MacDill AFB KC-135s reposition in wake of Hurricane Irma

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Erin McClellan
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. (AFNS) --  McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, welcomed 11 KC-135 Stratotankers assigned to MacDill AFB, Florida, Sept. 7-8, 2017, after they evacuated due to the threat posed by Hurricane Irma.

Irma, which is currently a Category 5 hurricane, threatens a large part of the U.S. East Coast. MacDill AFB is evacuating aircraft as a precaution to ensure no damage.

“The safety of our Airmen and aircraft is paramount,” said Col. April Vogel, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander, MacDill AFB.

The relocation to McConnell AFB ensures aircraft and aircrews from MacDill AFB are out of harm’s way until they can safely return to their home station, protecting millions of taxpayer dollars.

"As the home of air refueling, we are always ready to assist, whether it's by delivering combat air refueling in the Middle East or providing a safe haven to our brothers and sisters in arms who are fleeing adverse weather,” said Col. Joshua Olson, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander. “In the past two years, (McConnell AFB) has evacuated its own aircraft twice, and we're happy to be able to return the favor."