MacDill reservists support Operation Atlantic Resolve

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Peter Dean
  • 927th Air Refueling Wing/Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Unity is strength and keeping with that theme, two KC-135 Stratotankers along with more than 30 aircrew and maintenance personnel from the 927th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., deployed to Royal air force Mildenhall, England in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, 17-30 June.

Operation Atlantic Resolve is a demonstration of our continued commitment to the collective security of NATO and dedication to the enduring peace and stability in the region, in light of the Russian intervention in Ukraine specifically.

During the two-week deployment, the 927 ARW provided air-to-air refueling to NATO and U.S. aircraft throughout the region. The successful missions contributed to overall goal of reassuring the United States' commitment to a collective defense.

This was not only a team effort for NATO, but also for the Airmen of the 927 ARW. In order to complete an air-to-air refueling mission, the aircraft must be fit for flight, and that is left to the skilled hands of the 927th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

"Our maintainers are among the best in the world," said Master Sgt.  Scott Cratty, 927th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, first sergeant. "Operations like this only strengthen their skills and unity. Its team work, whether it's the newest Airmen or our most seasoned technicians, they have one focus, to ensure the [KC-] 135 is ready for flight."

The days were long; with the zero dark thirty show times, the deployed Airmen did more before 9 a.m. than most civilians do all day.

"It was a very active operations tempo, with 15-hour days" said Senior Airman Brice Hawkins, 927 AMXS, engine specialist. "But it was an excellent opportunity to contribute to a real world operation, lots of good maintaining, proud to have been part of it."  

On March 16, 2015, the United States agreed to fly refueling missions to support NATO airborne warning and control system (AWACs) aircraft flights over Eastern Europe.  As of June 26, KC-135s, forward-based out of RAF Mildenhall, England have conducted 86 missions.