KC-135A arrives at Altus, pays tribute to heritage

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Clinton Atkins
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The on-going project that is Altus AFB's Wings of Freedom Park received a key piece for all to see with the arrival of a KC-135A Stratotanker on Sept. 22.

The KC-135 will be placed on static display next to the C-141 Starlifter, and for the 97th Air Mobility Wing, it's a thirteen-year dream that has finally come to fruition.

"It was always the plan to have a KC-135 and a C-141 on static display together but the logistics were a challenge," said Richard Guinan, 97 AMW historian. "I found out about the KC-135A at Sheppard AFB from members of the A-TEAM about six years ago but did not have any means to move it here. As the Wings of Freedom Park project began to evolve, it just seemed like a natural fit to put both aircraft on the park. Once the entire project is finished the park will be the crown jewel of Altus AFB."

The two "heavies" will stand as a reminder of Altus AFB's rich heritage and will teach future generations the role the base played in maintaining freedom, he said.

KC-135s have been assigned to Altus AFB since 1958 when they replaced the KC-97 tanker -- a four-engine propeller aircraft. The KC-135A was the first all-jet engine aircraft specifically designed for aerial refueling. It played a significant role during the Cold War with crews maintaining alert status the same as their nuclear munitions-laden B-52 brethren. When the Cold War ended, the base converted its mission from tanker operations to tanker training.

"Having the aircraft on display together provides visitors to the park the opportunity to see two of the greatest aircraft the Air Force has ever had during a time when jet power was evolving in to the powerhouse it is today," said Mr. Guinan. "Both aircraft were considered the backbone of airpower, serving vital roles in delivering combat and humanitarian support where it was needed."

Airmen regard both aircraft with affection due to their role as steady, reliable, but "unsung" heroes of the Cold War.

"Our Airmen look at these two aircraft as the foundation for what we train here today," said Col. Ty Thomas, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander. "Airlift and air refueling... it is fitting that we now have a C-141B and KC-135A on display at the center of our base."