• Rendezvous over Louisiana

    A KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, traveled to Daytona Beach, Florida, to complete check rides as part of regular proficiency training, March 25, 2025. The KC-135 refueled an MC-130J Commando II assigned to Hurlburt Field, Florida, over Louisiana then returned to

  • Tornado Season: Be Prepared, Not Scared

    MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- As winter fades, the reality of tornado season sets in. In Kansas, tornado season runs from March through June, with April and May being the most active months. However, tornadoes can–and do–occur at any point of the year, making preparedness a year long priority.

  • Jonathan Murphy: Occupational Safety Civilian of the Year

    Jonathan Murphy, 22nd Air Refueling Wing occupational safety manager, won 2024 Air Force Occupational Safety Civilian of the Year.Murphy’s hard work and innovative efforts set him apart when it came to protecting personnel and assets. His ideas saved the Air Force money and labor over a multitude of

  • Controlled Burn: Maintaining the Ecosystem

    U.S. Air Force Wildland Fire Branch members burn tall grass during a controlled burn at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, March 20, 2025. Burning the grass is more cost effective and beneficial to the ecosystem than mowing.

  • From Law Studies to Foreign Skies

    “I was in college to become a lawyer, but I started college when I was 16, and by the time I was in my early 20s, I was already burnt out. It was all just sitting in an office, pushing paper. I wanted something different.”

  • 2025 State of the Base address

    Col. Cory Damon, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander, speaks to the crowd during the annual State of the Base address at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, March 13, 2025. Damon spoke about Team McConnell’s 2024 accomplishments and plans for the future, including the announcement of the 2026 Frontiers

  • From High School to High Altitude

    Lt. Col. Christopher Smith awaited a bittersweet connection as he embarked on his last flying mission as the 349th Air Refueling Squadron commander at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, March 11, 2025.