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History Channel uses Fairchild KC-135's for "Military Movers II"

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kali L. Gradishar
  • 92nd ARW Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Earplugs were in place, seat buckles were pulled tight and jackets were zipped high as passengers prepared for takeoff on a KC-135 Stratotanker training flight Feb. 8.

Accompanying the Stratotanker crew members were a producer, camerawoman and soundman sent by The History Channel to take footage and conduct interviews for an upcoming episode of "Modern Marvels" titled "Military Movers II."

"From what I hear, this is one of the great success stories in history," said Greg Goldman, a producer from Los Angeles, referring to the knowledge and technology required in the process of refueling an airplane while in flight. "That's why we're featuring it on the show."

From pre-flight preparation to interviews after landing from the four-hour flight, the film crew was hard at work capturing the day's training task of practicing the refueling of a C-17 Globemaster, documenting the capabilities of the tanker and conducting interviews with the crew and maintenance crew chief who are part of the team that aids in the completion of the Stratotanker's mission on a daily basis.

Mr. Goldman thoroughly guided the film crew through each shot and asked a multitude of questions focusing on the abilities of the Stratotanker during in-flight refueling and the importance of the tanker in the Air Force's strategies and mission of Global Reach and Global Power.

Camerawoman Diana Wilmar and soundman Eric Reeves, both independent freelancers from Seattle, captured the sights and sounds of the tanker environment, from the jets to the boom and the flight line.

The film crew conducted separate interviews with Staff Sgt. James Morter, the tanker's boom operator, and Capt. Rob Shull, one of the three pilots on board the flight, on basic information about the Stratotanker and their roles in completing each mission.

Other pilots on board were Capt. Brett Pierson and 1st Lt. Jeff Ballenski who interacted with the film crew by recounting some of their personal experiences while in flight. Also interviewed was the 92nd Air Refueling Wing's historian Dan Simmons.

"Most of the guys enjoy the history of the aircraft," Captain Shull said during a pre-flight interview with the film crew.

The film crew was able to get footage from a pilot's view in the cockpit of the KC-135 during takeoff and landing. With each on-camera interview, they captured a variety of angles of the four-turbofan aircraft and the 136-foot-long boom used to refuel other aircraft while in the air. The film crew was also able to squeeze into the rear of the aircraft where they got up close with the boom operator as he skillfully guided the extendable boom to the probes on the C-17 while peering through the navigation window.

Directing the refueling pump does take a lot of skill and coordination, said Sergeant Morter. It can be dangerous with two aircraft so close in the air, but the training and planning that goes along with this process alleviates a majority of any possible problems.

During the flight, Captain Shull said he felt the interview went well and noted how meticulous the producer was in getting the right camera angles, background and wording of the information.

Each part of "Military Movers II" is intended to inform The History Channel's audience of all ages how, through technological advancement and increasing needs, the military is capable of moving manpower and supplies.

The show is scheduled to air in April.