A fifth KC-135 Stratotanker arrives in Ukraine

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A fifth and final KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 459th Air Refueling Wing, Beale Air Force Base, California, arrived at Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport, Ukraine, June 7, 2018. 

An active duty KC-135 assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, U.K., along with an Air Reserve Component KC-135, assigned to the 931st Air Refueling Wing, McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, and an Air National Guard KC-135 assigned to the 126th Air Refueling Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, arrived June 1.

A second KC-135 assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, U.K., arrived, June 2. In addition there are approximately 150 aircrew and ground support personnel to support the aircraft while they fly training missions from June 4-16, 2018.

The KC-135 deployment to Ukraine is a part of U.S. strategy to defend European Allies, enhance security in Eastern Europe and increase the level of military understanding between Allies and partners.

Basing tankers in western Ukraine also meets an operational training requirement allowing the United States and partner nations to further integrate capabilities, enhance interoperability, and ensure the security and stability of the region.

Successful joint training in Ukraine results in progressive relationships that lead to tangible, mutual benefits during peacetime, contingencies, and crises.

For more information, contact +49 (0) 6371-47-6558 or via e-mail at usafepao.pao@us.af.mil. If after duty hours, please call +49 (0) 1624-25-5428 or send an e-mail to usafepa.pastaffdutyofficer@us.af.mil.