ROYAL AIR FORCE MILDENHALL, England. -- U.S. Air Force Capt. Darlene Hajewski, right, 351st Air Refueling Squadron pilot, and Airman 1st Class Mahlon Haunhorst, 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, perform a pre-flight inspection of a KC-135 Stratotanker at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Nov. 22, 2024. Pre-flight inspections involve verifying the aircraft's fuel, oil levels, tires, control surfaces, and structural integrity. Inspectors use both checklists and visual assessments to detect potential issues like leaks, worn components, or foreign object damage.