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20th FW, 72nd ARS team up to stay sharp

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Ingold
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
An F-16 Fighting Falcon cannot fly around the world on one tank of fuel. When the mission demands keeping the jets in the air, pilots can refuel with one of the Air Force’s gas stations in the sky.

Pilots from the 20th Fighter Wing trained with aircraft refuelers from the 72nd Air Refueling Squadron to hone flying skills, June 19.

“It’s important for us, as a suppression of enemy air defenses wing, to stay in the airspace as long as possible and to provide protection for any striker trying to bomb their targets,” said 1st. Lt. Brian Davis, 55th Fighter Squadron pilot.

Shaw pilots regularly conduct air refueling training with pilots and crews from other aircraft to make the process second nature.

“Refueling is also important because when we deploy, we cross the ocean,” said Davis. “There is no place to stop to refuel going across the ocean so you need to refuel in-air.”

By training with other units, 20th FW pilots keep themselves sharp, as well as helping its refueling partners stay in practice.

“Seeing other aircraft is really important for us and practicing is important for them,” said Tech. Sgt. Jeff Navarre, 72nd Air Refueling Squadron in-flight refueler. “When deployed, they might need to tank constantly and need to quickly get gas in a critical situation. Refueling in the states makes sure it goes smoothly overseas.”

When the needs of the Air Force mission seem to go outside of its capabilities, it has to be innovative. If 20th FW jets need fuel to stay in the sky, then a unit like the 72nd ARS can fly a fuel tank to them to keep them in the air and bringing the fight to the enemy.