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KC-135 key player in fighting war on terrorism

  • Published
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  More than 50 years after entering the Air Force inventory, the KC-135 Stratotanker continues to serve by supporting the service's newest fighter jet, the F-22 Raptor, during its first overseas deployment.

"I think it's remarkable that we have a 50-year old tanker refueling a two-year old F-22," said Capt. Knute Adcock, a KC-135 pilot.

Captain Adcock said his mission to make sure fighters get fuel so they can continue fighting the war on terrorism.

The F-22s are currently deployed to Kadena from the 27th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va.

"F-22s are some of the most stable planes out there," said Staff Sgt. Larry Nahalea, a KC-135 boom operator. "They pretty much come in and park."

"The first time you get to see (the F-22), you're pretty much amazed," said Tech. Sgt. Leslie Yarbough, another KC-135 boom operator.