Bushido Guardian 2025.

This operation highlighted the 35th Fighter Wing’s role as a forward hub for power projection, ensuring fifth-generation aircraft maintain readiness to deter aggression and uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download