Refueling Thunderbirds

An F-16 Flying Falcon Thunderbird flies alone July 30, 2018, in the mid-western skies of the U.S. The F-16 burn through fuel quickly, requiring the assistance of a tanker aircraft during long-distance flights. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alan Ricker)

An F-16 Flying Falcon Thunderbird receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to McConnell Air Force, Kansas, July 30, 2018, in the eastern skies of the U.S. Six thunderbirds were refueled three separate times during the flight towards Denver, Colorado. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alan Ricker)

Two F-16 Flying Falcon Thunderbirds fly in formation July 30, 2018, in the eastern skies of the U.S. One of the Thunderbird’s objectives is to reinforce public confidence in the Air Force and demonstrate the professional competence of Air Force members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alan Ricker)

An F-16 Flying Falcon Thunderbird receives fuel from a KC-135 Statotanker, assigned to McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, July 30, 2018, in the eastern skies of the U.S. The Thunderbirds were refueled three times during a flight back to their home station, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alan Ricker)

An F-16 Flying Falcon Thunderbird flies alone July 30, 2018, in the eastern skies of the U.S. One of the Thunderbird’s objectives is to represent the U.S. and its armed forces to foreign nations and project international goodwill. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alan Ricker)

An F-16 Flying Falcon Thunderbird receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to McConnell, July 30, 2018, in the western skies of the U.S. The Thunderbirds are often accompanied from one stop to another by an Air Force tanker aircraft to provide a quick, non-stop route between performances. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alan Ricker)

Six F-16 Flying Falcon Thunderbirds fly in formation July 30, 2018, over Colorado. The demonstration team will be performing at McConnell Air Force Base’s Frontiers in Flight Air Show this year on September 8 and 9. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alan Ricker)

Two F-16 Flying Falcon Thunderbirds form up July 30, 2018, in the mid-western skies of the U.S. More than 300 million people in all 50 states and 58 foreign countries have seen the red, white and blue jets in more than 4,000 aerial demonstrations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alan Ricker)

Four F-16 Flying Falcon Thunderbirds fly in formation July 30, 2018, in the mid-western skies of the U.S. The Thunderbirds perform precision aerial maneuvers that demonstrate the capabilities of Air Force high performance aircraft to people throughout the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alan Ricker)

Four F-16 Flying Falcon Thunderbirds fly in formation July 30, 2018, in the eastern skies of the U.S. One of the Thunderbird’s objectives is to support Air Force recruiting and retention programs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alan Ricker)

An F-16 Flying Falcon Thunderbird approaches a boom to receive fuel July 30, 2018, in the mid-western skies of the U.S. The Thunderbirds have been performing for audiences around the world since 1953. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alan Ricker)

Four F-16 Flying Falcon Thunderbirds fly in formation July 30, 2018, in the eastern skies of the U.S. One of the Thunderbird’s objectives is to strengthen morale and esprit de corps among Air Force members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alan Ricker)