Air Force flyover in Salina celebrates 100 years of aerial refueling
Two planes, one brought into service just four years ago and another the U.S. Air Force has relied on for nearly 50 years, flew as low as 2,000 feet above the Salina Regional Airport on Tuesday in recognition of 100 years of aerial refueling.
Several people gathered at Fossett Plaza just outside the perimeter fence at the airport as the Boeing KC-46A Pegasus and Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker took part in the Air Force event Tuesday, exactly 100 years after the first recorded aerial refueling on June 27, 1923.
The Pegasus was flown by the Air Force Reserve's 931st Air Refueling Wing out of McConnell Air Force Base near Wichita, followed close behind by the Stratotanker flown by the Air National Guard's 190th Air Refueling Wing out of Forbes Field in Topeka.
According to the Air Force, the flight plan for the aircraft put them over several other landmarks throughout the state, including the University of Kansas in Lawrence, the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka, Kansas State University in Manhattan and Wichita State University and the Keeper of the Plains sculpture in Wichita.
While flying over the designated landmarks, the refuelers dropped to between 2,000 and 2,500 feet above ground level with the refueling booms of each plane lowered as they flew by.
Bringing out family in Salina
It was an exciting day for everyone, including Loren Banninger, who, along with his wife, Sue, brought their grandson Cole Easterday, 9.
"We came out to see the tankers," Easterday said.
This wasn't the first trip the Banningers and Easterday have taken to the airport to see some of the unique planes that fly in, out and around the general aviation airport, which has also served as a base for military and government operations throughout its history, including as Schilling Air Force Base.
"We have been out here occasionally with family," Loren Banninger said. "We enjoy (seeing the planes). Sue's brother is a retired Air Force general."
He said this wasn't the closest he's been to a KC-135, having been able to fly inside one as part of an aerospace class he took through K-State.
"One of the things we got to do was go up in the tanker," Banninger said. "I got to lay in the (back of the plane) and see the boom (while) they were refueling B-52s that were coming through."
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Kansas-based units flying over other states
In addition to the two planes flying over Kansas, the 100-year celebration was expected to take place with flights over all 50 states.
The 22nd Air Refueling Wing, also based out of McConnell, took several aircraft over Colorado including landmarks in Pueblo, Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs and the U.S. Air Force Academy.
The 22nd also sent one KC-46 to California for that state's celebration, where it participated in a flyover of the base where that first aerial refueling mission happened in 1923, Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego.
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The Air Force said aerial refueling serves as a force multiplier, increasing the speed, range, lethality, flexibility and versatility of combat aircraft. Tankers also carry cargo and passengers, perform aeromedical evacuations and enable strategic deterrence for the United States.
“Air refueling propels our nation’s air power across the skies, unleashing its full potential,” said Gen. Mike Minihan, Air Mobility Command commander. “It connects our strategic vision with operational reality, ensuring we can reach any corner of the globe with unwavering speed and precision. Air refueling embodies our resolve to defend freedom and project power, leaving an indelible mark on aviation history.”
This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: Salina Airport sees refuelers fly over for Air Force celebration
