Boeing KC-135E "Stratotanker"

The Boeing KC-135E "Stratotanker" is the only aircraft in the world designed specifically for aerial refueling. It has served continuously at Eielson AFB since March 1967, when it was assigned to Strategic Air Command's 6th Strategic Wing, manager of the Alaska Tanker Task Force. The Alaska Air National Guard's 168th Air Refueling Squadron, now Wing, was activated at Eielson AFB in 1986 and assumed management of the Alaska Tanker Task Force in 1992. The aircraft depicted here, tail number 57-1494, was the first KC-135E assigned to the 168th Air Refueling Squadron. Its paint scheme reflects how 57-1494 looked when it arrived at Eielson AFB in 1986. The airframe was retired in March 2009 after 52 years of service.

Eielson AFB, Alaska · United States