The Air Reserves Forces were once known as the Hand-me-down-roses of the Air Force Department, but since 1974, the fact and the image have been changing. The Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard now receive new, state-of-the-art aircraft, and AFRES is as involved in current operations as the Active Duty Forces. The A-Team, depicts the ANG F-16's from the Hill Unit and ANG F-16's from the TAC Fighter Group at McEntire ANG Base SC. Center stage is the McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender, which is capable of 13-hour flights while refueling fighters. This KC-10 is from the 452nd Air Refueling Wing at March AFB CA. – Craig Kodera

(Aviation artist Craig Kodera, a member of the 79th Air Refueling Squadron, was an Aircraft Commander on the KC-10 portrayed. The action depicted is the moment when the F-16 is about to make contact with the boom and begin refueling.)