Travis tanker refuels Nightwatch

An E-4B from U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., sits on the ramp at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., June 9, 2017. The E-4B serves as the National Airborne Operations Center and is a key component of the National Military Command System for the President, the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Nicole Leidholm/Released)

Travis tankers refuel Nightwatch

An E-4B from U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., is refueled by a KC-10 Extender from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., during a local mission June 12, 2017. In case of national emergency or destruction of ground command and control centers, the E-4B provides a highly survivable command, control and communications center to direct U.S. forces, execute emergency war orders and coordinate actions by civil authorities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Nicole Leidholm/Released)

Travis tankers refuel Nightwatch

An E-4B from U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., flies below a KC-10 Extender from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., during a local mission June 12, 2017. To provide direct support to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the JCS, at least one E-4B National Airborne Operations Center is always on 24-hour alert, 7-days a week, with a global watch team at one of many selected bases throughout the world. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Nicole Leidholm/Released)

Travis tankers refuel Nightwatch

Senior Airman Cody Grauel, 595th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron propulsion journeyman, inspects the engine of an E-4B for any damage or leaks after arriving to Travis Air Force Base, Calif., June 9, 2017. The E-4B, from U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., provides support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which provides communications and command center capability to relief efforts following natural disasters, such as hurricanes and earthquakes. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Nicole Leidholm/Released)

Travis tanker refuels Nightwatch

Published June 15, 2017
By Staff Sgt. Nicole Leidholm
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An E-4B from U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command conducted aerial refueling training June 12, 2017 with a KC-10 Extender assigned to Travis Air Force Base, California. The procedure allows the receiving aircraft to remain airborne longer, extending its range or loiter time on station. A series of air refuelings can give range limited only by crew fatigue and engineering factors such as engine oil consumption.