Boeing is close to shut down KC-46A assembly line due to tools and debris found inside completed aircraft

McConnell AFB evacuated 13 aircraft (including 3 KC-46As) as a precautionary measure to avoid severe weather

By Gabriele Barison
Apr 19 2019
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Last month Offutt AFB evacuated eight RC-135 Rivet Joints and one E-4B Doomsday plane after the base and the surrounding areas affected by flood waters.

McConnell Air Force Base officials ordered the evacuation of 13 aircraft, including 3 KC-46A tankers, as a precaution due to the possibility of severe weather impacting the Wichita area.

The aircraft were dispersed to Fairchild AFB, Washington. Fairchild AFB is a “safe haven” base, which was chosen for its location, out of danger from the storm, its ability to house displaced McConnell personnel and provide maintenance for McConnell’s aircraft.

According to McConnell AFB’s News Release, base personnel are not being evacuated. All personnel should take the proper precautions to prepare for the threat of inclement weather by safeguarding their residences, stocking important supplies and finding shelter.

Aircraft and personnel impacted by the evacuation will return when it is safe to do so.

Last month Offutt AFB evacuated eight RC-135 Rivet Joints and one E-4B Doomsday plane after the base and the surrounding areas affected by flood waters.

Half of the Rivet Joint aircraft were flown to Nebraska’s Lincoln Air National Guard Base, and the other half to MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. Instead Global Strike Command did not tell where the E-4B was located, citing operational security reasons.

Roughly 3,000 feet of Offutt AFB runway were submerged.

McConnell AFB evacuated 13 aircraft (including 3 KC-46As) as a precautionary measure to avoid severe weather
This print is available in multiple sizes from AircraftProfilePrints.com – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS. KC-135R Stratotanker 161st Air Refueling Wing, 197th Air Refueling Squadron “Copperheads”, 63-8038 – Arizona Air National Guard – Sky Harbor ANG Base, AZ

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alan Ricker

Artwork courtesy of AircraftProfilePrints.com


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Gabriele Barison

Gabriele Barison

Gabriele Barison is an aviation, defense and military writer. He is the Co-Founder and Editor of “The Aviation Geek Club” one of the world’s most read military aviation blogs. He has flown Super Puma and Cougar helicopters with the Swiss Air Force.

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