An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, approaches the boom on a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, during a refueling mission over Germany. The 100th ARW provides refueling support for training missions, like this one, and combat missions in the European and African areas of operation. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Christopher Mesnard/Released)

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An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, approaches the boom on a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, during a refueling mission over Germany. Refueling sorties of this type keep pilots and boom operators proficient in refueling techniques used to support combat operations in other areas of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Christopher Mesnard/Released)

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An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base Germany, approaches the boom on a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, during a refueling mission March 7, 2013, over Germany. The 100th ARW provides fuel to combat and support aircraft in the European and African areas of responsibility, providing a vital support role to the U.S. Air Force fleet of aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Christopher Mesnard/Released)

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An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, takes on fuel during a refueling mission with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, after completing a refueling mission Mar. 7, 2013, over Germany. The 100th ARW trains with many types of aircraft to more effectively accomplish their refueling mission during contigency operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Christopher Mesnard/Released)

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An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany breaks away from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, after completing a refueling mission over Germany. The F-16 is a multi-role fighter aircraft and relies on refueling aircraft like the KC-135 to keep it in the air on longer sorties. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Christopher Mesnard/Released)

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'Hogs' receive gas before 'Falcons'

Published March 8, 2013