Land bus to flying tanker

U.S. Air Force Airmen of the 39th Air Base Wing disembark from a bus to receive a tour of a KC-135 Stratotanker belonging to the 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Aug. 17, 2020. The displayed KC-135 originates from Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., and its crews belong to the 384th Air Refueling Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Lackey)

The mighty KC-135

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron rests on the Incirlik Air Base flight line during an aircraft tour at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Aug. 17, 2020. While the KC-135 will eventually be succeeded by the new KC-46 Pegasus, the more than 300 KC-135s in service will continue to serve as the U.S. Air Force’s primary air refueler for decades to come. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Lackey)

Talk around the boom pod

U.S. Air Force Airmen of the 39th Air Base Wing talk about the functions of a refueling boom-pod while standing in the shade of a KC-135 Stratotanker belonging to the 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron during an aircraft tour at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Aug. 17, 2020. The 22nd EARS is made up of deployed KC-135 aircrews and planes from U.S. stateside locations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Lackey)

These are KC-135 flight controls

A U.S. Air Force 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron Airman discusses the flight controls of a KC-135 Stratotanker to an Airman from the 39th Air Base Wing during a tour of the aircraft at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Aug. 17, 2020. The KC-135 has been in service since 1957 and has seen many refurbishments over its 63 year career to keep it as a focal point for U.S. air superiority and Global Reach. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Lackey)

Tour of the KC-135

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Mathew Warnecke, 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron pilot, gives Airmen of the 39th Air Base Wing are given an overview of a KC-135 Stratotanker’s features during an aircraft tour at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Aug. 17, 2020. The 22nd EARS offered a chance for fellow U.S. Airmen to have a chance to check out the KC-135 and learn about its capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Lackey)

22nd EARS shows Incirlik Airmen the mighty KC-135

Published Aug. 25, 2020
By Staff Sgt. Ryan Lackey
39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --

Airmen from the 39th Air Base Wing were treated to a static tour of a KC-135 Stratotanker belonging to the 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, Aug. 17th, 2020.

The 22nd EARS is headquartered at Incirlik Air Base. Their mission is to provide an aerial refueling capability to allied and coalition partner aircraft, who help provide stability to the region.

“We provide fuel to both U.S. and allied coalition partner aircraft, so we often have interaction with our allied counterparts,” said Capt. John Russo, 22nd EARS aircraft commander. “It’s a great privilege to work with pilots and crews from other nations by deploying here.”

At home, these air refueling crews can respond to several missions beyond refueling, such as cargo, passenger transport and aeromedical evacuation. As deployed units, they focus on their primary function of supporting air superiority in unstable areas.