First KC-135R Stratotanker retires
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. – A KC-135R Stratotanker from the 97th Air Mobility Wing, takes-off one last time, Feb. 21 from Altus AFB. The National Defense Authorization Act authorized Force Structure reduction for 16 KC-135 aircraft. Tail number 61-0312 is the first operational KC-135R to retire. The aircraft is going to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., where aircraft go to provide parts for critical supply needs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Franklin R. Ramos / Released)