While flying their KC-135 tankers over Iraq and Syria, airmen of the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron out of al Udeid AB, Qatar, reached a milestone with the data link system called Roll-on Beyond Line of Sight Enhancement, or ROBE. Crews of the squadron have now flown 40,000 hours with ROBE in support of US military operations in Southwest Asia, according to a release. ROBE enables real-time air-to-ground and air-to-air communications between platforms that wouldn’t otherwise be able to connect due to line-of-sight limitations. The tankers serve as a data-relay hub that allows ground troops and aircraft to connect to command centers in real time. “I think the ROBE will continue to be a valuable tool to support future conflicts, and I think it’s a big part of how the KC-135 can continue to help support troops on the ground,” said Capt. Schuyler Henry, a pilot with the 340th EARS. ROBE is transportable and can be carried on any KC-135 that has preinstalled node connections.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.
