An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | July 13, 2018

ANG Increases tanker reliability with sustainment dock

By Tech. Sgt. Kayleigh Phillips 141st Air Refueling Wing

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. - In hangar 1033, a KC-135 Stratotanker undergoes an isochronal inspection as Airmen of the 141st and 92nd Maintenance Squadrons start the process of dismantling, inspecting, repairing and sometimes modifying the tanker.

Hangar 1033 is home to the sustainment dock where 141st and 92nd Maintenance Groups put the KC-135 sustainment program into practice.

According to the memorandum of understanding, the goal of the sustainment program is to provide a dedicated proactive team to repair and enhance an aging KC-135 fleet. This program will produce additional reliable aircraft to Air Mobility Command and the National Guard Bureau.

"The sustainment program is a Guard-owned process that we perform alongside our active duty partners," said Senior Master Sgt. Robb Schrock, 141st MXS fabrication section supervisor."This new approach will train and equip the 141st Airmen with the knowledge of how to perform maintenance tasks in their entirety."

In the past seven months the sustainment dock personnel have overhauled seven aircraft and have completed over 4,000 maintenance actions. Tankers can undergo hourly post, periodic and 900-hour inspections within the sustainment dock.

Personnel in 11 different specialties remedy discrepancies on the aircraft requiring repair. The specialties include hydraulics, sheet metal, electronics, fuels, propulsion, crew chiefs, avionics, repair and reclamation, non-destructive inspection and metals technology.

"Instead of working in a continuous operation with multiple shift changes, we can work to a point, stop, and then start again the next day," said Senior Master Sgt. Sky Schultz, 141st Maintenance Squadron inspection section supervisor.  “This structure allows us to follow a task through to the end instead of having another Airman finish the task that we previously started."

Roughly 25 full-time and drill status Guard members pair up to train on tasks while supporting the sustainment program which has been implemented to ensure that the KC-135 Stratotanker is still flying until year 2050.

"The sustainment dock adds a unique work environment conducive to training that helps to further organize and train Airmen for the operational mission and consequently increases productivity, work ethic, and morale," said Schultz."Our Airmen give 100% and are proud of their end result; a product that they have completed from start to finish."

 

 

Related Articles
The 111th Electromagnetic Warfare Company conducts training exercise, Operation Golden Corridor in Dahlonega, Georgia, August 15, 2025. Throughout the duration of the exercise, Soldiers simulated peer and near-peer electromagnetic warfare scenarios and enhance unit proficiency in spectrum mapping, RF detection, and alternative radar awareness capabilities under austere conditions.
Georgia Guard Company Leads in Electromagnetic Warfare Modernization
By | Aug. 27, 2025
DAHLONEGA, Ga. - The Georgia Army National Guard’s 111th Electromagnetic Warfare Company, based in Forest Park, Georgia, is rapidly establishing itself as a leader in the Army’s modernization efforts within the...

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion 182nd Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts Army National Guard, and the 1st Battalion 69th Infantry Regiment, New York Army National Guard, participated in the annual Logan-Duffy Shooting Match, August 21, 2025, at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. The history of the Logan Duffy Rifle Match goes back nearly 90 years to the first match, which was held in 1936.
Massachusetts, New York Guard Members Compete in Historic Logan-Duffy Rifle Competition
By Sgt. 1st Class Steven Eaton,   | Aug. 27, 2025
DEVENS, Mass. – Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts Army National Guard, and the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, New York Army National Guard, participated in the annual Logan-Duffy...

An Alaska Air National Guard HH-60G Pave Hawk assigned to the 210th Rescue Squadron a real-world rescue operation at Point MacKenzie, Alaska, Sept. 1, 2022. After a Christen A-1 Husky crashed into a marsh, National Guardsmen rappelled and conducted a rescue operation, ensuring the aircraft was safely vacated. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Julia Lebens)
Alaska Air Guard Rescues Individual With Facial Laceration Near Knik Glacier
By Alejandro Pena, | Aug. 27, 2025
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — Alaska Air National Guard members with the 176th Wing rescued an individual with a facial laceration Aug. 25, about 40 miles northeast of Anchorage in the vicinity of Knik Glacier.The...