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KC-135s leave Beale for new home

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Luke Johnson
  • 940th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Friends and family of the Air Force Reserve Command's 940th Air Refueling Wing said good-bye to the last two KC-135R Stratotankers to leave here May 3. The ceremony paid tribute to the wing's proud aerial refueling mission.

The 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission directed the 940th to change missions from air refueling to command and control missions, such as flying the unmanned aerial surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, RQ-4 Global Hawk. The wings eight KC-135R models were reassigned to the 916th ARW at Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C.

Air Force Reserve Maj. Summer Fields, who flew one of the last KC-135s out of Beale, said she is sad to see the KC-135 leave here but she is excited to see the 940th take on the new emerging command and control missions.

"I love flying the KC-135; it's an amazing aircraft to fly," said Major Fields. "I'm considering flying the Global Hawk. It's a completely different concept of flying than the KC-135. I'd have to relearn how to fly an aircraft from a remote location."

At the departure ceremony, 940th wing commander Col. Albert Reif lauded the citizen warriors of the wing on 31 years of flying the KC-135 with distinction and pride.

"The 940th has continued a proud tradition of excellence as it migrated through Mather, McClellan, and finally Beale AFB," said Colonel Reif. "I really cannot say enough about the hard work and dedication of the 940th Maintenance Group and Operations Group that brings us to this point. Their hard work over the years culminates today with an impeccable operational legacy."

He also emphasized the 940th will continue to meet its commitment to excellence with the new emerging missions.

"As we watch these aircraft depart today, we take on the new challenge of folding our operational excellence into our new missions like Global Hawk, Pacific Air Force, and Distributive Ground Station." said Colonel Reif.

Col. David Goodhue, 940th Operations Group commander, had high praise for the 940th for 31 years of safe flying operations in the Sacramento Valley.

"We have flown in the Sacramento area for 31 years accident free, which is about 24,000 sorties and 170,000 hours of accident free flying," Colonel Goodhue said. "Everyone in the wing contributed to this and can all take credit for the years of safe flying."

Even though the KC-135s have departed Beale, the Air Force Reserve will continue to reside at the base. The 940th ARW will officially change missions Oct. 1 and partner with the active-duty 9th Reconnaissance Wing to further enhance the Air Force Total Force initiative. (Air Force Reserve Command News Service)