Pumping gas in the sky

An Illinois Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker refuels a B-2 Stealth Bomber during a recent mission. The 126th Air Refueling Wing at Scott Air Force Base has three missions. The conventional mission involves refueling aircraft from the Navy, Marines, Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard. These operations happen daily for Airmen at the 126th.

Look who got a makeover

Aircraft #59-1487 is currently scheduled to go on static display at the Illinois Air National Guard facilities within Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. This particular aircraft is one of the original 126th Air Refueling Wing KC-135’s. The paint scheme is the one that was worn by aircraft of the Strategic Air Command toward the latter part of SAC's existence at the end of the Cold War. The distinctive glossy gray carries a bold blue stripe with a "constellation" of stars. The blue stripe and stars is referred to as the Milky Way. This was a historic scheme that represented Strategic Air Command on the KC-135 and bombers and embodied the motto "Peace is Our Profession" at a time when peace was forged through superior fire power.

The Best Fuels Operations in the Air National

Senior Airman Andrew Kasten, a fuels laboratory technician for the 126th Fuels Management flight, transfers fuel to holding tanks located at the 126th Air Refueling Wing, Scott AFB, Ill. The Illinois Air National Guard flight was recently named "The Best in the Air National Guard" and received the Air National Guard Outstanding Fuels Management Flight Award for the best fuels operations for 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Ken Stephens)

The Best Fuels Operation in the Air National Guard

Senior Airman Andrew Kasten, a fuels laboratory technician for the 126th Fuels Management flight, transfers fuel from holding tanks to a fuel truck located at the 126th Air Refueling Wing, Scott AFB, Ill. The Illinois Air National Guard flight was recently named "The Best in the Air National Guard" and received the Air National Guard Outstanding Fuels Management Flight Award for the best fuels operations for 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Ken Stephens)

126th FSS Bivouac Exercise

The 126th Force Support Squadron erect tents at the start of a three day bivouac exercise at Scott AFB, Ill. Units of the 126th Air Refueling Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, routinely practice deployment procedures to maintain their state of readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Johnathon Orrell)

126th Fuels Management Flight Recognized as Outstanding for 2009

The 126th Fuels Management flight, 126th Air Refueling Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., was recently named “The Best in the Air National Guard” for its field. (U.S. Air Force photo by MSgt Ken Stephens) (Released)