A KC-135 Stratotanker takes off during an operational readiness exercise at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., Aug. 22, 2014. Seven tankers were launched within minutes of each other at the conclusion of the Wing Inspection Team-planned exercise to ensure the base's preparedness for various potential emergency scenarios, and to evaluate the base's ability to accomplish the mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mary O'Dell/Released)