E-3A AWACS - AWACS banking

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM—An E-3A AWACS participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom banks after refueling from a KC-10 Extender near Iraq on March 22, 2003. About 15 percent of the total sorties flown during the operation have been air refueling missions. Aerial refueling capability allows coalition aircraft to fly long distances in the theater quickly and return safely. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Dave Ahlschwede)