A unit of the Illinois Air National Guard is joining the mission to maintain a no-fly zone over Libya.
The 126th Air Refueling Wing is based out of Scott Air Force Base in southwest Illinois. It refuels aircraft in mid-air at speeds of more than 500 mph.
The unit flies the KC-135R Stratotanker. That's the military version of the Boeing 707.
Maj. Gen. William Enyart of the Illinois National Guard said in a statement that he's proud that the unit is playing a role in curbing violence against Libyan civilians by their own government.
The Pentagon said Monday that the no-fly zone is working and will be expanded to the Libyan capital of Tripoli soon.