B-1 Bomber Arrives in Wichita for Cutting-Edge “Backbone" Surgery

On Sept. 9 a B-1B Lancer touched down at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, to undergo replacement of its Forward Intermediate Fuselage (FIF) at Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR). 

22 ARW Commander hosts first all-call, updates Wing Priorities

Col. Joe Wall, the new commander of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing, hosted two all-calls alongside Chief Master Sgt. Markiesha Crawford, 22nd ARW command chief, on September 4, 2025.

Suicide Awareness Month: Creating Hope through Action

In honor of September being Suicide Awareness Month, the 22nd Air Refueling Wing Integrated Resilience Office (IRO) is hosting events throughout the month to strengthen bonds between Airmen, civilians and families.

Sink or win: 22nd OSS flights compete in cardboard boat race

Flights from the 22nd Operations Support Squadron compete in McConnell’s cardboard race regatta at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, Aug. 22, 2025. Participants were permitted cardboard, tape and paint for building their competition boats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paula Arce)

McConnell’s 2025 Tanker Trot

Members of Team McConnell and the local community participate in the base's annual Tanker Trot 5K and 10K races McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, Aug. 23, 2025. The course led participants through the streets of McConnell and near the runway, allowing them a glimpse of the aircraft on base.

McConnell Airmen Conduct Special Fueling Operations

Family first: McConnell unveils improved Child Development Center

Base leadership and members of Team McConnell gathered to celebrate the completion of a renovation and expansion of the Child Development Center at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, Aug. 15, 2025.

Turn up the heat: HVAC Airmen perform preventative maintenance

Senior Airman Kelby Finch, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron heating, ventilation and air conditioning technician, works on a disassembled boiler at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, Aug. 19, 2025. Finch inspected the boiler for signs of leaks, corrosion, rust and cracks. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman

22 ARW keeps fighters in the air during BE 25-3

Airmen assigned to the 344th Air Refueling Squadron participated in Exercise Bamboo Eagle in Sacramento, California, Aug. 4-8, 2025. The purpose of BE 25-3 was to enable participating units to increase readiness as efforts are aligned and synchronized across the joint force to strengthen

Fist Bumps, High Fives: Starting the School Year off Right

Team McConnell Airmen have volunteered to help students of local schools start their day and year off right.