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McConnell honorary commanders witness Thunderbird air refueling

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Zach Anderson
  • 931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Sixteen members of the McConnell Air Force Base Honorary Commander program received a special sneak-peak of the headline performers for the upcoming "Wings Over McConnell" air show while riding along on an air refueling mission today.

The guests were able to watch from the refueling boom pod of a KC-135 Stratotanker as an aircrew from the 22nd Air Refueling Wing refueled the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the Air Force's premiere air demonstration squadron. The Thunderbirds were in route to McConnell for their performance in the air show.

The newest members of the base's honorary commander program, those who just joined the program in August, participated in the flight. Also along for the ride were several members of the McConnell Golden Eagles, past honorary commanders who are long-time supporters of the base.

For the new honorary commanders, today's flight was a special introduction to the base and its mission.

"It's really amazing to see how many people are involved in an effort like this," said Joe Ontjes, Vice-President of Marketing and Student Services at Wichita Area Technical College and honorary commander to the Air Force Reserve 18th Air Refueling Squadron.
 
"To get a tanker off the ground, to keep it maintained and cared for, it takes a huge team. We got to see how every piece is critical, and I'm so grateful for all of the people who serve here. It's a great honor to be a part of this program and to be exposed to everything that goes on here at the base."

Prior to the flight, the new honorary commanders received unit mission briefs from both Col. Ricky N. Rupp, commander of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing, and Col. Mark S. Larson, commander of the Air Force Reserve 931st Air Refueling Group. The two commanders stressed the importance of teamwork and partnership between the reserve and active duty forces at McConnell in order to achieve success.

During the flight, each honorary commander had the opportunity to climb down into the boom pod and watch as a Thunderbird F-16 Fighting Falcon made contact with the tanker's refueling boom. At the conclusion of the mission as the honorary commanders exited the tanker, the Thunderbirds roared over the flight line, announcing their arrival at McConnell.

"It was a once in a lifetime opportunity," said Ontjes. "To get to see the Thunderbirds coming up on the tanker like that was truly incredible."

Longtime McConnell supporter and Golden Eagle Pat Gallagher said the flight was truly a special event.

"Today was phenomenal," said Gallagher. "This was a great opportunity. Refueling itself is exciting to watch, but when you see the Thunderbirds it's just a whole different ball game. There is emotion involved there, especially for people who have seen them perform at air shows in the past. To be able to go out and refuel them in route to Wichita and then see them land right behind us is very special."

Ontjes said he's looking forward to this weekend's performances.

"The air show gives the community here the opportunity to see something amazing. It's great for all ages and it's a wonderful display of the Air Force and of patriotism. It's a great event, and I encourage everyone to attend."