MacDill conducts a media operations flight

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jenay Randolph
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Media agencies from around the city of Tampa, Fla. participated in a media operations flight, March 12, 2014 at MacDill Air Force Base. During the flight, a KC-135 Stratotanker conducted a simulated in-flight refueling training mission with six A-10 Thunderbolts from Moody Air Force Base, Ga.

The KC-135's four-man crew consisted of a pilot, co-pilot, and two boom operators, along with roughly 15 media personnel capturing and documenting the mission through photographs, video and interviews. The crew allowed the aircraft to soar 20, 000 feet above the ground at speeds of approximately 230 mph.

"It is crucial that we provide the Air Force story to the community," explains Terry Montrose, 6th Air Mobility Wing public affairs deputy chief. "With only one percent of the nation serving, it is vital that we enable more advocates for the military."

The flight was approximately four hours long; and although there was no refueling actually performed, the crew was allowed to hone their skills and allow the media to experience one of the many missions of the Air Force.

"A lot of people never get to have this opportunity, and this is a great way to show them where their tax dollars are going. I'm glad I was able to get the opportunity," said Chris Urso, multimedia photographer. "It's my first time flying on this aircraft and it was a great flight. I would do it again in two seconds."