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US Air Force retires last KC-135E model aircraft


The last U.S. Air Force KC-135E model aircraft flew from its home in Maine to its final resting place in Tucson, Ariz., last week. The aircraft, which served the Air Force for more than 50 years, will now call the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, also known as the ’Boneyard,’ home.


"For the 827th Aircraft Sustainment Group, this is a bittersweet day," said Col. Robert Torick, 827th ACSG commander and project officer for the KC-135E retirement. "While we close this chapter, the air-refueling mission story continues. We say goodbye to a real workhorse who has played a critical role in the success of the Air Force mission over the last 50-plus years."


The airplane, which was delivered to active duty in 1958, not only served in many Air Force operations but also set a speed record in the 1950s by flying from New York to London and back in only 12 hours.


Ten of the E-model KC-135s are now retired as static displays at various locations, and three others are scheduled to be used as ground instructional trainers. Additionally, three others were transferred to the Foreign Military Sales program for the Chilean Air Force.


"It’s interesting that although the final KC-135E model is now retired, we are preparing to perform programmed depot maintenance on three E-model aircraft for the Chilean Air Force right here at Boeing’s Global Services & Support facility in San Antonio," said Pat Leahy, KC-135 program manager. "So, although this signals the end of an era for the operational Air Force, the KC-135E is still playing a crucial role for our customers."


Jim McCormick, a KC-135 manager at Boeing’s San Antonio facility, said he has worked on his share of KC-135 E models, but doesn’t see the aircraft going away entirely.


"I have been at this site since August 1998, and we certainly have worked on many KC-135 E model aircraft," he said. "It’s still a solid tanker, and I think there will always be a customer who can use the aircraft."


Although the aircraft is now officially retired, the E-model will still be used to provide spare parts to the remaining KC-135 Stratotankers in the operational fleet. There are more than 540 KC-135 aircraft still in use by the U.S. Air Force, Reserve and Air National Guard.