Refueling F-16’s onboard a KC-135!

Posted on December 08 2011 by Cooper Ross

A good friend of mine, Grady Epperly, recently invited me on a KC-135 Stratotanker flight to observe a group of F-16's getting refueled. Naturally I jumped at the opportunity. This program, called the Employer Support Flight Program, is conducted by the 507th Air Refueling Wing as a way to show key community leaders and individuals the important mission of our Guard and Reserve forces. I was completely impressed with these guys from start to finished. They really went out of their way to show us a good time and to educate us about their important roll in defending our country. I've always been a student of history and I'm the kind of American patriot who gets chills in my spin every time I hear the national anthem -- so you can imagine how exciting and moving this experience was for me.

The 3 hour flight took us to San Antonio and back and we met up with six fighter jets along the way. I was told most of the pilots were in training and this was likely their first refueling experience. I bet those boys (and/or gals) woke up this morning with butterflies in their stomach! There were a few small hiccups but everything went pretty smooth. I was told by one of the crewmen it is estimated that it costs approximately $4000 every time the KC-135 leaves the ground. That number rises fast depending on the length of flight. All things considered, this world is entirely too crazy and I sleep better at night knowing our military is constantly training and developing their skills.

The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is an aerial refueling military aircraft. It and the Boeing 707 airliner were developed from the Boeing 367-80 prototype. The KC-135 was the US Air Force's first jet-powered refueling tanker and replaced the KC-97 Stratotanker. The Stratotanker was initially tasked to refuel strategic bombers, but was used extensively in the Vietnam War and later conflicts such as Operation Desert Storm to extend the range and endurance of US tactical fighters and bombers.

Serving with the United States Air Force (USAF) since 1957, it is one of just six military fixed-wing aircraft with over 50 years of continuous service with its original operator. The KC-135 is supplemented by the larger KC-10. Despite increased maintenance costs, studies conclude many of the aircraft could be flown until 2040. The aircraft will be replaced by the Boeing KC-46.

Unlike most passenger airliners there were only a few small windows to shoot out of and they were a bit scuffed up but I managed to get a few good shots in. I have a ton of great video as well and a highlight reel is most assuredly forthcoming.

Posted in: Events, Photography

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