459 ARW showcases capability at Air Show

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kat Justen
  • 459th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  The 459th Air Refueling Wing demonstrated their total force critical mission support to the general public during the Joint Base Andrews Air Show here Sept. 18-19, 2015. "The 459th was proud to display our support and capabilities during the latest JBA Airshow," said Col. Thomas K. Smith, Jr., 459 ARW commander.  "Our static display, available for touring during the air show, and air show flyby each day from off-station locations during training missions, showed our capabilities and commitment to the JBA Team."

Visitors had an opportunity to learn about the 459th inflight refueling and aeromedical transport missions onboard a KC-135R Stratotanker. Part of the tour included sitting in the pilot and copilot seats, viewing the refueling boom pod and an aerospace medical cart. In addition, many local students learned firsthand what it takes to be a 459th Maintenance Group crew chief from Senior Airman Brandon Fournier. "Some of the things we do include servicing the plane and refilling the fuel tanks, that way they have enough fuel to refuel planes and fighters during flight," he said. "We also handle major inspections. Without them we wouldn't be able to get the plane off the ground and allow them to refuel."

In addition to inflight refueling and aircraft maintenance, patrons also learned about the critical medical missions conducted by the 459 ARW. Senior Airman Sarah Loudon, 459th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron flight medical technician, illustrated how the 459th supports patients during flight by checking vital signs, making sure that they are comfortable and look for signs of deterioration in condition so they can get further support from the flight nurse as needed. "We have a critical care cart which has a lot of the essential pieces of equipment that would be needed to support a patient that was in a critical status," she said. "A lot of people are very interested in what it is and what it does. It looks a little bit different from the equipment in a hospital and has been modified so we can have many pieces of equipment in one tiny space on the craft."

The static displays were not only educational, but provided an opportunity for former crewmembers and veterans to reconnect with the craft. "We had a lot of people come onto the KC-135 who flew on this craft 30-40 years ago since it's been in commission for more than 50 years," said Airman Loudon. "It is the exact same aircraft. Because of amazing maintenance it's still in service and still flies missions every week."

Overall, the 459 ARW display during the JBA Airshow was a popular attraction, as thousands toured inside and sought refuge under its wings from the midday heat. "I've gotten a lot of happy faces," said Airman Fourmier. "This allows us to give the public a firsthand view of our job and critical missions."