RATS 52: Iron Wings

It was a cold, crisp morning. The sun began to rise as we started our journey to March ARB. Once we got to the base, we met the wonderful public affairs personnel from the 452nd Air Mobility Wing who greeted us and escorted us to our parking spot. We checked in, everything went smoothly as planned. We then began to board a blue bus that was taking us to the KC-135 refueling aircraft. Then began the concern on which bus we were actually supposed to be on. A public affairs personnel came on our bus and said, "We are sorry for the miscommunication! This bus is for the flight, totaling one hour, and not refueling any aircraft. I need 5 volunteers to raise their hands and come with me on the 4-hour flight." Over 10 people raised their hands. Once we got the approval, we made our way onto the four-hour flight that was supposedly refueling "4x F-15C and 2x F-35A" said a spokesperson from the public affairs team that morning.

After being briefed by one of the Boom operators for the flight on safety and survival, we started boarding the aircraft as shown above. People who have flown on KC-135s in the past took the window seats (or at least the ones that were available) right away! I was surprised at how fast everything went, considering the slight delay with the bus situation. The leather seats were similar to WWII transport aircraft, like I've been fortunate to go inside with in museums. The seat was comfortable, and the seatbelts were similar to a commercial airliner, where they click in on your lap. The door closed and the engines spooled up for our flight.... ITS GO TIME!

Before we began taxing and took off, final checks were done in the cabin, ensuring everyone's safety. These checks are done every flight, ensuring that top-notch protocol within the USAF is met. What is most interesting about the seating on the KC-135 is being seated in a sideways position in the fuselage of the aircraft. When flying on a commercial airliner, you usually face towards the cockpit of whatever aircraft you are seated in as a passenger. 

We taxied out to the runway, and after sitting for 10 minutes, the aircraft began to become very hot as we were holding in a timeslot for our departure. The crew told us we were a part of a "MITO" or Minimum Interval Takeoff for the Friday edition of the SoCal Airshow. This meant that we would take off 15-30 seconds behind the aircraft in front of us. This type of practice for the crew is incredibly important to sharpen their skills as they continue to maintain proficiency within their aircraft and profession. 

The heat began to rise in the cabin even more as we continued to hold. I grabbed a towel out of my camera bag, as did others within our flight, to wipe sweat off our faces. We were relieved to hear from one of the boom operators that we had "10 more minutes till departure." My first thought going through my head, wiping my face from sweat, was, "How do our service members handle this type of heat in the Middle East?" A question that many on our flight had after experiencing a hot aircraft cabin like the KC-135R.

The beginning of an adventure has just begun.... "Wow, we're airborne!" I exclaimed as we left the ground for our mission. You could hear and feel the gear come up and into the fuselage after we left the ground. The breathtaking adventure has only just begun.

We passed 10,000 ft and were able to get out of our seats as we made our way out to the designated range for today's aerial refueling mission. Looking out over the wings, I thought of strength like they were made of iron... hence the title "Iron Wings, Full Tanks." The stories that the wings of this aircraft could tell from the 1950s to 2025 would be an incredible feat to explain in a short amount of time. I give huge props to the United States Air Force for being able to maintain such an aircraft for a long period of time, and it's thanks to the airmen who are in charge of taking care of these airframes for generations to come..

After I looked out over the wings, I glanced at the cabin. Everyone seemed to be in line for the refueling boom, even though we were still at 10,000ft and the crew hadn't told us that any aircraft were approaching us. I would only learn why they did this after the mission.

As I made my way into the front of the cabin where the cockpit was, I saw this boom operator looking over some of the checkpoints for today's mission. I also noticed that the crew of the aircraft were very focused on the checklists and procedures required for such flight. Its a very tedious process and everything has to align in the right way from the right procedures for a smooth process.

The crew was wearing airshow patches for our flight. Many asked if they had extras to which they said, "These were the only ones we received for todays mission! Sorry guys." I thought nothing of it because I was there for the media flight and experience of a lifetime. I was laser focused on my mission and what I wanted to do with photos on the flight which was write and article and share photos like I am doing right now.

