Inside the Air Force's Flying Gas Station | KC-135 Stratotanker

[@SamEckholm]

This was a super special video for me. 🥹 Always wanted to bring my dad back to see his old aircraft. Thanks so much for watching, and let me know what video you want to see next!

[@HussainAhmed-h1k]

First reply I really like your videos

[@ralphreid7972]

Same thing only a KC-10.

[@captainbagov5354]

C-17!!!

[@rollracerepublic]

Please do a video on the B2 Bomber!!!

[@middletnpyro]

was that his actual tail number 135?

[@kevinmay4198]

As a current KC-135 pilot... this video captured so much about what makes this plane great. Thanks for your content!

[@SamEckholm]

That was my goal! Such an awesome aircraft.

[@Name-bm2bg]

He's preaching ​@@AHM1172

[@TheI3lacky]

shut the hell up. Wrong video moron @@kinguk383

[@thecringeinspector5636]

@@kinguk383 Hamas is a terrorist organization.

[@jagroopahluwalia]

speak english@@kinguk383

[@mclarkson78]

You need to bring your dad on more flights. He’s so smart. I enjoy watching you two interact with the crews.

[@SamEckholm]

I’ll let him know!

[@CesarDelgado-fu2nd]

​@@SamEckholm thus my favorite plane ✈ from 👀 chicago 🏙 air and water show 😊😊

[@PsRohrbaugh]

​@@SamEckholm yeah I second this! He does a great job of asking questions and knowing what limits to push. Like the 2 engine flying was SO COOL.

[@robwhite2282]

As a pilot and the father of a pilot, I can only imagine how proud this retired airman was to be able to join his son on his flight. Just awesome.

[@noahblandford2433]

Both my parents worked on the 135s, my dad was a crew chief and my mom handled the documents for them. I’ve been waiting for this video for so long. It’s so cool to see inside them again, it’s a shame they’re replacing it.

[@James_Edward59]

Did you show your parents this video?

[@wolfdogarrow050]

I turned wrenches as a crew chief at McConnell

[@haven216]

@Repent-and-believe-in-Jesus1 Sod off freak

[@Az21-]

@@wolfdogarrow050 I'm currently a KC46 pilot at McConnell!

[@edjarrett3164]

As a retired tanker driver, this was a pretty cool video. The cfm56 has been instrumental to the longevity of the tankers. It’s nearly a bullet proof engine that runs without complaint. I worked with our engine mechanics on stacking the n1 blades. It’s quite the technical feat when you have to replace paired blades by grams of weight. The interior of the plane was immaculate which says much about the squadron and the dedicated crew chiefs. The boom operator was cool. His real challenge is refueling stealth aircraft because of their coatings.

[@darrenfike924]

my dad loved working on old pratt and whitney JT2D early 60’s based out of clark afb in philippines 🇵🇭

[@edjarrett3164]

@@darrenfike924 I’m sure he worked on the jt3d j33 engines. Many trips to the phillipines to Clark for typhoon evacuations. Nothing but respect and great memories.

[@darrenfike924]

yes @@edjarrett3164 i forgot to mention that engines too.but that the engines my dad also worked on too as well..: he said it was tons of fun doing these engines works back then

[@rwcassel2970]

Was at Grissom 84-90, Jet engine flightline maintenance. I performed the first fan blade replacement and fan trim balance on a CFM56 equipped tanker. It sucked a duck/goose leaving Panama.

[@edjarrett3164]

@@rwcassel2970 Thank you for your service. Not many folks understand what it takes to replace fan blades to make the N1 fan whole again. I was just fortunate to hangout when one of the engines needed blade replacements. It was a very educational experience. As a pilot, I was mesmerized by the process. It also gave a deep appreciation for the work you did.

[@DMSparky]

Love your dad coming in with all that training knowledge and start quizzing the aircrews. I really enjoyed this one! No wonder you turned out so well with a dad like that. He must be really proud of what you have accomplished!

[@jazzstar145]

Once he started quizzing the crews, i immediately started to feel like I was watching a check ride 😅 16:49

[@Joe-bm4wx]

Your dad reminds me of almost every instructor pilot I've ever had in the military. You can tell the way that he asked his questions in the cockpit. It's the same way that an IP will quiz a student. Some things never change.

[@redbullbundy]

The unsung hero of our military air power. It is so awesome the air force lets you make these videos. As Americans I feel we have a pride for our military no other country has. Thank you to all our service men and women for all you do.

[@douglynch9012]

I'm watching this the day before Father's day 2024. My father was a boom operator in the USAF and career military man throughout the Vietnam War. Also a Korean war veteran. Dad often said that he had the best job in the Air Force as he " " got paid to lay on his stomach and pass gas " . Dad passed away 2 months short of his 93rd birthday in 2022. This video brings back a lot of memories. Thank you.

