Fairchild successfully launches 13 aircraft in rapid succession

by 1st Lt. Matt Sanders
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

11/19/2013 - FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Thirteen KC-135 Stratotankers took off in rapid succession from Fairchild Air Force Base Nov. 3 as the conclusion to a week-long training exercise.

All 13 jets were able to launch in less than nine minutes, which is the largest number of aircraft at Fairchild to take off within such a minimal amount of time.

"It was textbook, absolutely textbook," said Col. Brian M. Newberry, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander. "Each of our Airmen made it happen. The safety and urgency were inherent from the start of the exercise to the end."

Units from across the base participated in the exercise, including members from the 92nd ARW and the 141st ARW. From security forces members to aircraft maintainers to force support services personnel, Airmen from across the base participated in 24-hour operations to demonstrate how they would respond to different contingencies, ultimately leading to the multi-aircraft launch.

"This exercise was the smoothest by far, and I'm proud this total force effort came together with a successful flyaway," said Maj. Sean Goode, 92nd Maintenance Squadron commander. "Our customers need fuel, and a lot of it. This exercise gives our leadership and customers confidence that when they are relying on Fairchild, we'll be there."

Beyond Fairchild members, aircrew members from McConnell AFB were also here to participate.

"Understanding each team's strengths and weaknesses can make us more effective as a total force team," said Lt. Col. Jeromie Sheldon, 92nd Air Refueling Squadron commander. "It was a huge win for Team Fairchild and our McConnell Teammates. We are proud of all our Fairchild and McConnell Airmen--from our maintainers and aircrews to the support staff."

Exercises are planned regularly to test the base's ability to respond to various scenarios as a means of ensuring readiness.

"Bottom line--we did it," said Newberry. "We did what we are asked to do by the American people, proving that we remain sharp in executing the Air Force Chief of Staff's priorities."