Tanker crew that saved a Phantom over the Atlantic

[Nodak]

The story of Northstar and a broken Phantom running out of luck and options

[Trooper117]

Amazing stuff... thanks.

[Kalasnkova74]

Often today when some are asked “what’s the most important aircraft in the USAF”, the typical answer is the F-22,F-15, F-16, or perhaps the B-2.

The initiated know it’s the KC-135. Without the Stratotanker’s gas and cargo bay, no one else flies.

 

Edited March 5, 2024 by Kalasnkova74

[Cab]

3 hours ago, Kalasnkova74 said:

Often today when some are asked “what’s the most important aircraft in the USAF”, the typical answer is the F-22,F-15, F-16, or perhaps the B-2.

The initiated know it’s the KC-135. Without the Stratotanker’s gas and cargo bay, no one else flies.

 

 

Yep. “Amateurs talk about tactics, but professionals study logistics”

[Elf1606688794]

3 hours ago, Kalasnkova74 said:

Without the Stratotanker’s gas and cargo bay, no one else flies.

Everyone else flies, they just don't fly as long or as far.

[Nodak]

The old saying in MAC back in my day, fighter pilots make the papers, but trash haulers make the history.

[Braunn]

Tanking a crippled F4 at high AOA, 1600 feet above the water at 190kts. Wow. Well deserved and true heroes of aviation. 

[Elf1606688794]

21 hours ago, Nodak said:

The story of Northstar and a broken Phantom running out of luck and options

That happened about a month after I left Seymour Johnson.