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Last KC-135 deployer returns to GFAFB

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachel Waller
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The last KC-135 Stratotanker returned to Grand Forks Air Force Base Oct. 4 from a deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

This was the last deployment for the KC-135s assigned to Grand Forks AFB due to the base's transition from an aerial refueling mission to a remotely piloted aircraft mission.

"Our last jet came home on Oct. 4," said Lt. Col. Noel Bradford, 905th Air Refueling Squadron commander. "It's sad to be marking the end of more than 50 years of history but it will be okay, we are ushering in the future of aviation."

The Grand Forks AFB tankers have been actively engaged in the Air Force's aerial refueling mission since the first Stratotanker was received here in 1960.

"It's nice to come home from deployment and this is more exciting than normal," said Capt. Richard Adams, 905th ARS and the co-pilot on this deployment. "This deployment marked the end of an era and I am proud to be part of it."

While deployed, the KC-135 crew conducted aerial refueling operations in the area of responsibility, enabling various other aircraft to accomplish their unique missions.

"Grand Forks has had an enduring presence in the AOR for years now," said Staff Sgt. Alan Champagne, 905th ARS boom operator. "I am happy to be a part of this last deployment."

The last squadron of KC-135s began transferring from Grand Forks AFB in August, with the last aircraft scheduled to leave in December.