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Photos Show US Air Force Training for Pacific War
Photos Show US Air Force Training for Pacific War

Miami Herald

time23-06-2025

  • General
  • Miami Herald

Photos Show US Air Force Training for Pacific War

The United States conducted aerial refueling training earlier this month, deploying aircraft from bases across the Pacific to demonstrate the reach of its air power in the vast region. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese defense and foreign ministries for comment by email. The training exercise comes against the backdrop of the Pentagon's designation of the Indo-Pacific as its "priority theater," where China continues to challenge U.S. military dominance. The U.S. Air Force has deployed various types of aircraft-including stealth fighter jets, bombers, and spy planes-in allied Pacific nations near China, including at Kadena Air Base and Misawa Air Base in Japan, which serve as front line staging areas for power projection. While combat aircraft play a major role in both offensive and defensive operations, aerial refueling aircraft-also known as tanker aircraft-provide critical support, as shown during U.S. bomber strikes on Iran's nuclear sites in Operation Midnight Hammer over the weekend. Aircrews assigned to Travis Air Force Base in California were deployed to Misawa Air Base in Japan with a KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling aircraft-which has a fuel capacity of over 212,000 pounds-for off-station training, according to a U.S. Air Force news release on June 18. The U.S. West Coast-based tanker transited the Pacific and conducted aerial refueling with Misawa Air Base's F-16 fighter jets upon entering Japanese airspace, demonstrating what the U.S. Air Force described as "worldwide mission capability" to extend operational readiness. Aerial refueling serves as the critical enabler of air superiority, stated the U.S. Air Force. It is an indispensable capability for global operations, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, where it is essential for mission execution. The ability to rapidly redeploy fighter aircraft and keep them fueled in flight is a cornerstone of strategy, as regional tensions and contingencies continue to evolve, the news release read. U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Bradford Waldie, who serves as director of operations of the 14th Fighter Squadron at Misawa Air Base, said distance is the "greatest challenge" to projecting power in the Pacific, noting that the tanker took 10 hours to reach its destination. The KC-46A-which is also capable of carrying passengers and cargo, as well as performing medical evacuations-is equipped with a number of self-protection, defensive, and communication features that enhance its survivability in contested environments, according to an official fact sheet. U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Bradford Waldie, director of operations of the 14th Fighter Squadron, said in a news release: "Seeing the KC-46 successfully launch from Travis [Air Force Base] and meet us on time after a 10-hour sortie builds confidence in our ability to overcome the challenge of distance and deliver combat power anywhere it is required in the area of responsibility." The U.S. Air Force said in a news release: "The KC-46, the newest tanker aircraft in the Department of Defense, with advanced refueling systems and defensive capabilities, delivered critical fuel support to the F-16's midair-extending their range, preserving their combat readiness and reinforcing the Air Force's commitment to global power projection." It remains to be seen whether the U.S. Air Force will forward-deploy some of its KC-46A aircraft to bases in the western Pacific to enhance overall operational flexibility. Related Articles US Citizens in Qatar Given 'Shelter in Place' WarningTimelapse Shows Global Ship Traffic in Hormuz Strait Under Iran ThreatIsrael Pounds Tehran, Strikes Fordow Again as Khamenei Appeals to PutinIran Makes Direct Plea to Putin After US, Israel Strikes 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

Photos Show US Air Force Training for Pacific War
Photos Show US Air Force Training for Pacific War

Newsweek

time23-06-2025

  • General
  • Newsweek

Photos Show US Air Force Training for Pacific War

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States conducted aerial refueling training earlier this month, deploying aircraft from bases across the Pacific to demonstrate the reach of its air power in the vast region. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese defense and foreign ministries for comment by email. Why It Matters The training exercise comes against the backdrop of the Pentagon's designation of the Indo-Pacific as its "priority theater," where China continues to challenge U.S. military dominance. The U.S. Air Force has deployed various types of aircraft—including stealth fighter jets, bombers, and spy planes—in allied Pacific nations near China, including at Kadena Air Base and Misawa Air Base in Japan, which serve as front line staging areas for power projection. While combat aircraft play a major role in both offensive and defensive operations, aerial refueling aircraft—also known as tanker aircraft—provide critical support, as shown during U.S. bomber strikes on Iran's nuclear sites in Operation Midnight Hammer over the weekend. What To Know Aircrews assigned to Travis Air Force Base in California were deployed to Misawa Air Base in Japan with a KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling aircraft—which has a fuel capacity of over 212,000 pounds—for off-station training, according to a U.S. Air Force news release on June 18. A United States Air Force F-16 fighter jet receives fuel from a KC-46A aerial refueling aircraft near Misawa Air Base in Japan on June 5, 2025. A United States Air Force F-16 fighter jet receives fuel from a KC-46A aerial refueling aircraft near Misawa Air Base in Japan on June 5, 2025. Senior Airman Robert Nichols/U.S. Air Force The U.S. West Coast-based tanker transited the Pacific and conducted aerial refueling with Misawa Air Base's F-16 fighter jets upon entering Japanese airspace, demonstrating what the U.S. Air Force described as "worldwide mission capability" to extend operational readiness. Aerial refueling serves as the critical enabler of air superiority, stated the U.S. Air Force. It is an indispensable capability for global operations, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, where it is essential for mission execution. The ability to rapidly redeploy fighter aircraft and keep them fueled in flight is a cornerstone of strategy, as regional tensions and contingencies continue to evolve, the news release read. U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Bradford Waldie, who serves as director of operations of the 14th Fighter Squadron at Misawa Air Base, said distance is the "greatest challenge" to projecting power in the Pacific, noting that the tanker took 10 hours to reach its destination. The KC-46A—which is also capable of carrying passengers and cargo, as well as performing medical evacuations—is equipped with a number of self-protection, defensive, and communication features that enhance its survivability in contested environments, according to an official fact sheet. A United States Air Force F-16 fighter jet receives fuel from a KC-46A aerial refueling aircraft near Misawa Air Base in Japan on June 5, 2025. A United States Air Force F-16 fighter jet receives fuel from a KC-46A aerial refueling aircraft near Misawa Air Base in Japan on June 5, 2025. Senior Airman Robert Nichols/U.S. Air Force What People Are Saying U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Bradford Waldie, director of operations of the 14th Fighter Squadron, said in a news release: "Seeing the KC-46 successfully launch from Travis [Air Force Base] and meet us on time after a 10-hour sortie builds confidence in our ability to overcome the challenge of distance and deliver combat power anywhere it is required in the area of responsibility." The U.S. Air Force said in a news release: "The KC-46, the newest tanker aircraft in the Department of Defense, with advanced refueling systems and defensive capabilities, delivered critical fuel support to the F-16's midair—extending their range, preserving their combat readiness and reinforcing the Air Force's commitment to global power projection." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether the U.S. Air Force will forward-deploy some of its KC-46A aircraft to bases in the western Pacific to enhance overall operational flexibility.

Al Udeid Air Base Qatar: Why US is removing its troops from this base in Middle East amid Iran-Israel war
Al Udeid Air Base Qatar: Why US is removing its troops from this base in Middle East amid Iran-Israel war

Time of India

time21-06-2025

  • Politics
  • Time of India

Al Udeid Air Base Qatar: Why US is removing its troops from this base in Middle East amid Iran-Israel war

The United States has reportedly removed nearly 40 military aircraft from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar between June 5 and June 19, according to satellite imagery, as the Iran-Israel conflict escalates. This is among the most significant drawdowns at the base, which is the largest American military installation in the Middle East. Security concerns prompt restricted access The U.S. Embassy in Qatar confirmed on Thursday that access to Al Udeid had been limited "out of an abundance of caution and in light of ongoing regional hostilities." Personnel have been advised to remain alert due to the deteriorating security environment. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 5 Dividend Stocks for May 2025 Seeking Alpha Read Now Undo Base's location seen as risky 'Al Udeid would be extremely vulnerable due to its close proximity to Iran,' said Mark Schwartz, a former U.S. Army lieutenant general and defense analyst at the RAND Corporation. 'You want to reduce risk to U.S. forces, both personnel and equipment.' On June 5, satellite photos from Planet Labs PBC showed about 40 aircraft at the base, including C-130 Hercules transport planes and reconnaissance jets. By June 19, only three aircraft remained. Live Events — AhmadAlgohbary (@AhmadAlgohbary) US refuelling aircraft shift to Europe Flight tracking reviewed by AFP showed that between June 15 and June 18, at least 27 military refuelling aircraft, including KC-46A Pegasus and KC-135 Stratotankers, flew from the U.S. to Europe. Twenty-five of these remained in Europe as of late Wednesday, indicating the U.S. could be positioning assets for extended-range operations. No disclosure of aircraft destination While it is unclear whether the aircraft have been moved to hardened shelters or other bases in the region, a U.S. defense official declined to disclose details, stating: 'We remain committed to maintaining operational security while executing our mission with the highest level of readiness, lethality, and professionalism.' — sentdefender (@sentdefender) US military posture on high alert American forces across the Middle East are on heightened alert. Families stationed at certain military bases have been given the option to evacuate voluntarily. Currently, around 40,000 U.S. troops are stationed across the region, up from a peacetime average of 30,000. Carrier groups redeployed toward Middle East To reinforce its posture, the U.S. is increasing its naval presence. A Navy official confirmed the USS Gerald R. Ford will depart Norfolk, Virginia, on June 24 for a deployment to the U.S. European Command area. The USS Carl Vinson strike group has already been operating in the region, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the USS Nimitz carrier group to head toward the Middle East 'to sustain our defensive posture and safeguard American personnel,' according to a senior defense official. White House still deciding on next steps President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he will decide within the next two weeks whether to authorize U.S. strikes on Iran. While he has supported Israel's ongoing operations, Trump said there remains a limited window for negotiations. He also remarked that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would be an 'easy target.' Trump has previously pushed for a replacement to the 2015 nuclear deal, which he exited in 2018. In recent weeks, he has endorsed Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and military leadership. Political resistance builds in Washington Several voices from within Trump's 'Make America Great Again' base have opposed deeper U.S. involvement, warning that such actions risk entangling the country in new long-term conflicts. Israel-Iran clash reaches new intensity The latest military exchange between Israel and Iran is among the most direct and intense in decades. Israel launched Operation Rising Sun, targeting nuclear and military facilities inside Iran. Iran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes against Israeli targets. The escalation has raised concerns of a broader regional war and drawn global attention.

