A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress prepares to depart after receiving fuel from a KC-10 Extender during a bomber task force mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 7, 2021. The bomber deployment underscores the U.S. military’s commitment to regional security and demonstrates a unique ability to execute short-notice deployments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Taylor Harrison)