MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- In October 1982, my father, Peter J. Smith, enlisted in the Air Force and became an air traffic controller. By this time in history, the KC-135 Stratotanker was nearing its 30th year in the fleet, and by the end of his Air Force career, the tanker would be nearing its 50th anniversary.
Throughout his career, my father was able to witness the diversity and change in the mission of the KC-135 as new aircraft and missions were brought online in need of its support.
When he arrived at his first assignment at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, the KC-135 was still equipped with the much smaller A-model engines, and participated in special refueling missions for the SR-71 Blackbird. The aircraft now has the upgraded R-model engines, and the SR-71 is no longer in service. However, the mission for the KC-135 has continued to prove its importance throughout history by providing the fuel needed for our fighter, cargo and special operations aircraft.
As a controller, my father was able to directly participate in the KC-135’s mission by guiding aircraft safely through airspace, building tanker-specific instrument approaches and participating in the execution of special exercise missions.
Without air traffic controllers, we would not be able to carry out our refueling mission as safely and efficiently as we do. Their importance to us in supporting the execution of our mission allows us to be the backbone of flying missions throughout the world by providing the fuel needed anywhere, at any time.
My younger brother, Sean, followed in our father’s footsteps as a controller as I began my career as a KC-135 pilot. As the son and brother to air traffic controllers, I feel I have gained a greater appreciation for the support they provide for our community. We’re all excited to see what the future holds for the mission of the Stratotanker!