TOPEKA (KSNT) – A massive military plane in Topeka completed an 11-hour flight across the ocean as part of an annual training mission.
Chief of Public Affairs Briell Zweygardt with the 190th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) in Topeka told 27 News that a flight with 50 passengers on board took off from Forbes Field on Sunday, June 15. The plane, a large KC-135 Stratotanker, flew more than 5,000 miles to the Aviano Air Base in Italy for a Military Readiness Airlift (MRA) mission.
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The KC-135 Stratotanker is a U.S. Air Force (AF) refueling plane that can conduct missions around the world. It can fly distances of more than 11,000 miles and costs nearly $40 million to build.
“The 190th ARW routinely conducts missions like this to support joint operations across the military,” Zweygardt said. “These flights not only provide critical support to other units, but also offer valuable training opportunities and flight hours for our own Airmen, ensuring we remain mission-ready at all times.”
A B-52H Stratofortress refuels with a KC-135R Stratotanker of the Mississippi Air National Guard during a training sortie over Louisiana. (Getty Images)
Zweygardt said the total flight time was just under 11 hours. The passengers, coming from the 139th Airlift Wing from St. Joseph, Missouri, get the chance to gain valuable experience and time in the air through MRA missions like this.
“Rigorous training beyond established comfort zones is essential for developing lethal force capabilities,” said Col. Marjorie Durkes, deputy commander of the 190th ARW. “These MRA’s are an avenue to provide our aircrews with critical experience, ensuring readiness for any contingency. We are proud to support our 139th teammates while maintaining preparedness for future missions.”
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