Fairchild supports MAWTS-1 with aerial refueling

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Talon Brandel, an in-flight refueling specialist assigned to the 97th Air Refueling Squadron, prepares for take-off before conducting a U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet aerial refueling mission at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, April 9, 2024. The mission was part of the Weapons and Tactics Instructor course hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One. MAWTS-1 provides unit instructors advanced tactical training and certification to support Marine Aviation Training and Readiness. During the seven-week MAWTS-1 WTI course, experienced Marine Corps, joint, and ally military personnel learn to integrate all elements of the Marine-Air Ground Task Force. The aerial refueling allows the Marine Corps aircraft to stay airborne longer, ensuring the aircraft has the time to complete the advanced tactical training. Operations like the MAWTS aerial refueling training gives Joint Force experience to the KC-135 Stratotanker aircrew and the Marine Corps receiving aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Haiden Morris)