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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Refueling the Thunderbirds

A KC-135 air refueling tanker from Fairchild Air Force base rendezvoused Thursday, May 29, 2014, with members of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, which are back in Spokane to perform at this weekend's Skyfest.

Fairchild hangars are seen on Thursday, May 29, 2014 at Fairchild Air Force Base in Airway Heights, Wash.

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A KC-135 Stratotanker is prepped for a mission to refuel The Air Force Thunderbirds on Thursday, May 29, 2014, at Fairchild Air Force Base in Airway Heights, Wash.

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A 92nd Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotanker is prepped for a mission to refuel The Air Force Thunderbirds on Thursday, May 29, 2014, at Fairchild Air Force Base in Airway Heights, Wash.

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92nd Air Refueling Wing Stratotankers are seen on Thursday, May 29, 2014, at Fairchild Air Force Base in Airway Heights, Wash.

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Pilots and crewmembers prepare a 92nd Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotanker for a mission to refuel The Air Force Thunderbirds on Thursday, May 29, 2014, at Fairchild Air Force Base in Airway Heights, Wash.

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A vast expanse of sky is seen on Thursday, May 29, 2014, on board a 92nd Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotanker for a mission to refuel The Air Force Thunderbirds.

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Squadron logos adorn and instrument panel, Thursday, May 29, 2014, on board a 92nd Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotanker for a mission to refuel The Air Force Thunderbirds.

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Instrument panel seen Thursday, May 29, 2014, on board a KC-135 Stratotanker for a mission to refuel the Air Force Thunderbirds.

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The Air Force Thunderbirds are seen Thursday, May 29, 2014 outside a 92nd Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotanker sent to refuel them.

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The Air Force Thunderbirds are seen approaching a 92nd Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotanker sent to refuel them Thursday, May 29, 2014.

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Senior Airman Cameron Bilyeu guides the Stratotanker’s boom Thursday, May 29, 2014.

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Senior Airman Cameron Bilyeu guides the Stratotanker’s boom Thursday, May 29, 2014, as one of the Thunderbirds’ F-16s approaches.

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Senior Airman Cameron Bilyeu watches as he guides the Stratotanker’s boom Thursday, May 29, 2014, for one of the approaching Thunderbird F-16s.

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Senior Airman Cameron Bilyeu guides the Stratotanker’s boom Thursday, May 29, 2014, as one of the Thunderbirds’ F-16s approaches.

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Senior Airman Cameron Bilyeu controls are seen as he guides the Stratotanker’s boom Thursday, May 29, 2014.

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Senior Airman Cameron Bilyeu fuels one of the Thunderbirds’ F-16s on Thursday, May 29, 2014.

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The Air Force Thunderbirds fly off the wing of a 92nd Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotanker sent to refuel them on Thursday, May 29, 2014, as another member of the squad gets fuel.

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A KC-135 Stratotanker is inspected after a mission to refuel The Air Force Thunderbirds on Thursday, May 29, 2014, at Fairchild Air Force Base in Airway Heights, Wash.

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92nd Air Refueling Wing Stratotankers are seen on Thursday, May 29, 2014, at Fairchild Air Force Base in Airway Heights, Wash.

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