An E-3 Sentry, also known as airborne warning and control system or AWACS, from the 960th Expeditionary Airborne Air Control Squadron returns to its mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom after being refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, June 18, 2011. AWACS provides situational awareness of friendly, neutral and hostile activity, command and control of an area of responsibility, battle management of theater forces, all-altitude and all-weather surveillance of the battle space, and eraly warning of enemy actions during joint, allied, and coalition operations.