2/22/2013 – ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. — After more than 50 years of service and 22,500 flying hours, the first operational KC-135R Stratotanker retired from service, Feb. 21, 2013.
The aircraft made one last high-speed pass on the runway before heading to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz. better known as the “Boneyard,” where Air Force aircraft go to provide parts to satisfy critical supply needs without any major holds.
The aircraft, tail number 61-0312, first flew with the United States Air Force Aug. 14, 1962 and was re-engined June 27, 1985. The aircraft flew 15 sorties Jan. 2013 alone.
Sign In
February 26, 2013 at 3:36 pm