1. Our phone numbers have changed.Click here for more info

MacDill tankers support AEF

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (USTCNS) --- MacDill's KC-135s are supporting the current Air Expeditionary Force for the first time since the aircraft moved here from Malstrom Air Force Base, Mont.

While most current deployments are in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, MacDill is also playing a different role in current deployments.

The current AEF deployment began in November with the first MacDill members going to Southwest Asia to support Operation Southern Watch. The last of four aircraft left for the deployment Wednesday. The aircraft had three crewmembers, three crew chiefs and seven passengers.

During the deployment the aircraft will be refueling the F-15s, F-16s and British fighters.

The deployment started with three crews and three jets, they are now up to five crews and jets. The aircraft and its crew are on 45-day rotations while the maintenance personnel are on 90-day rotations.

"We try to keep the aircraft on 45-day rotations," said Master Sgt. Tony, 91st Air Refueling Squadron. "The birds get really dirty and there are no bird baths so we need to rotate frequently to keep the aircraft in good shape. The environment there (Southwest Asia) can really cause corrosion on the jets."

This crew is not going over empty handed, they are taking giant Easter baskets to the deployed troops. Children from Eisenhower Middle School put together the three Easter baskets full of Easter candy.

"The children from Eisenhower Middle School put together Easter baskets for the guys deployed," said Maj. Daniel, the KC-135 pilot. " I thought the baskets would be like regular Easter baskets, but they are actually the size of laundry baskets. They really are giant Easter baskets."

"The teachers on my team and I thought it would be nice to help those serving our country have a better holiday," said Makell, military spouse and teacher at Eisenhower Middle School. We also thought it would help the students do some community service."

(FROM AIR MOBILITY COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS)

Office of Public Affairs - transcom-pa@mail.mil
News Archive

Follow Us On:

Facebook      Instagram      Twitter      Flickr      LinkedIn


Connect to USTRANSCOM JECC AMC MSC SDDC
Office of Public Affairs|United States Transportation Command|Scott Air Force Base IL 62225-5357
This is a Department of Defense (DOD) computer system. Please read our Privacy, Accessibility, Use and Non-Endorsement Disclaimer Notice.