Aviation Photography - Fairchild AFB

Something is happening...
Fairchild AFB, Washington
July 2024

The United States Air Force Air Refuelling Wings (ARW) are making changes, the KC-10 is about to retire as the KC-46 is about to come onstream and a number of ARWs are starting to fly at low level (1,000 feet AGL). Strangest of all, KC-135s are now having their serial numbers and even their Data Blocks removed. Many jets are now anonymous.

I have a theory but I certainly won't be expressing it online! Today I was at Fairchild AFB eleven miles south west of Spokane, Washington to fly with the 92nd ARW. We were to meet up with two flights of four F-15C Eagles of the Oregon ANG. Strapped in to the jump seat we taxi out to the runway holding point, passed two Minot based B-52s. Throttles forward we gather pace moments later the co-pilot points to the Captain's instrument panel and the decision is immediately made to abort the take-off. The brakes are slammed on and we dramatically pull off the runway at the mid-point and come to rest on the taxiway. I am now told that the airspeed indicators were showing different speeds and there was no way to work out which was giving the correct speed. That was that, then, we parked up and I was bound for the departure lounge. My guide was easily persuaded to take me around the numerous retired aircraft on display around the airfield. My interviews with the Captain was to follow some hours later. What I asked and what was said will be kept under raps for the time-being.

Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker (?) of the 92nd ARW, I assume, as it taxis out.

Left to right: My assigned KC-135R (62-3553) callsign 'Delve 31', being signed for by the aircrew. I walked around the jet and the only reference to the serial number was on the pilot's control panel.

Left to right: The aircrew of 'Delve 31' working through the pre-flight checks.
Back at the ramp and the pitot tube is being checked for a bug incursion/ingression.

Left to right: Anonymous KC-135R Stratotanker (?) of the 92nd ARW, I assume on its way out. It does not even have its serial on the data block.

KC-135R Stratotanker (59-1515) of the 92 ARW and still retaining its serial, ARW numbers and US Air Force titles. It is configured with the multipoint refueling system (MPRS), which consists of special pods mounted on the wingtips. The pods are Flight Refueling Limited Mk.32B model pods, and refuel via the probe and drogue method common to Navy/Marine Corps tactical jets.

Left to right: KC-135R Stratotanker (58-0016) of the 92 ARW.
KC-135R Stratotanker (58-0113) of the 92 ARW.
KC-135R Stratotanker (59-1521 'AK') of the 168 ARS, 168 WG, Alaska ANG.

On base wrecks and relics