Misawa AB provides rapid fuel support for BTF 25-1 operations U.S. Air Force Logo March 3, 2025 Misawa AB provides rapid fuel support for BTF 25-1 operations A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., prepares to land at Misawa Air Base, Japan, to conduct a hot pit refuel during Bomber Task Force 25-1, Feb. 24, 2025. Bomber missions provide opportunities to train and work with our Allies and partners in joint and coalition operations and exercises. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Patrick Boyle) Details Download Misawa AB provides rapid fuel support for BTF 25-1 U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron send off a U.S. Air Force B1-Lancer assigned to the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron in support of Pacific Air Forces’ Bomber Task Force mission at Misawa Air Base, Feb. 20, 2025. Through combined training, the U.S. and intercontinental defense forces work together to promote interoperability, thus furthering our investments and strengthening our relationships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Andre Medina) Details Download Misawa AB provides rapid fuel support for BTF 25-1 U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Rodel Shorter, 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron assistant dedicated crew chief, marshals an R-11 fuel truck during Bomber Task Force 25-1 hot pit refueling operations at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Feb. 27, 2025. Demonstrating cutting-edge capabilities, forward presence, and commitment to our Allies and partners communicates the United States’ resolve in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brittany Kenney) Details Download Misawa AB provides rapid fuel support for BTF 25-1 U.S. Air Force Senior Airman William Whitten, 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron crew chief, prepares to connect a grounding wire to a B-1B Lancer during a Bomber Task Force 25-1 hot pit refueling operation at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Feb. 24, 2025. Missions like these enhance capability and interoperability, while strengthening trust between like-minded nations to ensure the air, maritime, cyber, and space domains remain open to all nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brittany Kenney) Details Download Misawa AB provides rapid fuel support for BTF 25-1 U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Paul Bonham, 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron fuels distribution supervisor, connects hydrant sensing lines for a hot pit refuel during Bomber Task Force 25-1 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Feb. 20, 2025. The U.S. Department of Defense remains fully committed to defense and deterrence of any actors that would undermine or threaten the shared interests of the U.S., its allies, or its partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brittany Kenney) Details Download Misawa AB provides rapid fuel support for BTF 25-1 U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Dennis Webb, 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron fuels distribution operator, runs with a fueling hose during a hot pit refuel at Misawa Air Base, Japan, in support of Bomber Task Force 25-1, Feb. 27, 2025. The United States is an Indo-Pacific nation and will remain engaged in the region to support U.S. allies and partners in the goal of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brittany Kenney) Details Download Misawa AB provides rapid fuel support for BTF 25-1 U.S. Air Force Senior Airman William Whitten, 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron crew chief, checks fuel hose connections on a B-1B Lancer during Bomber Task Force 25-1 hot pit refueling operations at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Feb. 24, 2025. Demonstrating cutting-edge capabilities, forward presence, and commitment to our Allies and partners communicates the United States’ resolve in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brittany Kenney) Details Download Misawa AB provides rapid fuel support for BTF 25-1 U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Brendan Harkin, 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron dedicated crew chief, operates a switch used to send fuel from a refueling truck to a B-1B Lancer during Bomber Task Force 25-1 hot pit refueling operations at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Feb. 27, 2025. Enhancing interoperability between the U.S. and international defense forces contributes to the long-term advancement of our nations’ shared interests. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brittany Kenney) Details Download Team Misawa supported members of the 34th Expeditionary Bomber Squadron as they performed hot pit refueling maneuvers during a Bomber Task Force 25-1 mission at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Feb. 20-27, 2025. Practicing hot pit refueling, a skilled technique where aircraft ground crews add fuel to an aircraft with engines still running, helps crews stay ready to enable assets to quickly take-off again during high demand operations, and is a commonly used procedure during Agile Combat Employment missions. “Proficiency is our priority as we have a duty to provide safe, secure, effective, and ready strategic deterrence when called upon,” said Lt. Col. Robert Wasil, 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron commander. “Deploying to the Indo-Pacific is an opportunity to assess our skillsets, adapt new tactics, and learn new procedures from collaboration efforts.” The BTF missions are important to demonstrate U.S. power projection capability, a commitment to regional security by training alongside allies and partnered forces, and providing Pacific Air Forces a potent strategic deterrence effort that reinforces security, freedom, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. The United States and Japan are committed to reinforcing extended deterrence efforts to promote regional stability and deter the possible conflicts. The ability to rapidly refuel and resume flight operations is a critical capability towards assisting any flying mission sustain response efforts for any incident or threat, with the goal of a free and open Indo-Pacific for all.