TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — News Channel 8 is learning more about the KC-135 aircraft six service members were flying on when they died. Experts said the planes are critical to military operations.
News Channel 8’s cameras have captured KC-135 Stratotankers leaving MacDill Air Force Base. Our reporters have been inside the aircraft for stories. MacDill also offered tours of the aircraft to the public.
3 Ohioans among 6 killed in refueling crash in Iraq
The planes have been called the backbone of the U.S. military, refueling aircraft without touching the ground, for the Navy, Marine Corp, Air Force, and other allies for more than 60 years.
“It would be impossible to do their current operations or most operations that they do without the use of tankers,” said Bill Yucuis, retired Air Force pilot and president of the local Air and Space Force Association…