22nd EARS shows Incirlik Airmen the mighty KC-135
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.
