News

  • Former POWs, family of MIA speak at McConnell

    “I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.”The Code of Conduct. Every Service member learns it, because after they raise their hand and take the oath, they assume the risk of becoming a prisoner of war or

  • Airmen support refugees within local community

    He left behind a wife and unborn daughter for the opportunity to live in America, with the dream of making a better life for his family.Airman 1st Class Messan Atayi, 22nd Logistics Readiness Squadron mobility Airman, was born and raised in the African country of Togo. He immigrated to the United

  • Airman laid to rest after being shot down in 1965

    Fifty one years; 18,615 days; 446,760 hours-that is how long his family went without answers, without closure. No longer is he missing in action; now, he is home.Fifty one years to the day that his F-105D Thunderchief was shot down over North Vietnam, the remains of Maj. Dean Klenda were laid to

  • Future KC-46 home prepares for winter with arrival of de-icing tanks

    With the upcoming potential for freezing temperatures, the base welcomed the arrival of two de-icing tanks capable of supporting the KC-46 Pegausus, Sept. 12.The 68-foot-long tanks were hauled from Los Angeles and will be put in the ground below the flightline to store de-icing fluid as well as the

  • Former CC returns to celebrate KC-135s, Airmen

    Underneath the shadow of the first KC-135 Stratotanker to fly, and with the massive hangers for the future home of the KC-46 Pegasus on the horizon, retired Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz spoke to 250 Airmen, veterans and community members about the 60-year legacy of the Stratotanker, Aug 31. “We were

  • Retired crew chief reminisces about 60 years of KC-135 airpower

    On June 28, 1957, the Air Force received its first KC-135 Stratotankers.Retired Chief Master Sgt. Bobby McCasland, a former crew chief, was part of the crew that picked up the first aircraft, tail number 55-3127, from Larson Air Force Base, Washington, and delivered it to the 93rd Air Refueling

  • The couple that flies together

    Love and life can take two people on incredible adventures and to feelings of new heights while forging a heritage with one another, especially when the two are pilots.For Maj. Matthew Jones and Capt. Chrystina Jones, love found them as C-130 Hercules pilots and, over the years, gave them a

  • KC-135 celebrates 60 years

    On Aug. 31, 1956, “Heartbreak Hotel,” was on the radio and the KC-135 Stratotanker was heard for the first time during its maiden flight. More than 250 people gathered 60 years later to celebrate the KC-135 as it reached its diamond anniversary, Aug. 31, at the McConnell Air Park. The event included

  • 55-3118: The birth of a 60-year legacy

    Peering over the gates of the largest stratotanker wing in the Air Force, it stands guard. As the first of its kind, aircraft 55-3118, the static display, was the first KC-135 off the production line and the first to fly.“55-3118 was a reliable, hard-working jet that served the United States Air

  • Tanker Tracker: KC-135 year-in-review

    Since August 2015, KC-135 Stratotanker, tail number 58-0011, has taken part in missions out  of McConnell and deployed locations across the globe. It has completed two deployments, locking down 126 sorties and off-loading 2.08M pounds of fuel to 137 receiving aircraft.  The missions this specific