A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron prepares to refuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility during a Bomber Task Force mission, Feb. 20, 2025. Bombers routinely deploy to the Middle East, and European and Pacific theaters to demonstrate the U.S. military’s ability to rapidly deploy combat power anywhere in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gerald R. Willis)