Final tanker leaves Grand Forks AFB

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachel Waller
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFNS) --  The final KC-135 Stratotanker departed from here Dec. 4, signaling the end of the KC-135 air refueling mission here.

The plane was piloted to McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., by Lt. Gen. Vern M. Findley, the Air Mobility Command vice-commander, and Col. Don Shaffer, the 319th Air Refueling Wing commander.

"I started my career here in 1978, with the 905th Air Refueling Squadron," General Findley said. "I came back 20 years later, in 1999, as the wing commander. I am honored and privileged to be a part of this ceremony."

The first KC-135 arrived at Grand Forks AFB in May 1960, as a part of the 905th ARS.

"This base and its mission were a very critical role in our national defense," General Findley said.

"With this event, I think this puts the focus on the new (RQ-4) Global Hawk mission," General Findley said. "This command has been focusing on making this a smooth transition to the new mission.

"I think when you look at what is happening in the Air Force these days, the new mission is an extremely prominent role in what we, the Air Force, provide to the joint warfighter," he said. "As Grand Forks AFB turns the page, it will continue to play a critical role."

The first RQ-4 is scheduled to arrive in the summer of 2011.