Off the wing

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, also known as the Thunderbirds, flies off the wing of one of Grissom’s KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft following a successful refuel over Midwestern America on Sept. 7, 2016. The Thunderbird was traveling to the Fort Wayne Air Show when it received its refuel. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Dakota Bergl)

Thunderbirdy

Two Grissom KC-135R Stratotanker had the rare privilege of refueling F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft from the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron over the midwest United States, Sept. 7, 2016. The Thunderbird required a refuel on its way to the Fort Wayne Air show schueduled to take place September 10-11, 2016. (U.S. Air Force photo/Andrew Crawford)

Refueling a Thunderbird

A boom operator from the 74th Air Refueling Wing refuels an F-16 Fighting Falcon from the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, also known as the Thunderbirds, Sept. 7, 2106 over the American Midwest. The Thunderbirds are based out of Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada and the squadron preforms approximately 75 demonstrations per year. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Dakota Bergl)

Thunderbirdy 2

Two Grissom KC-135R Stratotanker had the rare privilege of refueling F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft from the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron over the midwest United States, Sept. 7, 2016. The thunderbird, enroute to Fort Wayne, Ind., required a refuel on its way for the Air Show scheduled to take place Sept. 10-11, 2016. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Andrew Crawford)

Grissom tankers refuel Thunderbird

Published Sept. 8, 2016
By Staff Sgt. Dakota Bergl
434th ARW Public Affairs

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Two Grissom KC-135R Stratotankers had the rare privilege of refueling an aircraft from the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, also known as the Thunderbirds, Sept. 7.

The Thunderbird required a refuel on its way to an air show hosted by the 122nd Fighter Wing out of Fort Wayne, Indiana. The air show is scheduled to take place on Sept. 10-11, 2016.

“Refueling the Thunderbirds showcases Grissom’s diverse range of aerial refueling capabilities,” said Col. Larry Shaw, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander. “Whether it be at home or abroad, Grissom remains ready to proudly serve our nation’s mission, and this is a prime example of just that!”

Master Sgt. Nick Obusek, 74th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, said he was excited that he got the chance to refuel such a famous aircraft.

“It was really cool,” said Obusek. “I’ve seen the Thunderbirds at air shows but flying next to them and being the person giving them fuel was an awesome experience.”

The Thunderbirds are based out of Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada and the squadron preforms approximately 75 demonstrations per year. Each demonstration is a mix of formation and solo flying during which the pilots perform approximately 30 maneuvers showcasing the training of the pilots and the capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

In addition to their responsibilities as the official U.S. Air Force aerial demonstration team, the Thunderbirds are part of our combat force. If required, the team's personnel and aircraft can be rapidly integrated into a fighter unit at Nellis AFB. Since the aircraft are only slightly modified, they can be made combat-ready in less than 72 hours.

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Men and women from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.

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