KC-135 to celebrate 50 years of flying Published July 12, 2006 TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. (AFPN) -- The Air Force will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the KC-135 Stratotanker here Sept. 8-9. The ceremony will honor a tanker aircraft that is still supporting operations for Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps aircraft as well as aircraft of allied nations around the world. The KC-135's principal mission is air refueling. Modified versions can serve as flying command posts, transports and electronic reconnaissance and photo-mapping aircraft. The KC-135 is also capable of transporting litter-borne and ambulatory patients for aeromedical evacuations. The ceremony will include a reception, aircraft displays, flyover and formal banquet.More information about the event can be found online at www.kc135.org.