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A week in history July 9 - 15

On July 11, 1955, a Convair RB-36 Peacemaker, commanded by Maj. William W. Deyerle assigned to the 347th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, 99th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, lost a rudder approximately 30 miles from Denver, Colorado. The disabled RB-36 crew kept the airplane on an even flight path and decided the wide, long runway at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, was the best location to attempt a landing. The airplane was taking up to about 21,000 feet on the way to EAFB, and at approximately 6:30 p.m. two and a half hours after the rudder was lost, Deverle and Maj. William Thorstenson eased the 150-ton aircraft down for a landing. (Courtesy Photo)

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A week in history

92nd Bomb Wing re-designated as 92nd Air Refueling Wing, and Fairchild Air Force Base was transferred from Air Combat Command to Air Mobility Command. The ceremony marked the creation of the largest ARW in the Air Force with five active during air refueling squadrons totaling more than 60 KC-135s assigned. Dubbed, “Tanker Hub of the Northwest,” the wing was capable of maintaining an air bridge across the nation and world in support of U.S. and allied forces. The first commander was Brig. Gen. Gary Voellger. (Courtesy Photo)

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