ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla.-- Members of the 552nd Operations Group from Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, visited Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, for a “crosstalk” with members from the 56th Air Refueling Squadron. The visit was to learn more about the KC-46 Pegasus and E3 Sentry interoperability.
This opportunity was a learning experience for both sides, as they both had information to offer one another.
“We took them down to a KC-46 and showed them our systems,” said Lt. Col. Teddy Boyd, 56th ARS commander. “They showed us what their systems looked like, and we had a great discussion about how we can expect to interact in the future fight.”
The 56th ARS is consistently learning about the many capabilities that their aircraft possesses, and the 552nd OG members helped further their knowledge on these capabilities.
“Our air battle managers are subject matter experts on the computer system,” said Capt. Greg Hodgkins, 965th Airborne Air Control Squadron instructor pilot. “The system in the back of our aircraft is very similar to the one on the KC-46, so we’re helping the members of the 56th to use the aircraft to its full potential.”
The time was not just an educational opportunity for the 56th ARS, but the 552nd OG as well.
“The big thing for us is how we can be better receivers to the KC-46s,” said Hodgkins. “It’s an opportunity to see how they operate and what they expect from us on our end.”
Overall, the visit by the 552nd OG was informative and will help the 56th ARS train and educate exceptional Airmen.
“We now have a better understanding of how to employ our aircraft in a high end fight,” said Boyd. “The visit helps us develop a more ready, more lethal combat force.”