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McConnell KC-135s, Airmen support special operations exercise

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  After 10 days of operating out of a "bare bones" base, Airmen returned to McConnell March 24, 2012 after flying more than 23 missions.

McConnell's Airmen participated in a multi-lateral exercise to support special operations training. Five of McConnell's KC-135 Stratotankers and more than 65 Airmen struggled against the wind, rain and snow yet managed to launch and support the war fighter needs.

"We had a great opportunity to practice with and support our special operations brothers," said Lt. Col. Cody Millward, 22nd Operations Group Special Operations Air Refueling commander. "We train like we fight ... so we are able to work with them on a regular basis in the real world."

These exercises are performed in order to maintain and attain continuity with special operations members. Special operations air refueling is the only KC-135 mission that requires a navigator, said Millward.

McConnell is home to the only KC-135 navigator school, where Airmen learn the basics but also use exercises to hone skills, said Millward.

"I am glad we get the chance to do this training because it mirrors how we fly in the desert," said Capt. Andrew Nation, 349th Air Refueling Squadron navigator. "Over there we face obstacles such as deconflicting altitudes in confined working areas with multiple aircraft, adapting to mission timing changes and planning for weather and fuel considerations,"

Though the spotlight was on the navigators, pilots and boom operators also took the stage. Yet, without the vast support of more than 23 specialty codes such as maintenance, logistics and communications the mission and training could not have gone off so well, said Millward.

Multilateral exercises involve scenarios with special operations members from several commands and multiple branches. They are performed throughout the year in order prepare not only special operations members but also Airmen for whatever mission they may be tasked with, no matter where it might be, said Millward.

"I was glad of how the exercised turned out, we did well, got the gas to the receiver and I am proud of the Airmen and what we did," said Millward.