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Stratotankers sit idle

Many KC-135R Stratotankers sit idle during day 16 of the partial government shutdown. Flying operations in the 507th and 137th Air Refueling Wings have slowed significantly, but a handful of missions continue as some are considered “excepted” activities. All Air Reserve Component Inactive Duty Training was canceled temporarily until appropriations are available. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Maj. Jon Quinlan)

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The avaitors on the 507th ramp

Cory Johnson, far right, watches maintainers from the 507th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the 137th Air Refueling Wing, Oklahoma Air National Guard, perform maintenance on a KC-135 Stratotanker while Devin Lund, second from right, takes video of the action. Johnson and Lund were part of a four person crew from the popular television show “The Aviators” that came to Tinker Air Force Base March 20-21 to feature the KC-135 and E3 missions for an episode to air in October. (Photo by Megen Andersen, The Aviators production coordinator)

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KC-135 getting tow bar hooked up

Master Sgt. Robert Ahern, a 137th Air Refueling Wing crew chief, left, and Airman 1st Class Mykal Short, a 507th Air Refueling Wing ISO Dock crew chief, hook up a tow bar and make sure the sheer pin is installed to be able to tow a KC-135 Stratotanker to the trim pad for engine runs. The 137th ARW, an Oklahoma Air National Guard unit, is a partner unit with the 507th ARW. The Airmen of both units work side-by-side to ensure the planes are well-maintained for mission capability. (Air Force photo by Kelly White)

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KC-135 being towed for engine testing

Tech. Sgt. Casey Ray operates the brakes on a KC-135 Stratotanker while it is being towed by Master Sgt. Robert Ahern (in the truck) to the trim pad to undergo engine runs. Staff Sgt. Vincent Peralta, walking, supervises the towing to ensure that all goes smoothly and safely. All three Airmen are crew chiefs with the 137th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. (Air Force photo by Kelly White)

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New Maintenance Stands

Master Sgt. Jason Lawson, right, and Airman 1st Class Mykal Short, left, both of the 507th maintenance squadron test the height of the new KC-135 maintenance platforms as they work their way around the wing of a Stratotanker. The new platforms are part of a package of platforms and stands that is expected to increase safety and decrease inspection times. (Photo by Senior Airman Mark Hybers)

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Snowy day on the flightline

The flightline remains empty as a snow storm causes poor flying conditions. Members from the 507th Air Refueling Wing aren't able to get outside to work on the planes in the snow and dangerously low temperatures. It's the second storm in a week to come through the area, making work conditions rather difficult. (Photo by Senior Airman Mark Hybers)

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Air Refueling over the skies of Louisiana

A 465th Air Refueling Squadron crew refuels a Mississippi Air National Guard C-17 Globemaster from the 172nd Airlift Wing over the skies of Louisiana on November 29. The 465th ARS crew conducted over 45 minutes of refueling with the Mississippi ANG unit. (Photo by Capt. Jon Quinlan)

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Inspecting different areas of the engine

Tech. Sgt. Bryan Jones (right) shows Senior Airman John Brown different areas of Engine Three to be observed on the initial run. The maintainers liken the fan blade calibration process (and importance) to balancing a tire on a car.

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507th Air Refueling Wing

The 507th Air Refueling Wing’s KC-135R boom prepares to connect to a receiver aircraft to off-load fuel during the Dec 3rd refueling mission. Employers were able to observe the refueling process from the boom pod area.

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Sign of the times as new operations building completed

One of the first things visitors will see upon entering the new consolidated squadron operations building is a model nose of a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft hangs off a wall in the new consolidated operations building. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Richard Curry

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507th AIR REFUELING WING

507th Air Refueling Wing Maintenance Crews were hard at work Dec. 26th following a Christmas snowstorm. Crews removed snow from under and around the Wing's KC-135s, allowing the aircraft to be moved. Their efforts enabled all aircraft to remain mission ready, just in time for a Dec. 28th overseas deployment.

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KC-135 aircraft arrive

Two KC-135R aircraft arrived at Tinker Saturday from the 939th Air Refueling Wing in Portland, Ore. The aircraft are two of the four authorized by the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure process. (Air Force photo)

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507th ARW wins Air Force Meritorious Unit Award

With air horn in one hand to alert others if necessary, a maintenance member of the 507th Air Refueling Wing offers a thumbs up, indicating this KC-135 is on the right path as it's being towed into the hangar for repairs. The Air Force also gave the 507th ARW a thumbs up recently, presenting the wing with an Air Force Meritorious Unit Award for superior performance.

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KC-135 Celebrates 50th birthday

"Spirit in the Sky" - A KC-135 R Stratotanker flown by the 507th Air Refueling Wing, Air Force Reserve Command, at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, displays nose art to illustrate the Oklahoman roots of the unit's Citizen Airmen. The KC-135 aircraft will celebrate its 50th birthday serving with the U.S. Air Force in September.

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