KC-135 Stratotanker - Keeping Stratotankers flying

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan (AFPN)—(Left to right) Tech Sgt. Julian Christian, Staff Sgt. Gene Pietro and Senior Airman James Taimanglo inspect their KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft before an exercise Cope North 05 morning sortie. Cope North is a bilateral exercise designed to enhance U.S. and Japanese air operations. It gives pilots from both countries opportunities to conduct training in air combat tactics, electronic combat and airborne air control. The Airmen are with the 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Val Gempis)