240613-Z-UF872-1026

U.S. Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Jessy Gray, 168th Aircraft Maintenance crew chief, dawns his headset while finishing the preflight inspection and in preparation for sending the 168 WG Stratotanker on a mission during Red Flag Alaska, June 13, 2024. 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 air 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)