Practice makes perfect

A B-52 Stratofortress assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., is refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker from McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., during an air refueling training mission June 27, 2013. The KC-135 was being operated by an aircrew made up of Reservists from the 931st Air Refueling Group at McConnell. Air refueling training missions ensure that both the refueling and receiving aicrews maintain proficiency in air refueling operations, which allows the U.S. Air Force to extend its reach around the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Ray Lewis)

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Practice makes perfect

A B-52 Stratofortress assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., trails behind a KC-135 Stratotanker from McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., during an air refueling training mission June 27, 2013. The KC-135 was being operated by an aircrew made up of Reservists from the 931st Air Refueling Group at McConnell. Air refueling training missions ensure that both the refueling and receiving aicrews maintain proficiency in air refueling operations, which allows the U.S. Air Force to extend its reach around the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Ray Lewis)

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Practice makes perfect

Senior Master Sgt. Ray Lewis, a refueling boom operator assigned to the Air Force Reserve 18th Air Refueling Squadron, 931st Air Refueling Group, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., peers out of the boom pod of a KC-135 Stratotanker during an air refueling training mission June 27, 2013. The KC-135 was refueling a B-52 Stratofortress assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, N.D. Air refueling training missions ensure that both the refueling and receiving aicrews maintain proficiency in air refueling operations, which allows the U.S. Air Force to extend its reach around the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sierra Dopfel)

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Practice makes perfect

Published June 27, 2013
By Capt. Zach Anderson
931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Transferring more than 970 gallons of fuel per minute between two aircraft flying 30 feet apart at 30,000 feet and 500 miles per hour may seem like anything but a routine operation, but for aircrews practicing air refueling training, it's all in a day's work.

Today, members of the Air Force Reserve 931st Air Refueling group had another "typical day at the office," conducting an air refueling training mission with B-52 Stratofortresses from Minot Air Force Base, N.D.

By routinely flying air refueling training missions, reservists from the 931st ARG make certain they remain proficient in air refueling operations, which ensures the ability of the U.S. Air Force to extend its reach around the globe.