McConnell hosts Russian Federation for Open Skies Treaty inspection

A Russian Tu-154M aircraft taxis by a 22nd Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotanker on McConnell’s flightline Aug. 29, 2011, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. Team McConnell provided host base support operations for the August 2011 Open Skies team. The Open Skies Treaty was established in 1992 to enhance mutual understanding and confidence by allowing participants to gather information about military forces and activities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Maria A. Ruiz)

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McConnell hosts Russian Federation for Open Skies Treaty inspection

The Open Skies Treaty Russian Federation poses for a group photo in front of a Russian Tu-154M aircraft on McConnell’s flightline Aug. 29, 2011, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. Team McConnell hosted the August 2011 Open Skies Treaty Russian Federation mission with 29 Russians and 12 Defense Threat Reduction Agency members. The Open Skies Treaty is a multi-lateral treaty between 34 countries using unarmed aerial surveillance flights over the entire territory of its participants to promote openness and transparency of military forces and activities. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by Senior Airman Maria A. Ruiz)

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McConnell hosts Russian Federation for Open Skies Treaty inspection

Airman 1st Class Anthony Underwood, 22nd Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operator, controls refueling operations for a Russian Tu-154M aircraft on McConnell’s flightline Aug. 29, 2011, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. Team McConnell hosted the August 2011 Open Skies Treaty Russian Federation twice in 2011. The Open Skies Treaty was established in 1992 to enhance mutual understanding and confidence by giving participants to gather information about military forces and activities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Maria A. Ruiz)

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McConnell hosts Russian Federation for Open Skies Treaty inspection

Airman 1st Class Anthony Underwood, 22nd Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operator, controls refueling operations for a Russian Tu-154M aircraft on McConnell’s flightline Aug. 29, 2011, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. Team McConnell hosted the August 2011 Open Skies Treaty Russian Federation twice in 2011. The Open Skies Treaty was established in 1992 to enhance mutual understanding and confidence by giving participants to gather information about military forces and activities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Maria A. Ruiz)

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McConnell hosts Russian Federation for Open Skies Treaty inspection

Published Sept. 5, 2011
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- McConnell Air Force Base hosted the August 2011 Open Skies Treaty mission with the Russian Federation over the U.S. Twenty-nine Russians and 12 Defense Threat Reduction Agency members participated in the aerial observation mission. The Open Skies Treaty was signed on March 24, 1992, to allow short-notice reconnaissance flights over participating territories to collect data on military forces and activities. There are currently 34 worldwide States Parties participating in the international effort to promote openness and transparency of military forces.

McConnell has hosted visits from treaty participants 12 times since 2004.