Photo By Airman Matthew Nguyen | U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tyrone Banks, 722nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew...... read more read more
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Aug. 14 2026 marks a historic day for McConnell, as it bids farewell to yet another KC-135. McConnell is transitioning from hosting both KC-135s and KC-46A Pegasus to only the KC-46 as its main refueling tanker. This latest departure will make its way to Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, before being moved to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. Its final resting place will be the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, also known as the “Boneyard.” The conversion began July 2026 and will continue through summer 2027, as more KC-46s are set to be added to the fleet.
“It’s been a long ride filled with plenty of ups and down,” said Senior Airman Tyrone Banks, 22nd Air Refueling crew chief. “I’m optimistic for what the future holds for McConnell and our new KC-46 mission.”
KC-135s have been a part of McConnell’s air refueling mission since 1971, deeply connecting the ties between the aircraft and the base. The Air Force is ever-changing, always looking to stay a step ahead and above the rest. The transition to becoming a premiere KC-46 base is the latest in showcasing not only the Air Force’s, but McConnell’s commitment to staying ahead and remaining adaptable.
“For the future of McConnell this is a big day,” said Col. Ryan Wilson, 22nd Air Refueling Wing deputy commander. “We say goodbye to another legend of an aircraft in our latest KC-135 departure. As we transition from the KC-135 to the KC-46, McConnell stands ready to shepherd in the era of a modified air refueling mission.”
KC-46s will continue to arrive at McConnell AFB through the summer of 2027 as the last of the base’s KC-135s find their new homes and Team McConnell welcomes in a new era of change.
| Date Taken: | 08.14.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.18.2026 10:49 |
| Story ID: | 572580 |
| Location: | MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, KANSAS, US |
| Web Views: | 15 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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