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KC-135 Stratotanker: Fueling the fight, never on empty

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Joselito Aribuabo
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  In order for U.S. military ground forces engaged in operations in Afghanistan, they require continuous close air support made possible by 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron tankers.

"With air refueling, aircraft can be topped off within minutes," said Maj. Jeremy Keyes, a 340th EARS flight commander deployed from the 128th Air Refueling Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard, and hails from Big Bend, Wis. "We save time because fighters don't have to go back to the base where they launched from to get more fuel".

Without this fuel, fighter jets would not be able to carry out their mission, said Keyes as he explained their important role.

This seasoned aircraft has refueled U.S. and allied nation aircraft for nearly 60 years, helping accomplish the Air Force's goal of global reach. The KC-135 Stratotanker flown by the 340th EARS, provides core aerial refueling capability for the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard, Navy, and Marine Corps.

"We not only support U.S. military aircraft but also North American Treaty Organization forces," Keyes said, noting how thankful they are for the fill up.

The mission capability of the KC-135 to provide in-flight refueling takes away the risk of aircraft needing to land and refuel.

"Once on the ground, there is a high risk that something can go wrong with the aircraft and if it's down, than that's one less asset in the air," said Keyes.

The Stratotanker is capable of hauling 200,000 pounds of fuel and 83,000 pounds of cargo including 37 passengers and six pallets making it the most versatile airframe in the Air Force.

"This capability saves a lot of time when a four- to five-hour cover mission is shortened to an hour," Keyes said.

Typically, fighters have a range of around 1,000 nautical miles.

"Being able to get back and continue the fight is essential to every mission," said 1st Lt. Jacob Kummrow, a 340th EARS co-pilot, deployed from the 128th ARW (WANG) and a Oconomowoc, Wis., native.

The KC-135 Stratotanker's fuel is pumped through the boom, its primary fuel transfer method.

"It's pretty nerve wrecking, especially night refueling, but once you do it a couple of times, it becomes second nature," said Tech. Sgt. Jordan Jungwirth IV, 340th EARS boom operator, deployed from the 128th ARW (WANG) and hails from Oshkosh, Wis. "It's a great feeling knowing that what I do has a big impact on the ground mission."