Base educates, shows appreciation to neighbors

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Victor J. Caputo
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  McConnell neighbors toured the Air Force's premiere tanker wing during the annual Land Owners Appreciation Day on Jan. 8, to visit with Airmen, learn about the aerial refueling mission and more about the vital role they play in air safety here.

A healthy relationship with the individuals who own the land immediately around the base is vital to the continual use of the KC-135R Stratotanker and, eventually, the KC-46A Pegasus.

"Our top priority at McConnell is to safely train our aircrews," said Col. Joel Jackson, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander. "We wouldn't be able to do this without the cooperation of our neighbors who ensure the base's approach and departure areas are clear of hazards. This is our way of saying thank you while also educating them on the importance of our mission."

One of the primary focuses of the tour was the Bird/wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard program, which is managed through the 22nd ARW Safety Office.

The BASH program works with the land owners around base to prevent potentially catastrophic damage to aircraft flying to and from the base, using largely non-lethal measures, primarily the use of border collies, said Lauren Caister, 22nd ARW BASH program manager.

Other stops on the tour included a static display of a KC-135R, a visit to the base fire department, a mock mobility line and presentations about the base mission and how the land owners' cooperation helps support aerial refueling.

For more information about the BASH program, please visit www.birdstrikecontrol.com.