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Four KC-135 Stratotankers and Personnel Assigned to Eielson AFB

Boost to Alaska’s Air Capabilities: Arrival of KC-135 Stratotankers at Eielson AFB

In a strategic move underscoring the importance of the Arctic and Pacific regions, four KC-135 Stratotankers are set to strengthen the aerial refueling capabilities at Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks, Alaska. This deployment will also bring approximately 220 personnel tasked with maintaining these vital aircraft.

The announcement came from U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, marking nearly four years since the Air Force first planned the relocation of these aircraft to Alaska. Despite this confirmation, a specific timeline for the tankers’ deployment remains undisclosed.

Initially anticipated in 2023, the arrival of the aircraft faced delays. In response, Sen. Sullivan addressed a letter to Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall in October, expressing his dissatisfaction with the postponements, stating, “I am writing to express both my concern and frustration with years of stalling and rejection on the part of the Air Force to deliver vital aerial refueling assets to Alaska.”

Amanda Coyne, Sullivan’s communications director, conveyed that Secretary Kendall reiterated the military’s commitment to deploying the four additional KC-135s to Alaska, although the precise schedule for their operational status remains pending.

Alan Brown, the communications director for the Alaska National Guard, which will oversee the aircraft, expressed enthusiasm for the new additions, asserting, “The Guard and Eielson are excited for these new planes to come online.” He noted that an email from the deputy director of the Air National Guard confirmed the Air Force’s final decision to base the planes in Fairbanks.

Aerial refueling is crucial for extending the range of military aircraft by refueling them mid-air. Despite the recent influx of advanced fighter jets, including numerous F-35s, Alaska’s refueling fleet has seen no significant increase, putting pressure on existing resources.

The KC-135 Stratotankers, many of which date back to the 1960s, continue to serve as essential components of the U.S. military’s air operations. The introduction of the newer KC-46 Pegasus has encountered various challenges, resulting in the continued reliance on the older Stratotankers.

Sen. Sullivan reflected on the progress, stating, “I have relentlessly pressed the Air Force to fulfill its commitment made to me in 2021 to redistribute four KC-135 tankers to Eielson, and I am glad to report it is finally happening.”

Once all the additional aircraft are operational, they will augment the Alaska Air Guard’s 168th Wing and be operated by active-duty Air Force personnel. According to Laurel Falls from the Department of the Air Force, one of the four tankers has already arrived, with the remaining three expected to join soon, bringing Alaska’s total to 12 KC-135 Stratotankers.