SR-71A #61-7967 refueling from 59-1490, during the brief reactivation of Det 2 in 1997 - photo by Blair Bozek via Tony Landis
59-1490 has the sad distinction of being the first KC-135Q/T to be retired from service. In April 2022, she was removed from service with the 171st Aerial Refueling Wing of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, and put in storage at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.
1978 photo of KC-135Q 59-1460 taxiing at RAF Mildenhall - from the collection of David Allison
59-1490 is one of 14 KC-135R's assigned to the 171 ARW that carries unique nose art; hers is "Duel'n Fueler" - image courtesy PA ANG |
“The better half” of the Colorado Air National Guard strikes a pose in front of KC-135 Stratotanker #59-1490 on the ramp at Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora, Colorado, March 16, 2010. The 21 military spouses were treated to an orientation flight aboard the “Duel’n Fueler” and were able to watch a live air-to-air refueling operation as part of the COANG’s annual Spouse Lift program. - photo by Capt. Darin Overstreet
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