C5 Refueling

Maj. Makia Epie, an instructor pilot from the 433rd Airlift Wing pilots a C5A Galaxy toward the boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker during aerial refueling training, May 15. The 18th Air Refueling Squadron and the 931st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron sent aircrew and maintainers to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland to provide aerial refueling to students of the Formal Training Unit. During the week-long business effort the aircrew from the 931st Air Refueling Group provided aeromedical evacuation training support and air refueling support to the 433rd Airlift Wing's various units. (Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Brannen Parrish)

McConnell tankers complete C-5 schoolhouse support

Published May 21, 2013
By Master Sgt. Brannen Parrish
931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- The 931st Air Refueling Group completed a business effort supporting the 433rd Airlift Wing, May 11-17.

The 931st ARG team comprised of aircrew from the 18th Air Refueling Squadron and crew chiefs from the 931st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, supported two days of aeromedical evacuation training for the 433rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and four days of aerial refueling students assigned to the C-5 Formal Training Unit.

The C-5 Formal Training Unit consists of both a student squadron, the 733rd Training Squadron and an instructor squadron, the 356th Airlift Squadron. The squadrons train Reserve, active-duty and Air National Guard C-5 Galaxy aircrew members, pilots, engineers and loadmasters.

The 931st ARG business effort provided a chance for students from the FTU to complete requirements for graduation. Students must complete several aerial refueling sorties prior to graduation.

"Whenever we can get aerial refueling support, it helps us out a great deal," said Maj. Makia Epie, an instructor pilot from the 433rd Airlift Wing.