240613-Z-UF872-1049

U.S. Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Devin Farnsworth, 168th Wing KC-135 boom operator, briefs the 25th and 51st Fighter Squadrons Maintenance Airmen incentive ride passengers as they take their seats on board a KC-135 Stratotanker for the first time in their Air Force careers, June 13, 2024, during a Red Flag Alaska 24-2 aerial refueling mission. The Maintenance Airmen are the backbone of the mission, ensuring aircraft are mission-ready in a moment’s notice and received an incentive ride for their hard work and dedication during Red Flag Alaska. The 168 WG has a unique role in delivering vital air refueling support in the Pacific and Arctic regions and plays a crucial part in every Red Flag at Eielson Air Force Base, ensuring the high operational tempo and teamwork exercise are refueled. The refueling provided by the 168 WG strengthens the training and interoperability amongst the hundreds of allies and partners participating. During the iteration of Red Flag-Alaska 24-2, the 168 WG continued connecting and training with their partners and allies, including providing incentive flights to the maintainers, a physical therapist, and flight hours for the flight docs taking part in RF-Alaska. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)