Refuling mission

(08/05/27) A U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender aircraft moves into position to receive fuel from a Manas Air Base, 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, KC-135R Stratotanker during a mission over Afghanistan. Manas AB KC-135s fly daily over Afghanistan refueling coalition aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Andy Dunaway) (Released)

New Fuel Offload Record... AGAIN!

Published June 10, 2008
By MSgt Phil Wendzillo
185ARW

6-10-08 -- Manas Air Base (AB), Kyrgyzstan - For the third time in three weeks, the 185th has led the way as Manas KC-135 Stratotankers set a new single-day offload fuel record. The old record of 722,000 pounds had stood for nearly a year. The record was first broken on May 24 when 804,800 pounds of fuel supported 32 receivers. Nine days later, 822,000 pounds was offloaded.

On June 8th, a new offload record of 877,300 pounds of fuel was offloaded to 46 coalition aircraft. Not only was the offload a new record, a new standard was set with 14 sorties supporting AEF operations and a total of 15 sorties launched. "In keeping with the strong traditions of excellence from members of the 185th, we set two records for a single days work," exclaimed Chief Master Sgt. David Miller. Although, the 185th has only been in Kyrgyzstan for six weeks, the 185th has continued to lead the way as part of the total force efforts in the war on terrorism.

Last week, when asked about the Guardsman and Reservist serving at Manas, Col. Randy Ogden, 376th Expeditionary Operations Group commander said, "It's a tremendous example, here at Manas AB, of the Total Force effort at work. The (Air National) Guard out of Sioux City, Iowa is extremely professional and hard working, and they've paired well with our active-duty troops--it's a great example of the Total Force.