Two KC-135R Stratotankers from the 117th Air Refueling Wing of the Alabama Air National Guard flew across the Atlantic overnight en route to NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, Germany.
The aircraft, based at Sumpter Smith Air National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama, departed late Sunday night as part of a scheduled deployment to support NATO air operations in Europe.
The mission underscores the ongoing collaboration between the United States and NATO allies to maintain readiness and strengthen transatlantic security ties.
Personnel from the 117th Air Refueling Wing are expected to carry out aerial refueling missions and provide logistical support for alliance aircraft operating in the region.
The deployment follows a series of similar rotations by U.S. Air National Guard units, reaffirming America’s commitment to collective defense and strategic deterrence within the alliance.
