Altus AFB KC-135 unit nominated for AF-level award

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Clinton Atkins
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  When it comes to air refueling no one in the Air Education and Training Command does it better than the KC-135 Formal Training Unit.

The KC-135 Formal Training Unit, which qualifies hundreds of U.S. and Coalition aircrew members each year, was recently selected to represent AETC at the Air Force level for the Senior Master Sgt. Albert L. Evans Outstanding Air Refueling Award.

The unit's accomplishments include providing air refueling during nine missions in support of relief efforts for Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. The unit flew 288 alert hours and contributed 350,000 pounds of fuel to the relief efforts, which help to save 178 lives.

Also, the KC-135 Formal Training Unit's dedication to excellence led to the graduation of more than 880 aircrew students in 2008 resulting in a 100 percent completion rate.

"Lt. Col. (Shawn) Teagan and I are both immensely proud of our instructor force," said Col. Thomas Reardon, 55th Air Refueling Squadron commander. "They are 100 percent dedicated to producing world class KC-135 aircrews, and continually go the extra mile to ensure the best quality training for our students."

The winner will be announced during the 30th Annual Boom Symposium on April 25.