CODEL takes to the skies, sees AFRC refuel in action

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --

The 459th Air Refueling Wing provided transport for a congressional delegation from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., to Joint Base Andrews, Md., May 20.

The delegation traveled to Moody to witness an air power demonstration.

During the pre-flight briefing, Colonel David A. Owens, 459th Air Refueling Wing commander, spoke to the group about the 459th mission, total force and what it means to be part of the Air Force Reserve.

“We are Citizen Airmen,” said Colonel Owens. “We work awful hard and it's volunteers that are coming in to help support the United States Air Force. The Air Force needs us, the nation needs us, and we will answer that call.”

En route to Andrews the 459th refueled a 1st Fighter Wing F-22 with one of their KC-135R Stratotankers. Many delegation members exclaimed this event was the highlight of their day.

“The trip home was really incredible,” said Rep. Reid Ribble. “Getting to be able to see them refuel an F-22 was really impressive, not only from an equipment standpoint, but from how skilled the pilots and crew were. Everything about it was simply amazing.”