After taking pictures of the boom operator going over checklists required for the flight, I went inside the cockpit to get some pictures. We entered a turn, and the boom operator moved the boom into the down position, hence the green emblem on the boom on the screen of one of the digital cockpit displays. Once I heard that the boom was going down I made my way to the boom operators position to begin photography at the aft end of the aircraft.

This type of photography is both challenging yet rewarding due to the unique experience of different lighting conditions through the duration of the flight. Having to change camera settings was a constant factor that was present during this flight. 

One of the canon spokespeople that was present during the airshow actually had the opportunity to be onboard the flight with us and helped someone with there settings for low light conditions. It was interesting hearing there conversation while waiting to take pictures before entering the cockpit.

After heading to the cockpit, I made my way to the boom operator's position to start preparing for the refueling portion of our flight. When I was down there, the boom operator extended the refueling portion of the boom in preparation for receiving aircraft.  By checking the functionality of these systems and running through the different checklists, they are now able to receive the refueling aircraft.

After taking pictures from the refueling boom, I took the moment to capture the boom operator and try to share what he does through a more expanded look. The boom operator was focused on his job, primarily getting ready for an epic mission which was about to start. 

It's pretty interesting how refueling operations happen between the boom and the receiving aircraft. Primarily for the KC-135R, the refueling operator is in a little cubby in which you have to lie down inside.

To me, the refueling operation is pretty much a "dance" between both aircraft. It's incredible to see how great plans come together, and the United States Air Force does a great job at coordinating and making things work between aircraft in flight. They've been doing it for decades. As they say, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Next to the boom operator position are two other positions for people to lie down. These are important for observing, especially on long-duration refueling flights. Areas like this help provide the boom operators with breaks, observability, and provide great spaces to get in and out of the boom area.

One thing to know is that the mattress for lying down on is super comfortable. For long-duration missions, mattresses that are comfortable are most likely very crucial for the safe and swift operation of the boom. It allows the boom operators to be in the flat position for an extended period of time.

 For our flight, we had a quick rotation of people due to the number of people on our flight. This allowed everyone to get pictures and videos of aircraft refueling multiple times, depending on how big the line was.

History of the 452nd AMW

The 452nd Air Mobility Wing (AMW) has played a pivotal role in the history of March Air Reserve Base and the broader Air Force Reserve. Originally stationed at March AFB from 1960 to 1972, the wing returned on January 12, 1976, after a brief period at Hamilton AFB. Later that year, the unit transitioned from a tactical airlift role to an air refueling mission, replacing its C-130 Hercules with KC-135 Stratotankers. By 1977, the 452nd became the first Reserve wing to stand nuclear alert alongside the active duty 22nd Bomb Wing under Strategic Air Command, marking a milestone in the development of the “Total Force” concept. Over the decades, the 452nd supported major operations including JUST CAUSE, DESERT SHIELD/STORM, and RESTORE HOPE, demonstrating its versatility and strategic importance. Following post-Cold War realignments, the unit merged with the 445th Military Airlift Wing in 1994 and was redesignated the 452nd Air Mobility Wing, combining cargo and tanker capabilities. When March transitioned to a reserve base in 1996, the 452nd remained at the heart of its mission, continuing its legacy of excellence in global mobility and air refueling.

History of the KC-135

The KC-135 entered service starting in 1957. It was developed by Boeing in the 1950s to meet the U.S. Air Force's need for aerial refueling support to its evolving fast-moving bomber fleet. Aircraft that the KC-135 was designed to refuel would be the B-52 Stratofortress. The KC-135 was based on the Boeing 367-80 prototype, which also led to the commercialization of the Boeing 707. Over 700 aircraft of the type were built, and as it entered into service, the aircraft quickly proved its mission readiness and was essential in extending the range and endurance of U.S. military aircraft during the Cold War and beyond. Through its long service, the KC-135 has undergone several upgrades, modifications, and changes, including avionics, engines, and structural integrity improvements. The most common variant still flying is the KC-135R, which features the CFM56 engine. The 452nd AMW KC-135s use this variant as pictured above. The Stratotanker has played a vital role in virtually every military operation since it was built. From Vietnam to the Gulf War, and into modern conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Despite its age, the KC-135 remains a critical asset, though it's gradually being supplemented and eventually it'll be replaced with newer, more advanced aircraft like the KC-46 Pegasus.

