U.S. Air Force F-35s, KC-135 conduct flyover along Europe’s Eastern Flank
U.S. Air Force Capt. Patrick Gilbert and Capt. Kelby McWherter, 351st Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker pilots, perform preflight checks at RAF Mildenhall, England, before conducting an aerial refueling mission over the Baltic Sea, Dec. 4, 2025. The KC-135 Stratotanker refueled two F-35s in flight before the jets conducted low approaches, climbs and pattern work at Šiauliai Air Base, Lithuania; Lielvārde Air Base, Latvia; and Ämari Air Base, Estonia, coordinating with air traffic controllers from all three Baltic states to demonstrate a forward, agile and ready force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Chloe Masey)