Tanker Task Force keeps fighters flying

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Yash Rojas
  • 354 Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FOCE BASE, Alaska --  Two KC-135 Stratotankers assigned to the 168th Air Refueling Wing act as aerial gas stations for jet fighters from the 18th Aggressor Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base.

The total force concept enables combined efforts of Alaska Air Guard and active duty Air Force members to successfully maintain the Tanker Task Force engaged during Red Flag-Alaska, a simulated aerial combat exercise.

"The Tanker Task Force keeps our fighters in the air and keeps them in the fight longer," said Master Sgt. Duhaime, 168th Air Refueling Wing, boom operator. "The aerial refueling mission adds a considerable advantage to the forces in the air this way."

Six years ago, Sergeant Duhaime assumed the role of the hands-on boom operator, refueling other aircraft while lying flat on his stomach.

The boom is a sophisticated line that when properly maneuvered can deliver jet fuel quickly and efficiently. In order to get a better look operators stare out the viewing panels within the boom pod located toward the rear of the plane.

Prior to working as a boom operator, Sergeant Duhaime was an F108 aircraft engine mechanic. Altogether, he has worked in and around the large refueling tankers for more than ten years.

War planes consume considerable amounts of jet fuel even when flying for a few hours a day. To support this, the Stratotankers are equipped to aid fighters as far as 1,500 miles in distance with 200,000 pounds of transfer fuel.

"As a reliability tanker we fly with extra fuel in case any of the fighters later find themselves running low," said Maj. Benjamin Doyle, 168th ARW, aircraft commander.

Some of missions require the tankers to take a support role, for example, the reliability mission where tankers carry extra fuel to aid those who find themselves low on fuel.

According to Sergeant Duhaime, if the tankers find themselves flying heavy, or with excess fuel for a safe landing, they can do either one of two things. First, they can give assistance to fighters low on fuel or use the extra jet fuel in the air before landing.

The ability to refuel is very important in today's Air Force. It gives war fighters the ability to fly longer in practically any location on the globe.

"If low on fuel, pilots can hang back, refuel, and return to the mission," said Sergeant Duhaime. "They don't have to stop and make themselves vulnerable by stopping to refuel as much."

Refueling missions are not exclusive to RF-A, nor does TTF only do refueling missions. Instead this iteration of RF-A serves as an opportunity to utilize tankers and guardsmen to fulfill the PACAF mission.

"They get a lot more flight and lot more fight," added Master Sergeant Duhaime.