US military aircraft no longer visible at base in Qatar
US military aircraft no longer visible at base in Qatar

Iraqi News

time20-06-2025

  • Politics
  • Iraqi News

US military aircraft no longer visible at base in Qatar

Washington – Dozens of US military aircraft are no longer on the tarmac at a major US base in Qatar, satellite images show — a possible move to shield them from eventual Iranian air strikes, as Washington weighs whether to intervene in Tehran's conflict with Israel. Between June 5 and 19, nearly all of the aircraft visible at the Al Udeid base are no longer anywhere in plain sight, according to images published by Planet Labs PBC and analyzed by AFP. Nearly 40 military aircraft — including transport planes like the Hercules C-130 and reconnaissance aircraft — were parked on the tarmac on June 5. In an image taken on June 19, only three aircraft are visible. The US embassy in Qatar announced Thursday that access to the base would be limited 'out of an abundance of caution and in light of ongoing regional hostilities,' and urged personnel to 'exercise increased vigilance.' The White House says US President Donald Trump will decide sometime in the next two weeks whether to join ally Israel's strikes on Iran. The Islamic republic could then respond by striking US bases in the region. Mark Schwartz, a former lieutenant general in the US Army and a defense researcher at the Rand Corporation, said the personnel, aircraft and installations at Al Udeid would be 'extremely vulnerable' given its 'close proximity' to Iran. Schwartz, who served in the Middle East, told AFP that even shrapnel could render the aircraft 'non-mission capable.' 'You want to reduce risk to US forces, both personnel and equipment,' he said. The planes that have left the tarmac since early June could have been moved to hangars or to other bases in the region. The US military did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment. US forces in the Middle East have been mobilized since Israel's first strikes on Iran nearly a week ago, with an additional aircraft carrier en route and significant aircraft movement. An AFP analysis of open source data tracking aircraft positioning showed that at least 27 military refueling planes — KC-46A Pegasus and KC-135 Stratotanker planes — traveled from the United States to Europe from June 15-18. Twenty-five of them were still in Europe as of late Wednesday, with only two returning to American soil, the data showed.

Israel-Iran conflict: US removes warplanes from Al Udeid Airbase in Qatar; see satellite images
Israel-Iran conflict: US removes warplanes from Al Udeid Airbase in Qatar; see satellite images

Time of India

time20-06-2025

  • Politics
  • Time of India

Israel-Iran conflict: US removes warplanes from Al Udeid Airbase in Qatar; see satellite images

Al Udeid Air Base outside of Doha, Qatar, after many aircraft on its tarmac left, June 18, 2025 (left), and a MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter hovering over the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier while operating in the Middle East. (AP) Satellite images show that dozens of US military aircraft are no longer visible on the tarmac at a major US base in Qatar, news agency AFP reported. This may be a step to protect them from possible Iranian air strikes, as the United States considers whether to join Israel in its ongoing conflict with Iran in the Middle East. Images from Planet Labs PBC on June 5, the AFP report says, showed nearly 40 military aircraft at Al Udeid Air Base. These included transport aircraft like the Hercules C-130 and reconnaissance planes. By June 19, a new image showed only three aircraft visible on the tarmac. The US embassy in Qatar said Thursday that access to the base would be limited "out of an abundance of caution and in light of ongoing regional hostilities," and asked personnel to "exercise increased vigilance." — sentdefender (@sentdefender) The White House said on Thursday that US President Donald Trump will make a decision in the next two weeks on whether to support Israel's military strikes on Iran. Iran may respond by targeting US bases in the region. "He will make a decision within the next two weeks" about taking a direct military role in the conflict, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at a press briefing. Aircraft, personnel, and facilities at Al Udeid base would be "extremely vulnerable" due to its "close proximity" to Iran, Mark Schwartz, a former US Army lieutenant general and defense researcher at the Rand Corporation, was quoted as saying by the AFP. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like They Were So Beautiful Before; Now Look At Them; Number 10 Will Shock You Reportingly Undo Schwartz, who has served in the Middle East, told AFP that even shrapnel could make the aircraft "non-mission capable." "You want to reduce risk to US forces, both personnel and equipment," he said. The aircraft that are no longer visible on the tarmac may have been moved into hangars or relocated to other bases in the area. US forces in the region have been active since Israel began its strikes on Iran almost a week ago. An additional aircraft carrier is on its way, and there has been increased aircraft movement. AFP report also mentions that open-source data tracking of the movement of aircraft found that between June 15 and 18, at least 27 military refueling planes — KC-46A Pegasus and KC-135 Stratotanker — flew from the US to Europe. As of late Wednesday, 25 of those planes remained in Europe, while only two had returned to the United States, according to the data.

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