U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Austin Gordon, an aerospace ground equipment specialist with the 121st Maintenance Group, de-ices a KC-135 Stratotanker at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio, Jan. 28, 2026. Maintainers operate from the lift of a de-ice bucket truck to ensure the aircraft’s surfaces are clear of ice and snow, preventing airflow disruptions upon takeoff and maintaining mission readiness despite freezing conditions. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Ralph Branson)
