Photo By Airman 1st Class Patrick ONeill | A C-17 Globemaster III assigned to Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, is parked at...... read more read more
Subscribe
POPE ARMY AIR FIELD, N.C. – Team McConnell steps into a pivotal training event, sending its Airmen and aircraft to participate in Battalion Mass Tactical Week. This iteration of BMTW marks a significant moment for the entire Air Mobility Command enterprise, providing a complex, real-world scenario – an opportunity for McConnell's 344th Air Refueling Squadron to complete its certification phase in the Air Force Generation (AFFORGEN) cycle. This is not a typical exercise; it is, by several measures, a historic certification event. "This is one of the biggest ones that they've (BMTW) seen in at least a decade," said Lt. Col. Shane “Coco” Williams, 344th Air Refueling Squadron commander. “It's also the biggest certification event that we've had at McConnell.” For Team McConnell, the importance of the exercise centers on the KC-46A Pegasus, the next-generation tanker aircraft. To execute the mission at this scale, McConnell brings substantial airpower. The KC-46 plays a critical role in enabling this joint force, with the mission pushing the new airframe to its limits. During the exercise, aircrews will stretch everything that they possibly can out of their jet by refueling a diverse mix of aircraft. This includes refueling heavy receivers and fighter aircraft in a contested environment. The heavy receivers, such as the C-17 Globemaster III, will be dropping its rear doors for soldiers, cargo and combat equipment to make an elevated exit back to ground level. Beyond aerial refueling, the KC-46 also functions as a Command and Control (C2) node, providing situational awareness throughout the joint operating environment. The event allows the 344th to demonstrate that they can provide power projection at a moment's notice. The primary objective of the week is to project combat power by supporting the Army in a simulated major operation. McConnell’s Airmen are not just training; they are actively supporting the Army in their endeavor to perform a joint forceful entry. The nature of the event requires total dedication and unity from the entire base. "You have every group on McConnell,” Williams said. “All of them in unity. They are here to ensure that we execute." The environment mimics conflict, forcing Airmen out of their comfort zone. "We are not at home station,” Williams notes. “We're in a deployed environment." At the highest level, this BMTW serves as a vital demonstration of the AMC’s capability. AMC's core mission is to provide rapid global mobility. This exercise showcases the integration of AMC’s four core mission areas—airlift, air refueling, air mobility support, and aeromedical evacuation—which the KC-46 is designed to perform. According to Williams, the event is designed to demonstrate where every facet of Air Mobility Command can come together and then work in unison to achieve objectives. The focus throughout the week remains on continuous improvement. BMTW is a process where Airmen learn and adapt in real-time, working through failures to improve future performance. Ultimately, the experience serves to strengthen the force. Williams emphasizes that this training fosters a shared understanding amongst all of us about shared purpose, leading to significant growth within the community. By the time the event concludes, Williams is confident that all participants will all be better from what they did here. McConnell, as one of the premier operators for the newest tanker, continues to define the future of air refueling and global reach for the entire United States military.
| Date Taken: | 12.09.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 12.10.2025 09:05 |
| Story ID: | 553528 |
| Location: | MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, KANSAS, US |
| Web Views: | 42 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, The KC-46 – A story of hope, in the airs of Pope, by A1C Patrick ONeill, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
