U.S. Air Force Maj. Will Watson, a pilot assigned to the 905th Air Refueling Squadron from McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., conducts a pre-flight check on a KC-46A Pegasus aircraft, assigned to the 931st Air Refueling Wing, prior to take off from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 11, 2021, in support of exercise Northern Edge 2021. Approximately 15,000 U.S. service members are participating in a joint training exercise hosted by U.S. Pacific Air Forces May 3-14, 2021, on and above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, the Gulf of Alaska, and temporary maritime activities area. NE21 is one in a series of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command exercises designed to sharpen the joint forces’ skills; to practice tactics, techniques, and procedures; to improve command, control and communication relationships; and to develop cooperative plans and programs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Adriana Barrientos)