美国阿拉斯加州费尔班克斯
Photo by U.S. Air Force/SrA Joshua Strang | 2004-06-12 04:32:25 | AK/90-0742 (cn 1C-350)
美国阿拉斯加州费尔班克斯,北部边缘-2004联合演习中,美国空军第18战斗机中队一架 F-16CM 战斗机接受伊利诺伊州空中国民警卫队第108空中加油中队的 KC-135 空中加油,这架 F-16CM 属于阿拉斯加州艾尔森空军基地第354战斗机联队。(EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- An F-16C Fighting Falcon from the 18th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Wing, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, lines up with a KC-135E Stratotanker from the 108th Air Refueling Squadron, 126th Air Refueling Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, during a refueling mission over Alaska on June 11 2004 in support of exercise Northern Edge 04. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft. It is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. The KC-135 Stratotanker's principal mission is air refueling. This unique asset greatly enhances the USAF's capability to accomplish its primary missions of Global Reach and Global Power. It also provides aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps aircraft as well as those of allied nations. Northern Edge is Alaska's annual joint training exercise designed to enhance interoperability among the services by sharpening and honing joint service techniques and procedures. It helps provide a ready force capable of protecting America's interests at home and abroad. More than 9,000 Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen from active duty, Reserve, and National Guard units are participating in this year's exercise, which runs through 16 June.)