BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. –
A group of community leaders from Beale's surrounding area got a look into the mission of the 940th Air Refueling Wing on Dec. 10, 2007, by taking part in a real-world mission over Northern California.
The flight was an opportunity for community partners to get hands-on experience with the mid-air refueling mission of the 940th ARW and Beale's Air Force Reserve mission, according to Stacey Knott, 940th ARW Public Affairs.
The 940th flies the KC-135 Stratotanker, which provides world-wide mid-air refueling capability.
Around 20 local community partners boarded the KC-135 Monday morning after receiving mission and safety briefings from 940th Airmen. The group, many of who were honorary commanders from units in the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, was greeted at the plane by Col. Keith Gentile, 9th Reconnaissance Wing vice commander. Also joining the group for the flight were Col. John Borland, 9th Mission Support Group commander and Chief M. E. Morey, 9th RW command chief.
After take off, the group was allowed to tour the aircraft and speak with crew members and pilots as they carried out the mission. By noon, the KC-135 and the receiving aircraft, a KC-10 Extender from Travis AFB, were in place for refueling. Community partners witnessed the refueling first hand from the boom pod, where the boom operator transferred the fuel to the receiving aircraft only several feet below the KC-135.
"The flight was absolutely spectacular," said Janice Nall, 9th RW vice commander's honorary commander. "It was great to see things up close and how the men and women support the mission."
On the topic of her experience of being down in the boom pod, Ms. Nall said, "It was like being in another world. It was so peaceful and quiet."
"It was breath taking," said Dee Dee Brady, 9th Maintenance Group commander's honorary commander. "I'd do it again in a heart beat."
"It's great when we have an opportunity to show the community America's Air Force," said Col. Albert Reif, 940th ARW commander. "Strong ties between the community and the base benefit us all. The 940th is very proud to be part of this community."