July 18, 2018

Active-duty colonel takes rein of Reserve Group

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, California — Col. Jeffrey Downs assumed command of the 940th Operations Group at a ceremony here July 14. Downs, an active-duty officer, comes from the Pentagon where he supported the chief of staff and secretary of the Air Force in strategic communications. He’s here filling a reserve position to showcase total force integration. “We live in challenging

Feb. 28, 2018

“… Saw it as a way out…”

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, California — Promoting to chief master sergeant was an indescribable moment for Martez D. Banks, 940th Operations Group superintendent. He felt fortunate to accept such a trusted position, however, he never planned to climb so high up the ranks.“It wasn’t a relief,” he said, explaining how pinning on chief was never his goal. “It wasn’t like ‘I’ve

Feb. 12, 2017

Mass training prepares tankers for expedited takeoff

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, California — The 940th Maintenance and Operations Groups participated in training with four KC-135 Stratotankers Feb. 10, 2017, at Beale Air Force Base, California. This was the first mass practice since the return of the refueling mission last year and served as preparation for upcoming exercises and inspections.  “We have to practice to be ready,” said Chief