F16 Fighting Falcons Get FUELED by KC135 Stratotankers for AMAZING Formation Flying

In 2025, the 465th Air Refueling Wing (ARW), part of the 4th Air Force, produced a dedicated b-roll package featuring aerial refueling operations with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. This footage was specifically curated for the 4th Air Force’s "Year in Review" video, which highlights major operational milestones across its 18 wings.

2025 Refueling Operations Overview
The 465th ARW, based at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, utilized its KC-135 Stratotanker fleet to provide critical fuel support for the Thunderbirds’ F-16 Fighting Falcons during their 72nd demonstration season.

Mission Purpose: These refueling missions allow the Thunderbirds to travel cross-country between air show locations without landing, maintaining their high-tempo performance schedule.

Key Footage Elements: The b-roll package includes high-definition shots of:
Contact & Fuel Transfer: Precision maneuvers showing the KC-135 boom operator connecting with the F-16s at altitudes around 25,000 feet.

Formation Flying: Thunderbirds maintaining tight formations—often just 3 to 4 feet from the tanker's wing—while awaiting their turn at the boom.
Cockpit & Boom Views: Close-up perspectives of the pilots and boom operators managing the transfer of thousands of pounds of fuel.

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465th Air Refueling Wing and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerial refueling operations b-roll package
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, OKLAHOMA, UNITED STATES
12.23.2025

B-roll package of 465th Air Refueling Wing and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerial refueling operations. B-roll package created for use for 4th Air Force Year in Review video. (U.S. Air Force photo by 507th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs)

Film Credits: Video by Carter Denton and Tech. Sgt. Malissa Lott
507th Air Refueling Wing