SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- For the first time in nearly two decades tankers from the 916th Air Refueling Wing lined up back-to-back on the ramp here as part of an exercise scenario held on January 7-8, 2012.
The exercise tested the wing's ability to scramble jets and air crews quickly in the event of a real world emergency.
While the Airmen of this Air Force Reserve Wing practice this type of scenario regularly, it usually ends before the KC-135Rs take to the flightline.
On Jan. 8, seven Stratotankers lined up perfectly to taxi down the runway. A sight that has not been seen since the KC-135 came to eastern North Carolina in the mid-90s.
The January exercise prepares the wing for a major inspection that will occur in 2013.
USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez)