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Operation Centennial Contact: 100 Years of Aerial Refueling Excellence

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt Gabriele Gocso
  • Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas – Air Education and Training Command members commemorated 100 years of aerial refueling excellence with flyover demonstrations above iconic landmarks in Oklahoma and Texas, June 27.

Pilots assigned to AETC's 97th Air Mobility Wing at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, showcased the U.S. Air Force's air refueling capabilities over the Texas State Capitol, with pilots flying a KC-135 and a KC-46. Their skill and precision were on full display as they executed aerial refueling maneuvers.

The mid-air refueling operations performed above the Texas State Capitol showcased the coordination and synchronization required between the tanker aircraft and the receiving aircraft.

The Texas State Capitol, a revered landmark, provided a fitting backdrop for the occasion, symbolizing the strong connection between the U.S. Air Force and Texas. The event served as a testament to the enduring partnerships between the military and the communities it serves, while allowing the public to witness firsthand the extraordinary capabilities of air refuelers.