SOUTHWEST ASIA – Maj. Gary Phillips, a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot and instructor pilot with the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, recently deployed from the 171st Air Refueling Wing out of Pittsburgh, Pa., Pennsylvania Air National Guard.

Phillips, a Pittsburgh native, deployed to the 340th EARS, with a boom operator and fellow KC-135 pilot, also from the 171st ARW.

Several times a week, the team of three flies on a KC-135 throughout their assigned area of responsibility where they refuel several types of aircraft from A-10 Thunderbolt IIs to C-17 Globemaster IIIs.

“The 340th EARS’ mission is to refuel all U.S. and North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO aircraft that fly in support of Operation Enduring Freedom,” said Phillips. “We provide fuel to force extend and force multiply air power.”

Phillips’ responsibilities as a pilot is to help fly safely and effectively while the team’s boom operator refuels other aircraft while in flight.

Just as Phillips is grateful to have an excellent team to work with, his hard work and dedication has never gone unnoticed by his fellow "Yinzers," or Pittsburghers.

“We all work together for a common goal,” said Master Sgt. James Perrott, boom operator with the 340th EARS. “They realize what is needed to be successful and help accomplish it. We have the best crew in all of the AOR.”

When Phillips isn’t working as a pilot for the U.S. Air Force and refueling aircraft in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, he is a pilot with Delta Airlines.

Doherty has served in the Air National Guard for more than 16 years and has deployed four times.

Connected Media