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April 17,  2003

Tanker crews ensure bombs reach their targets

By Airman 1st Class Alice K. Moore
40th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

MEDITERRANEAN REGION (AMCNS) -- For tanker crews, it is all too common being behind the scenes. However, in accomplishing Air Force missions, air refueling is essential for global reach and global power.

Recently, citizen airmen from the 434th Air Refueling Wing at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind., were activated as part of the 28th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron in providing operational refueling support for Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom strike aircraft.

Six pilots, three in-flight refueling technicians and six maintenance crew chiefs arrived here to contribute their part in defending America's freedoms.

"One of the more positive aspects of being a part of the Reserves is that it's a volunteer force," said Maj. John Pannell, 28th EARS instructor pilot. "We come in knowing there is always a chance of activation. We're definitely willing to be here and help with the fight."

The KC-135 aircraft flown by the crews here can transfer up to 200,000 pounds of fuel to another aircraft and carry up to 83,000 pounds of cargo. Missions can last from four to seven hours typically, Major Pannell said. During that time, one to two aircraft are refueled.

"I think all of us take great pride in the fact that no missions here have been delayed because we couldn't get fuel to the guys who needed it," said Capt. Bill Werth, 28th EARS aircraft commander. "Because of our superb maintenance and operations crews, we've always been able to overcome any challenges to get our job done."

"We're able to overcome the challenges that come our way because, for tankers, we are able to spend time practicing for combat missions two to three times a week," said MSgt. Kym Orange, 28th EARS boom operator. "We spend the time working with each other and are confident in the abilities of each person's role."

Pannell said the typical challenges for a tanker crew include the weather and precise timing.

"Everything we do is based on another aircraft," Major Pannell said. "When you're only 40 feet away from another aircraft you don't have room for error."

"Another challenge for any of us being here is having to be away from our family members," Captain Werth said. "But it's a good and reassuring feeling to know we're doing our part. This is our way of showing our patriotism."

When it comes to bombs successfully striking their targets, Major Pannell said that they are all happy with being behind the scenes and knowing the tankers were a part of the end result of a successful mission.

"Like I heard from someone recently, the bombers are like the quarterbacks of a football team, the ones who are in the limelight. The tankers are like the linemen; we support them so they can score the touchdowns," added the major.