Answering the call: refueling the Spirit

A B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber approaches the rear of a KC-135 Stratotanker in preparation to refuel during a training mission over Midwestern skies, Aug. 1, 2013. The B-2’s unique design has enabled it to travel into enemy territory without being detected by their radar to deploy ordinance. It is one of many aircraft McConnell’s tankers provide fuel to. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier)

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Answering the call: refueling the Spirit

Aircrew from three KC-135 Stratotankers meet for a pre-flight briefing at the 349th Air Refueling Squadron, Aug. 1, 2013, McConnell Air Force Base Kan. Details such as flight routes, weather conditions and formation plans are carefully discussed before takeoff. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier)

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Answering the call: refueling the Spirit

Airman 1st Class Kevin Berneburg, 334th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, logs flight information during a in-flight refueling mission Aug. 1, 2013. The weight of each passenger and additional cargo are calculated before each flight, helping the boom to find the plane’s center of gravity. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier)

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Answering the call: refueling the Spirit

A B-2 Spirit from Whiteman Air Force Base Mo. detaches from the boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 22nd Air Refueling Wing McConnell Air Force Base Kan., after being refueled Aug. 1, 2013. Spirit’s are built with a radar absorbent coating to preserve its stealth characteristics. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier)

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Answering the call: refueling the Spirit

A B-2 Spirit from Whiteman Air Force Base Mo. recedes from the boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 22nd Air Refueling Wing McConnell Air Force Base Kan. Aug. 1, 2013. Stratotankers have provided fuel to aircraft worldwide for over 50 years. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier)

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Answering the call: refueling the Spirit

Capt. Kyle Cole, 334th Air Refueling Squadron instructor pilot, and Capt. Greg Barry, 349th Air Refueling Squadron instructor pilot descend a KC-135 Stratotanker for a “touch-and-go” landing. Touch-and-goes are landings executed with the immediate takeoff after landing to help pilots retain their flying proficiency. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier)

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Answering the call: refueling the Spirit

McConnell Air Force Base is the world’s largest Air Refueling Wing and is the home of 62 KC-135 Stratotankers. McConnell’s primary mission is to provide global reach by conducting air refueling and airlift where and when needed. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier)

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Answering the call: refueling the Spirit

Airman 1st Class Kevin Berneburg, 334th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, references his post air refueling checklist after refueling a B-2 Spirit August 1, 2013, over Midwestern skies. This is the first time Berneburg has refueled a Spirit. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier)

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Answering the call: refueling the Spirit

Published Aug. 5, 2013