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Money meets metal: CPTS gets inside look at KC-135 mission

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mackenzie Richardson
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Airmen with the 92nd Comptroller Squadron visited the base's maintenance hangar complex Nov. 19. The visit was encouraged by Lt. Col. James Dorn, 92nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, in an effort to help squadrons and groups understand how their missions integrate into the bigger picture of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing mission.

Dorn educated members of the 92nd CPTS about the KC-135 Stratotanker and the role it plays in the Air Mobility Command and Air Force missions. Dorn described the ins-and-outs of the 54-year-old aircraft that was featured in the tour.

The aircraft is one of 35 assigned to the base, rolling off the manufacturing line in 1961. By the time the Air Force is scheduled to completely phase out the KC-135, majority of the aircraft will be more than 100 years old.

"Today's tour was a great example of how collectively the wing works together to give a better understanding of what we do and how we contribute to the bigger Air Force mission," said Tech. Sgt. Henry Medina, 92nd CPTS financial services flight chief. "The more agencies within the wing understand each other, the more appreciation we will have for one another."

All agencies on base play a part in the 92nd ARW, AMC and Air Force missions. However, those agencies may not always see the collective effect of their efforts on the flight line.

"Understanding the process of maintaining and preparing these aircraft, along with the costs associated, I have a deeper respect for the refueling mission," said Airman 1st Class Michael Wood, 92nd CPTS pay technician. "I learned a little about the stress that is put on our maintainers and the level of perfection they are expected to operate at."

The KC-135 provides the core aerial refueling capability for the Air Force and has excelled in this role for more than 50 years. This unique asset enhances the Air Force's capability to accomplish its primary mission of global reach.

One small mistake can mean millions of dollars in damages, or even worse, lives, added Wood.

The conclusion of the tour happened on the cargo deck of the KC-135. After viewing the cockpit, controls and taking a seat in the pilot's chair, 92nd CPTS members listened as Dorn talked about the importance of providing an insight to various squadrons and groups on base.

"It's not an Operations Group mission, it's not a Maintenance Group mission, it's a Wing mission," concluded Dorn.