Spouse orientation flight

A military spouse and boom operator watch as an F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 35th Fighter Squadron departs a KC-135 Stratotanker of the 909th Air Refueling Squadron from Kadena Air Base, Japan, after receiving fuel as part of a refueling training mission off the coast of the Republic of Korea, Dec. 28, 2011. As part of a joint effort between the 8th Fighter Wing and the 909th ARS, military spouses visiting the ROK were given the opportunity to fly on the air refueling mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessica Hines/Released)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Spouse orientation flight

Lorelei Hinsvark, wife of Lt. Col. Brian Hinsvark, 8th Mission Support Group deputy commander, watches as pilots of the 909th Air Refueling Squadron from Kadena Air Base, Japan, prepare for takeoff Dec. 28, 2011 at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea. As part of a joint effort between the 80th Fighter Squadron and the 909th ARS, military spouses visiting the area were given the opportunity to fly along on the air refueling mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessica Hines/Released)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Spouse orientation flight

Lorelei Hinsvark, wife of Lt. Col. Brian Hinsvark, 8th Mission Support Group deputy commander, and See Vang Lopez, wife of Maj. Andres Lopez, 8th Security Forces Squadron deputy commander, wait for takeoff as pilots of the 909th Air Refueling Squadron from Kadena Air Base, Japan, perform final checks Dec. 28, 2011 at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea. As part of a joint effort between the 80th Fighter Squadron and the 909th ARS, military spouses visiting the area were given the opportunity to fly on the air refueling. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessica Hines/Released)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Spouse orientation flight

Erika Bernardo, wife of Capt. Christopher Bernardo, 80th Fighter Wing pilot, watches as Senior Airman Derek Greene, 909th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, controls the boom during an in-flight air refueling mission off the coast of the Republic of Korea, Dec. 28, 2011. As part of a joint effort between the 80th Fighter Squadron and the 909th ARS from Kadena Air Base, Japan, military spouses visiting the Republic of Korea were given the opportunity to fly on the air refueling mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessica Hines/Released)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Spouse orientation flight

Capt. Chad Winters, 909th Air Refueling Squadron pilot from Kadena Air Base, Japan, stands watch as spouses observe beside a boom operator on a refueling training mission, Dec. 28, 2011, off the coast of the Republic of Korea. Military spouses visiting the area were given the opportunity to fly on a KC-135 Stratotanker to see part of the Air Force mission and get a taste of the work their spouses do every day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessica Hines/Released)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Spouse orientation flight

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 80th Fighter Squadron coasts beside a KC-135 Stratotanker of the 909th Air Refueling Squadron from Kadena Air Base, Japan, as part of a refueling training mission off the coast of the Republic of Korea, Dec. 28, 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessica Hines/Released)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Spouse orientation flight at Kunsan

An F-16 Fighting Falcon coasts beside a KC-135 Stratotanker of the 909th Air Refueling Squadron from Kadena Air Base, Japan, as part of a refueling training mission off the coast of the Republic of Korea, Dec. 28, 2011. As part of a joint effort between the 80th Fighter Squadron and the 909th ARS, military spouses visiting the area were given the opportunity to fly on the KC-135 during the air refueling. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brittany Y. Auld/Released)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Spouse orientation flight at Kunsan

A KC-135 Stratotanker of the 909th Air Refueling Squadron from Kadena Air Base, Japan, refuels an F-16 Fighting Falcon during a training mission off the coast of the Republic of Korea, Dec. 28, 2011. As part of a joint effort between the 80th Fighter Squadron and the 909th ARS, military spouses visiting the area were given the opportunity to fly on the KC-135 during the aerial refueling. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brittany Y. Auld/Released)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Spouse orientation flight at Kunsan

Published Jan. 3, 2012
By Senior Airman Jessica Hines
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- A group of spouses visiting their military husbands and wives stationed in the Republic of Korea were treated to a special flight, Dec. 27 here, as part of a refueling mission between the 80th Fighter Squadron and the 909th Air Refueling Squadron from Kadena Air Base, Japan.

The group boarded a KC-135 Stratotanker and departed on a two hour refueling mission off the coast of Korea where they were able to see firsthand how aircraft are refueled during flight. Watching from beside the boom operator, a few spouses were able to see their husbands from the cockpit of their F-16 Fighting Falcons as they maneuvered below the KC-135.

Many military members have unaccompanied tours while serving in the ROK and don't get to share their work with the families. Because of the orientation flight, husbands and wives were able to better understand the Air Force mission and the work their spouse do every day.

The flight also served as training for pilots and crew members from both units, who require regular training to keep sharp on such maneuvers.

To view a photo slideshow, click here.