Freedom Shield 23 CV-22 Osprey Refueling

U.S. Airman assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron oversees the aerial refueling of a CV-22 Osprey from an MC-130J Commando II during a training mission as part of Freedom Shield 23 over the Sea of Japan, Mar. 17th, 2023. The Osprey is a tiltrotor aircraft that combines the vertical takeoff capabilities of a helicopter and the long range, fuel efficiency and speed characteristics of a turboprop aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Trevor Gordnier)

Freedom Shield 23 CV-22 Osprey Refueling

U.S. pilots assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron fly an MC-130J Commando II during aerial refueling training in support of Freedom Shield 23 over the Sea of Japan, Mar. 17th, 2023. Pilots remain in constant communication during aerial refueling in order to maintain proper speeds, distances and procedures. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Trevor Gordnier)

Freedom Shield 23 CV-22 Osprey Refueling

A CV-22 Osprey assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron (SOS) receives fuel from an MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 1st SOS during an aerial refueling mission as part of Freedom Shield 23 over the Sea of Japan, Mar. 17th, 2023. The MC-130J Commando II’s ability to refuel mid-flight allows aircraft to stay in the air longer to meet mission requirements. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Trevor Gordnier)

Freedom Shield 23 CV-22 Osprey Refueling

A U.S. Airman assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron signals a CV-22 Osprey from an MC-130J Commando II during an aerial refueling mission as part of Freedom Shield 23 over the Sea of Japan, Mar. 17th, 2023. Communication between aircraft allows them to be in sync during the refueling process. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Trevor Gordnier)

Freedom Shield 23 CV-22 Osprey Refueling

CV-22 Ospreys assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron (SOS) approach an MC-130J Commando II for aerial refueling over the Sea of Japan, Mar. 17th, 2023. The 21st SOS utilizes the unique capabilities of the Osprey to conduct long range infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply missions for special operation forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Trevor Gordnier)

Freedom Shield 23 CV-22 Osprey Refueling

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing don harnesses in the back of an MC-130J Commando II in preparation for aerial refueling during Freedom Shield 23 at Daegu Air Base, Republic of Korea, Mar. 17, 2023. Safety is a major component when conducting advanced procedures such as mid-air refueling and requires specialized equipment to keep aircrew secure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Trevor Gordnier)

Freedom Shield 23 CV-22 Osprey Refueling

Published April 6, 2023
By Senior Airman Trevor Gordnier
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

DAEGU AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --

The 1st Special Operations Squadron conducted refueling operations with the 21st Special Operations Squadron as part of Freedom Shield 23 at Daegu Air Base, Republic of Korea, Mar. 17, 2023. The MC-130J Commando II’s ability to refuel mid-flight allows aircraft to stay in the air longer to meet mission requirements. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Trevor Gordnier)