Basic Boom Operator Course comes to a close Published Oct. 10, 2007 By Senior Airman Aldric Borders 97th AMW Public Affiars ALTUS AFB -- Altus Air Force Base closed a chapter in its training history as it graduated its last Basic Boom Operator Class Oct. 5. The Basic Boom Operator Course is moving to the Career Enlisted Aviator Center of Excellence at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. After graduating a total of 105 classes, the Altus' Basic Boom Operator Course graduate count stands at 1288. All personnel entering the boom operator career field are required to attend and complete the Basic Boom Operator Course. The Basic Boom Operator Course is non-aircraft specific, encompassing requirements and tasks applicable to both KC-135 and KC-10 aircraft. Completion of course results in award of an Air Force specialty code and a 3-skill level, after which time graduates move on to accomplish weapons system specific training in either the KC-135 or the KC-10. Students that are assigned to the KC-10 will depart for Travis Air Force Base, Calif. or McGuire Air Force Base, N.J. to receive further training. Students assigned to the KC-135 remain at Altus AFB, for their boom initial qualification which consists of approximately 70 training days.