Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center technicians completed programmed depot maintenance on a KC-135 tanker in 99 flow days, the first time they have broken the 100-day barrier, said officials at Tinker AFB, Okla., where the depot is located. They returned the tanker, aircraft 63-7988, to the Nebraska Air National Guard’s 155th Air Refueling Wing in Lincoln on May 15, according to Tinker’s May 25 release. “Many experts said producing a KC-135 aircraft in less than 100 days was impossible,” said Col. Brad Tannehill, 76th Aircraft Maintenance Group commander. He added, “Well, this team made the impossible possible. They did it by significantly increasing speed while continuing to improve quality and safety.” On average, it takes the center roughly 127 flow days to overhaul a KC-135, states the release. Four years ago, that same process averaged 226 days; 12 years ago, it took more than 400 days, it states. (Tinker report by Brandice J. O’Brien)
F-15E Aviator Missing in Iran Rescued by US Forces
April 5, 2026
The second crew member of the Air Force F-15E shot down April 3 has been rescued from Iran. U.S. forces recovered the aviator alive and all American forces involved in the operation are believed to be safe, U.S. officials told Air & Space Forces Magazine.