Full Tanks

We got to the area where we would be refueling the fighter jets. We made several smaller turns, waiting for the aircraft to form up with our aircraft. Several people were waiting in line for the refueling boom while a few of us waited at the left windows for jets to show up.

I went to the window on the left side toward the back of the fuselage. The fuselage has about 4 emergency exit/ window views. Many people not in line but just chatting started to crowd around me and another person. I started to feel uncomfortable with this, but continued waiting for the approaching aircraft.

There was a nice gentleman next to me in the window, and we utilized different parts of the window to capture our photos/ video. This gentleman whom I did not know used a GoPro while I got photos and video with my professional camera and iPhone.

Glaring over the wing of this KC-135R, you can see the puffy clouds in the background.  In some parts of the flight, in the background, they were a rainbow-like color. I'm not sure if that was from my sensor and the light reflecting off, or just how it was meant to be, given the fact that I was able to fly on a USAF aircraft.

One of the boom operators, shortly after taking this photo, came around the cabin of the aircraft to let us know that the first set of aircraft (F-35As) was about 10 miles out and would be joining on the left side as expected with normal refueling operations.  Everyone around us continued to huddle in anticipation while we continued to wait. 

I held my iPhone out, and suddenly I saw the F-35s come into frame. This was the start of one of, if not the coolest, moments of my aviation journey thus far. "Wow," I exclaimed as I saw the F-35s form up with my eyes. Everyone around the window was very kind in letting each other have the opportunity to capture some shots. Some were less generous than others, though, but that's a part of the experience with many media personnel onboard.

I took out my professional camera and took a few pictures like the one above. It's important to note that this refueling flight was a part of the pilots' training, currency, and proficiency for their aircraft. To be able to maintain operational capabilities, pilots must frequently practice so that they are always prepared.

When I used to fly the Cessna 152, I would fly at least once a week. If I went any longer than that, I felt that I lost some of my bearings or steps. It's important that pilots fly these complex aircraft frequently. There is only so much that the simulators on the ground can do compared to what you experience and feel in the air.

Staying on the topic of proficiency, formation proficiency is essential for aircraft like the F-35. Aerial refueling requires precise, close-formation flying at high speeds and altitudes. Our mission brought us to 21,000-22,000ft.

Proficient formation flying ensures efficient fuel transfer and allows multiple aircraft, as in our mission, to refuel quickly and smoothly. In operational environments, like those during combat missions, the ability to rapidly and accurately form up and refuel with no fuss is critical for maintaining mission timelines and effectiveness.

A few minutes after the F-35A's formed up with us, we had the unique opportunity to see this formation of 3 F-15C's out of Fresno, CA. A few other photographers had the chance to get these angles, like Britt from Warbird Photos. 

It was incredibly important to me to capture unique angles that most wouldn't go for. I aimed to highlight the dynamic motion and proximity of the formation by using my 18-55mm lens by Sigma on my Canon 90D.

This setup lets me get a wider angle and capture more of the tanker's wing and sky for context. It provides you, the viewer, a real sense of what it's like to be up there.

It was pretty cool to get some interaction from this crew member onboard the F-15C.

History of The Refueling Boom

The refueling boom has been a cornerstone of aerial refueling since the early Cold War, developed to meet the growing need for long-range air operations. The concept was first introduced by Boeing in the late 1940s with the KB-29M and later perfected with the KC-97 Stratofreighter. These early systems used hose-and-drogue and boom methods, but it was the flying boom system—featuring a rigid, telescoping tube controlled by a boom operator—that proved most effective for high-speed, high-altitude refueling of heavy bombers and fighters.

The KC-135 Stratotanker, which entered service in 1957, brought the boom system into widespread use. Its boom allowed for faster fuel transfer rates and greater control during the process, especially when dealing with larger aircraft like B-52s. Over the years, the KC-135 underwent several upgrades, with the KC-135R model becoming the most advanced variant still in service today. The R-model features more efficient CFM56 engines and upgraded avionics, but the core boom design remains rooted in the original concept—robust, manually controlled, and capable of delivering fuel at high speeds and altitudes. The KC-135's boom has proven reliable across decades of service, supporting everything from Cold War strategic bombers to today’s fifth-generation fighters like the F-35.

