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A KC-135 Stratotanker takes off from the flightline as part of Operation Centennial Contact at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, June 27, 2023. The movement, which included stops at Yellowstone National Park, Mount Rushmore and Glacier National Park, was part of Air Mobility Command’s celebration of 100 years air refueling operations and demonstrated the 92nd Air Refueling Wing’s global reach capabilities. Since its inception in 1923, Air refueling has become a crucial component of military and civilian aviation operations around the world by extending the range and endurance of aircraft and enabling them to complete missions that would otherwise be impossible or require multiple stops. As a result, this capability is essential for strategic and tactical operations, as well as humanitarian relief efforts in support of AMC, U.S. Transportation Command and Department of Defense priorities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Clare Werner)