US AIRFORCE B2 WARPLANE IS REFUELED DURING FLIGHT OPERATION, 2001-10-11 (photo)

Airman 1st Class Adam Cain, a KC-10A Extender boom operator from the 2nd Air Refueling Squadron at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, makes contact with a B-2 Spirirt during refueling operations in this image released October 11, 2001. U.S. warplanes launched some of their heaviest daylight strikes yet on troops and other Taliban targets October 15 and a fourth American aircraft carrier moved near striking range of Afghanistan, defense officials said. The bomber took center stage when six B-2 Spirits from the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri participated in air strikes over Afghanistan during the first three days of Operation Enduring Freedom. All six of the B-2 sorties were longer than 40 hours, with the longest more than 44 hours. REUTERS/USAF/ Scott H. Spitzer GN