Air Force Capt. Nicholas McClendon performs a preflight check on a KC-135R Stratotanker before takeoff during Baltic Operations 2017 at Powidz Air Base, Poland, June 5, 2017. McClendon is a pilot assigned to the Air Refueling Squadron. The exercise is designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, to strengthen combined response capabilities, as well as demonstrate resolve among allied and partner nations' forces to ensure stability in, and if necessary defend, the Baltic Sea region. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Snyder