Fairchild refuelers support long range bombers, ensure global mobility with training mission

from 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

4/3/2014 - FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Two KC-135 Stratotankers from Fairchild Air Force Base refueled two B-52 Stratofortresses from Barksdale AFB, La., and two B-2 Spirit bombers from Whiteman AFB, Mo., as part of a training mission requiring the bombers to fly non-stop from their home stations to training ranges in Hawaii and back to their home installations April 2.

Fairchild's participation demonstrated the base's role in achieving rapid global mobility through air refueling capabilities as both bomber and refueler forces exercised the president's credible and flexible military options to meet national security obligations to the U.S. and its allies. The training mission lasted more than 20 hours and spanned nearly 8,000 miles.

"Training operations like this provide opportunities to integrate plans and synchronize strategic capabilities with other wings and combatant commands in order to deny and disrupt threats, and assure American partners and allies," said Col. Brian Newberry, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander.

Multiple agencies, including McConnell AFB and Wisconsin and Hawaii Air National Guard units, were involved in the mission to test their ability to plan and coordinate support for long duration flights.

"The nature of aerial refueling means we work with multiple branches," said Maj. Brent Chisholm, 92nd Air Refueling Squadron pilot and aircraft commander of one of the participating Fairchild jets. "Exercise or real-world, we are always ready to execute. The way our aircrews are trained allows us to participate at a moment's notice, at any given time."

These types of flights ensure refueling forces maintain a high state of readiness and demonstrate flexible and always ready capabilities to respond to a variety of threats and situations within U.S. Strategic Command's global strike and strategic deterrence missions.

"Our crew's ability to stay ready is second to none," said Capt. James Rorick, 92nd ARS pilot who commanded the other participating Fairchild aircraft. "Staying proficient is paramount."

Fairchild routinely participates in training missions to ensure their role in achieving global response and mobility.

"We know there is no Global Reach for America without our venerable tanker team," said Newberry. "I salute all of the Fairchild team for showing that so seamlessly on the world stage."