Week 2: KC-46 familiarization

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alan Ricker
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  It’s been two weeks since McConnell received the first two KC-46A Pegasus’. Since then, the base received two additional KC-46’s and have been introducing different agencies across base to the new weapons system.

Along with McConnell’s maintenance and fire department, the 22nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron and the 22nd Security Forces Squadron have been able to step foot on the KC-46.

“[We’re] trying to get to know the aircraft and all the ins and outs of it that would benefit us in knowing tactics and reconnaissance of the aircraft,” said Staff Sgt. Kaylynn Hughes, 22nd SFS unit trainer.

During the familiarization period, McConnell’s defenders are preparing for any potential scenario that could occur on an aircraft. The current project is to create a lesson plan that deals with anti-hijacking procedures.

“If the aircraft is to become hijacked, whether it be on the ground or incoming, and has hostile suspects, we will be prepared to secure it,” said Hughes.

Just how McConnell’s fire department is distributing their plans for the new aircraft, the 22nd SFS will be doing the same.

“We will be sharing the lesson plans and lessons learned with our counterparts that will be receiving the KC-46,” said Hughes.

Security forces also went over egress procedures during their familiarization period, just like McConnell’s flight and operational medical technicians and flight surgeons.

“We have a big piece with in-flight emergencies or even mishaps,” said Tech. Sgt. Fred Parchman III, 22nd AMDS flight medicine clinic flight chief. “They wanted us to be involved with egress training, so that we know the layout and exits of the plane, and if anything went wrong and we needed to board, then we would already know the functionality of the plane.”

During the familiarization for the 22nd AMDS Airmen, they were introduced to medical support systems, such as a reserve oxygen tank, and also safety features that were on the new aircraft.

“It’s all about safety and taking care of the aircrew, so it’s very important that we know the layout of the aircraft and we’re familiar with it,” said Parchman.

Within the last two weeks McConnell has worked as a team to increase each units understanding of the KC-46. Team McConnell is using the familiarization period to help educate the Air Force’s future KC-46 installations by developing new techniques and integration plans.