EDIT: it seems to be the of refueling planes.Air Force tankers to perform flyovers nationwide to mark 100 years of in-flight refueling https://www.stripes.com/branches/air_force/2023-06-26/air-force-inflight-refueling-flyovers-10559579.html#:~:text=The%20first%20in%2Dflight%20refueling,the%20other%20below%20carrying%20Capt. I have seen many more planes in the air. But I have never seen this many refueling Stratotanker in the air over the U.S. It looks like these military planes are planning to be in the air awhile. Also, I have not seen this many BOEING E-3 Sentry up in the air at one time either. So, in my opinion, this is normal excess for these extra planes.

I have seen many more planes in the air. But I have never seen this many refueling Stratotanker in the air over the U.S. It looks like these military planes are planning to be in the air awhile. Also, I have not seen this many BOEING E-3 Sentry up in the air at one time either. So, in my opinion, this is normal excess for these extra planes.