97 AMW Airmen launch, protect 33 aircraft during severe weather flyaway

Two KC-46 Pegasus tankers and a KC-135 Stratotanker taxi on the runway due to incoming severe weather at Altus Air Force Base (AAFB), Oklahoma, May 4, 2022. 33 total aircraft launched from AAFB: 25 in a three-hour period on May 4, while 8 others took off the previous evening. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kayla Christenson)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
97 AMW Airmen launch, protect 33 aircraft during severe weather flyaway

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Alex Green, 58th Airlift Squadron instructor loadmaster, waits for a C-17 Globemaster III’s engine to start during a severe weather flyaway at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, May 4, 2022. All aircraft returned the next day to continue the base’s mission: “training exceptional mobility Airmen”. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Trenton Jancze)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
97 AMW Airmen launch, protect 33 aircraft during severe weather flyaway

A C-17 Globemaster III taxis on the flight line due to incoming severe weather at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, May 4, 2022. U.S. Air Force Col. Blaine Baker, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander, identified three priorities for the severe weather flyaway: preserve safety, preserve property and recover the mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Trenton Jancze)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
97 AMW Airmen launch, protect 33 aircraft during severe weather flyaway

U.S. Air Force Maj. Kevin Bishop, 54th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker instructor pilot, performs an external inspection of a KC-135 on the flight line during a severe weather flyaway at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, May 4, 2022. Weather predictions forecasted a 50-percent chance of 1.5-inch hail and wind up to 60 knots which could result in extensive damage to the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Trenton Jancze)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
97 AMW Airmen launch, protect 33 aircraft during severe weather flyaway

A C-17 Globemaster III takes off while a KC-46 Pegasus taxis on the flight line at Altus Air Force Base (AAFB), Oklahoma, May 4, 2022. Before the severe weather was projected to arrive at AAFB, 13 C-17s were successfully launched. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kayla Christenson)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
97 AMW Airmen launch, protect 33 aircraft during severe weather flyaway

Steven Hernandez, 97th Maintenance Squadron KC-46 Pegasus crew chief, directs a KC-46 on the flight line during a severe weather flyaway at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, May 4, 2022. Members of the 97th Operations Group, 97th Maintenance Group and 97th Mission Support Group worked to successfully generate and recover flights in a short amount of time. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Trenton Jancze)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
97 AMW Airmen launch, protect 33 aircraft during severe weather flyaway

A KC-135 Stratotanker takes off due to an incoming severe weather forecast at Altus Air Force Base (AAFB), Oklahoma, May 4, 2022. Despite the severe weather flyaway, the 97th Operations Group was able to continue student training, fulfilling the 97th Air Mobility Wing’s vision to “forge the world’s most inspired, proficient and adaptive mobility warriors to deliver airpower for America.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kayla Christenson)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
97 AMW Airmen launch, protect 33 aircraft during severe weather flyaway

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Dawson Williams, 97th Operations Support Squadron (OSS) airfield management shift lead, and Bradley Buckner, 97th OSS airfield management operations supervisor, monitor the flight line at the airfield management office at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, May 5, 2022. The 97th OSS provides direct mission support to all operational units in the 97th Air Mobility Wing, enabling the wing’s flying and aircrew student training mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Trenton Jancze)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

97 AMW Airmen launch, protect 33 aircraft during severe weather flyaway

Published May 5, 2022
By Airman 1st Class Trenton Jancze
97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --

Exactly 33 aircraft departed Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, May 3 to 4, 2022, to avoid a severe weather projection in the local area. The evacuation demonstrated Airmen's ability to safely and rapidly launch a large number of aircraft in a short time.