Photo By Tech. Sgt. Betty Chevalier | U.S. Air Force Capt. David Carr, 328th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker...... read more read more
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There is no doubt fighter aircraft are establishing air dominance during Checkered Flag 22-1, but in order to keep projecting unrivalled combat air power without pause, @United States Air Force tankers roam the skies to give them fuel.
One of those is the KC-135 Stratotanker, flown by U.S. Air Force Reserves Capt. David Carr. From western New York, Carr joined the New York Air National Guard, before transferring to the reserve component in 2016. Now stationed with the 328th Air Refueling Squadron at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York, he is fulfilling his childhood dreams.
“The decision to join the Air Force was made when I was a little kid at my first air show,” said Carr. “I joined to be an Air Force pilot. I’ve enjoyed other careers along the way but now have the pleasure in serving in this role.”
The capability to provide air-to-air refueling improves aircraft range and dwell time, or the period of time a pilot can defend their airspace, before returning to base.
“Airpower is a collaborative effort,” Carr emphasized. “My job is to provide fuel to our receivers in order to maximize their training capabilities and readiness level. Checkered Flag gives us the opportunity for more flying, training and proficiency in a dynamic and complex environment. It increases readiness for deployment style operations.”
The tankers supporting the exercise included the KC-135, the KC-10 Extender and the Air Force’s newest tanker the KC-46 Pegasus. Checkered Flag breaks the airspace into two sides, red (enemy) and blue (friendly), with tankers positioned on each side in order to keep the fight going, maximizing each engagement. It provides training for all players, including the ones not in the middle of the fight.
“Exercises like Checkered Flag are imperative in ensuring a proficient and combat ready force,” said Carr. “Checkered Flag provides a joint opportunity to synchronize air assets to project airpower and ensure airspace superiority wherever called upon.”
Supporting one of the U.S. Department of Defense’s largest air-to-air combat training exercises is no easy feat, but Carr and the KC-135 crews are ensuring the World’s Greatest Air Force is ready at a moment’s notice.
“Airpower and superiority are direct reflections of training and proficiency,” said Carr. “Checkered Flag provides the opportunity for both.”
| Date Taken: | 11.10.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 11.19.2021 15:16 |
| Story ID: | 409709 |
| Location: | JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 128 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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