The KC-135 made its debut on Aug. 31, 1956, and still remains vital even as the Air Force continues to modernize its air refueling fleet.
SecAF Meink visited McConnell AFB to observe the ongoing fleet transition from the KC-135 Stratotanker to the KC-46A Pegasus. During the visit, Meink reviewed digital engineering sustainment initiatives at the National Institute for Aviation Research and met with Total Force Airmen.
After serving 14 years as an enlisted diagnostic imaging and medical sonography technician, 1st Lt. Ulysses Campos earned his commission and wings to fly the KC-135 Stratotanker.
The B-21 Raider program continues to accelerate the delivery of long-range strike capability, with aerial refueling via a KC-135 Stratotanker demonstrating the rapid maturation of the weapon system.
U.S. and Chilean Air Force (FACh) crews demonstrated advanced interoperability April 4, 2026, executing the first-ever Chilean KC-135 Stratotanker air-to-air refueling of two U.S. F-35A Lightning II aircraft—marking a significant step forward in bilateral airpower integration.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke about the families of six U.S. airmen who died after their Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq last week at a news conference at the Pentagon.
US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refuels US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet / CENTCOM Published March 14, 2025 TAMPA, FL — The U.S. military has confirmed that all six crew members aboard a KC‑135 Stratotanker refueling [...]