Blog Editor Note: According to Jody Gal in neighboring Calhoun GA, 379.825 MHz has been used as a boom freq during exercises that involve random AR that are not on a published tracks. This was also a one of my spectrum hole freqs until recently.
by Wayne Crenshaw, 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Numerous organizations here have spent the past month preparing for the arrival of five KC-135 Stratotankers, which will temporarily be stationed at Robins during an upcoming exercise.
The aerial refuelers are part of a detachment from McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., set to operate here Aug. 7-20. The detachment includes 75 personnel who will be staying in base lodging.
According to a McConnell release, the complex exercise scenario will include 1,100 ground participants and more than 22 aircraft in support of Joint Chiefs of Staff and National Command Authority directives.
"The multifaceted exercise challenges the inherent flexibility, reliability and force multiplier capabilities of our tanker and airlifter forces," the release said.
Tony McVay, the 78th Air Base Wing chief of plans and programs, said several organizations at Robins are involved in preparing for the detachment's arrival and supporting it during the exercise.
The 116th Air Control Wing will assist with maintenance and ground equipment for the aircraft.
The 78th Operations Support Squadron will provide support to include refueling, the 78th Logistics Readiness Squadron will provide forklifts and other equipment support, and the 78th Communications Directorate will provide computers and printers. Additionally, the 78th Civil Engineer Group is providing the building the detachment will be using.
Lt. Col. Pamela Freeland, chief of Special Operations Air Refueling at McConnell, said she has been pleased with the support the unit has received from Robins.
"There have been a lot of organizations at Robins which have been contributing to getting us operating," she said. "It's going to be a very robust exercise involving a lot of participants."
The KC-135s are a vital part of U.S. military operations, providing its core aerial refueling capability. Each of the planes can carry 100 tons of fuel.