Then began my time to be able to capture some refueling shots. After being in line for around 25 minutes, I had around one minute to capture as many shots as I could and in a professional, artistic manner. I got lucky to have the opportunity to get some refueling shots 3-4 times, so around three-ish minutes. They timed us all so everyone had a fair chance at getting refueling shots.

As we tracked over the Lake Isabella area,  near the Sidewinder low-level route, an F-15C from the California Air National Guard approached the boom for refueling. The terrain below—rugged and winding through the Sierra foothills—made for a dramatic backdrop, especially with the aircraft maintaining tight formation at altitude. 

Refueling in this region requires precision, as the nearby low-level route is often used for high-speed tactical training, meaning both the tanker and receiver have to stay sharp and coordinated. (which they always do at all times, regardless of where they are refueling) Seeing the F-15C stabilize under the KC-135’s boom with the lake glinting below was a perfect blend of raw capability and scenic beauty—an ideal moment that highlighted both the power of the aircraft and the complexity of mid-air refueling in dynamic airspace.

In this shot above, the F-15C is captured just moments before making contact with the boom, framed perfectly in the mirror mounted above the refueling boom. The aircraft is steady, closing in with precision as it moves into position beneath the KC-135. Below, the rolling hills, winding roads, and deep valleys of the Sierra Nevada stretch out toward the Sidewinder low-level route—a corridor well known to tactical pilots for its demanding terrain and fast-paced training flights. The contrast between the jet’s sleek form and the rugged landscape beneath adds depth and tension to the frame, reflecting both the power of the aircraft and the complexity of flying in such a dynamic environment. During this moment, I thought of how blessed I am to do what I do and capture the moments that I can when allowed.

After being in the boom operator position, I got up after my allocated time was up, and I went straight to the windows. The windows not only provide great views but also information for us photographers on what is being refueled at the time and what is heading out to do its mission. 

Like I mentioned earlier, my main goal after finishing up at the boom area was to make my way to the side windows. Fortunately, no one was posted on the right side window at the time, so I quickly moved in, crouched down, and started snapping a few shots. These windows offer a totally different perspective—more dramatic angles, the curvature of the aircraft, and the backdrop of the open sky. I wanted to make sure everything lined up right, so I gave a few simple hand signals to the F-35 pilots outside, just to coordinate and get their attention. 

After framing up the shot, I flashed the universal "OK" sign, followed by a relaxed "hang loose" gesture. The lead pilot caught it immediately and responded with a peace sign, which you can see in the photo above. It was a small but memorable exchange—one of those unscripted moments that add a human touch to high-speed, high-altitude operations.

Entering a left turn, I decided to move to the window on the other side of the aircraft. It was the perfect move to make because as I made my way to the window, this colorbird joined up on our tanker. It was the perfect moment and I am very thankful to see a jet like this or even anything really. To think that a photojournalist can go on flights like this and capture such beautiful aircraft is mind-blowing.

Little did I know at the time, but one of my friends was actually onboard the very F-15C I was photographing. I only found out after I posted the images online—he messaged me shortly after, saying he recognized the jet and had been in the cockpit during the refueling. It completely caught me off guard in the best way. Moments like that really highlight how small and interconnected the aviation world can be. What seemed like just another incredible day in the sky turned into something personal and unforgettable. The fact that this connection happened purely by chance—no coordination, no heads-up—makes it even more meaningful. It’s a reminder of how tight-knit the community is between aviators and aviation photographers, and how our shared passion constantly brings us together in unexpected and memorable ways.

After the rejoin, I had a feeling this pilot was going to be taking on a full load of fuel. Judging by their approach and the time they likely spent running the Sidewinder low-level route, it made sense—they were probably burning through a good amount of gas hugging terrain at high speed. Sure enough, I was right. This particular F-15C stayed on the boom longer than most and took on a solid amount of fuel. It’s always interesting to watch those subtle cues and get a sense of what kind of mission they’ve just come from or where they’re headed next. Moments like this give you a glimpse into the operational rhythm that plays out behind the scenes. 

