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An F-22 Raptor flies in formation before being refueled by a KC-46 Pegasus over the coast of California for Bamboo Eagle 24-3 on Aug. 8, 2024. The KC-46 Pegasus provides critical inflight refueling capabilities for the Air Force, testing its ability to deploy rapidly and maneuver the Joint Force at time, scale and mass. Pilots from the 344th Air Refueling Squadron at McConnell Air Force Base demonstrated their capability to refuel various types of fighter aircraft from different branches during the coastal exercise. Bamboo Eagle tests the integration of mobility, combat, bomber, joint and Allied aircraft, which is key to joint force and international partner success. This iteration’s BE 24-3 is an example of how the Air Force implements large-scale exercises and mission-focused training encompassing multiple operational plans to demonstrate and rehearse for complex, large-scale military operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman William Lunn)