A KC-135 tanker crew from the 171st Air Refueling Wing responded to an urgent request for fuel from a B-2 bomber on October 25, 2022. The KC-135, also known as Steel 51, was preparing to take off from Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City when they received the call. The B-2, call sign Fury 72, was low on fuel and needed to be refueled immediately.
United States Air Force, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Steel 51’s crew, pilots Maj. Dan Dynys and Capt. Bryant Laris, and boom operator Master Sgt. Mike Worthington, only had enough fuel to fly to their home base in Pittsburgh. However, Steel 51 was the only tanker within range that could help Fury 72. Capt. Melnick asked Laris how much extra fuel they had to give to the B-2 and how soon they could take off. Laris informed him that Fury 72 would be able to meet them on their planned route of flight, so they decided to take off as soon as possible and figure out the details in the air.
Roughly 45 minutes after the initial call, Steel 51 and Fury 72 began lining up for air refueling procedures. The weather conditions were poor due to a nearby storm, but Master Sgt. Worthington was able to extend the boom and make contact with Fury 72. He offloaded 17,500 pounds of fuel, allowing Fury 72 to stay airborne until the runway at Whiteman AFB was cleared for landing.
Thanks to the quick thinking and coordination of Steel 51’s crew, Fury 72 was able to complete its mission and land safely. The KC-135 tanker crew demonstrated their skills and expertise in a high-pressure situation, showing the crucial role that air refueling plays in supporting military operations.
For more information, hit the Source below