I made my way back to the boom, hoping for one more chance to catch this aircraft during refueling. Time wasn’t on my side—I was last in line, and instead of the usual minute, we were only given thirty seconds to grab what we could, whether photos or video. That window was tight, but I knew I had to make it count. Opportunities like this don’t come often, and with everything lining up just right, I was determined to make the most of every second behind the glass.

Capturing this shot of the F-15C color bird on the refueling boom left me speechless. I had a rare, thirty-second window to make it happen, and every moment counted, like I said before. Each adjustment to my camera settings had to be precise, with no room for error. At the same time, I was scanning for interesting elements in the frame—textures, reflections, and angles that could bring the image to life. It was a high-pressure moment, but one of those chances you dream about as an aviation photographer. 

Lighting conditions weren’t in my favor—the shadow from the aircraft’s tail covered most of the F-15C just as it moved into position beneath the boom. It was a challenge I didn’t expect, and it forced me to think fast. I had to quickly adjust my exposure settings and reposition myself slightly to work around the harsh contrast. 

While the shadow took away some of the visual clarity I was aiming for, it also added a dramatic element to the shot—a kind of moody realism that’s not always easy to capture. In a way, the lighting told its own story, highlighting the unpredictability of aerial photography and the need to adapt on the fly.

For the cover image, I chose a tightly framed shot of the same F-15C—this time zoomed in directly on the moment with it connected with the boom. It’s a powerful, intimate perspective that draws the viewer straight into the action. You can see the detail in the aircraft’s fuselage, the tension in the boom, and even subtle markings that often get overlooked.

 This photo stood out to me not just for its composition, but for what it represents: precision, power, and the split-second coordination between tanker and fighter. Despite the challenges with lighting and the fast-paced nature of the refuel, everything aligned just long enough to get this frame. It felt like the perfect visual anchor for the article—a moment that captures both the technical intensity and the artistry behind aerial refueling photography.

My time on the boom was up, but I saw that the colorbird F-15C was joining up on the wing of the F-35A from Luke AFB after receiving gas during the mission. The F-15C color bird—still fresh from refueling—was now joining up on the wing of an F-35A from Luke AFB. It was a striking visual contrast: the aggressive lines of the Eagle alongside the sleek profile of the fifth-gen Lightning II, both cruising in tight formation high above the Sierra Nevada. Even though my time behind the boom had ended, I couldn't help but admire the scene. It was a reminder that in aerial operations, the mission doesn’t stop after the fuel is delivered—there’s still choreography happening in the sky, formation flying that reflects the professionalism and precision of these aircrews. Moments like this are rare, unscripted, and exactly why I always keep my camera close, even after I think I'm done shooting.

As the aircraft began to peel away one by one and the mission wound down, I found myself taking a moment to just observe—, no pressure, just appreciation. From the roar of the engines to the focus through a canopy at 21,000 feet, this flight offered more than just photo ops. It was a reminder of why we do this—the thrill of the unknown, the challenge of the perfect shot, and the connection between aviators and those of us who document them from just a few feet away. Every flight tells its own story. I’m grateful to have witnessed this one.

As I reflect on this unforgettable experience aboard KC-135R Stratotanker 57-2603, affectionately known as “FILL 'ER UP,” I am filled with immense gratitude. Being my first time on a refueling mission, the opportunity to document such a critical aspect of aerial operations was both humbling and exhilarating. From capturing the precise moments of the F-15C color bird connecting with the boom to witnessing the seamless coordination between aircraft, every second was a testament to the skill and dedication of our aircrews.

The aircraft itself, 57-2603, boasts a rich history. Assigned to the 452nd Air Mobility Wing and operated by the 912th Air Refueling Squadron under the Air Force Reserve Command, “FILL 'ER UP” has been a vital asset in numerous missions. Notably, it was photographed in November 2024 at Glasgow Prestwick Airport in Scotland, supporting refueling operations for the Netherlands' F-35s.  The KC-135R, a stalwart in the U.S. Air Force's fleet since 1957, continues to play a pivotal role in extending the reach of our air operations. 

This experience has not only deepened my appreciation for the intricacies of aerial refueling but also reinforced my passion for aviation photography. I am hopeful that this opportunity will open doors to future missions, allowing me to further document and share the remarkable stories of our airmen and their aircraft.