[@chiefpadccltcmendoza3541]

Thats nice!

[@hetconaviation2624]

Awesome video production! As an editor I can appreciate the work involved in advancing the plot as a seamless viewing experience, Every scene flows into the next with no unnecessary effects. You've covered a ton of info and made the process a thoroughly enjoyable experience. It's easy to see why the Air Force trusts you to tell its stories.

[@SamEckholm]

Means a lot to the team! That's what we always strive for.

[@CesarDelgado-fu2nd]

​@@SamEckholm awesome 😊😊

[@aberoxas7515]

Awesome video! I'm a retired aeromedical Evac Tech and the longest mission I ever flew was on KC-135. It was 16 hrs non-stop from Okinawa to Philadelphia to transport an 18 month old. One of my most memorable mission. I don't miss having half of my body freezing and the other half being hot lol. Thank you for highlighting this aircraft. I believe the toilet rule still applies

[@USMC1984]

You are so right about being half cold and half hot! The thermal layer is about at your waist. As an SME for a Tanker Squadron, I flew with them quite often.

[@billygoatwes]

Glad you mentioned the ½ and ½, it let's me know you're real.

[@napir]

Just retired as boom on 135s, felt like I was still there. Thanks for showing off the most beautiful plane ever built.

[@trailerentertainment6815]

So no one's gonna talk about other people get sponsors like Nord vpn and here's this guy who got sponsored by us air force?

[@jaydenwatson8455]

I thought the same thing

[@sparklingtuna1]

It's because the military as a whole can't get enough people to sign up, so they sponsor stuff like this to increase the numbers

[@Hunter-iw3rm]

It’s not sponsored so to say. It’s a recruitment video in disguise

[@jaydenwatson8455]

@@Hunter-iw3rmtrue

[@kubaBST]

industry plant

[@leannashaberly8386]

First time viewer & really great video. As a civilian female I was working at the Iceland NATO / US Navy base back in the '60s. One Friday night a KC-135 flight crew came into the Officers Club & I got to talking with them. Always fascinated with planes & didnt know much about the tanker. They invited me to the plane for a visit on Saturday morning & I jumped at the chance. As we said good night, one of the guys made the comment: Be sure & wear a skirt. Something about that comment raised an alarm & i made sure to wear slacks. One look at that vertical ladder the next day & i was glad i wore my slacks. Fascinating tour & ive forgotten a lot. I do remember getting to lay on my tummy & look out the rear window. Has been one of my favorite planes ever since. Thanks for jogging my memory!

[@MrGaryGG48]

Leanna, ya gotta watch out for those Sailors. The years may pass but the Sailors never change! ETN2 Goodlund - 10 year Navy Veteran... way back in another Century! 🤣👍

[@ronquiring7796]

This video is spectacular from start to finish. The subject matter, the interviews, the integration of those involved, camera angles, editing. Very well done. I know you're proud of your dad. But he has much to be proud of in you as well. Keep up the good work!

[@SamEckholm]

That means a lot. Thank you!

[@AdilHebil-Motie]

I'm a civilian volunteer and once I organised a trip for some cadets to see the 100th ARW at RAF Mildenhall, England. I was blown away with my visit there. The area the aircraft can cover is monumental as well as the aircraft's capability being second to none. The service men and women were incredible and the kids loved every moment of it. The even got a chance to sit in and around the aircraft, including the boom operator's seat which as you say is actually really comfortable and cosy!

[@scooterwilson5605]

As a retired boom operator, I can say the video reflected the actual mission pretty spot on. The pre-flight briefing was substantially more involved, but I assume was cut short purposely.

[@CalebICT]

Well done Sam. I do have to say that the KC-135 is not a modified Boeing 707. More like the 707 is a modified KC-135. Both aircraft are modeled on the 367-80. 135 is more like that model.The fuselage of the 135 is shorter and narrower. The wing begins it back angle where it attaches to the fuselage. The 707 has an additional section prior to the angle.

[@flynlr]

correct.

[@buckcampbell4292]

The 707 fuselage is also wider than the -80 or 135.

[@skyden24195]

Most commercial aircraft, particularly in the jet-age, started out from a military request, so yeah, saying the 707 is a modified KC-135 is probably a more accurate description.

[@tiadaid]

@@buckcampbell4292 Only because Pan Am forced Boeing's hand by ordering Douglas DC-8s as well as 707s. Originally the 707 was supposed to have the same width.

[@msgtdan60]

Boeing placarded them as a 717. The placard is visible from the crew entry ladder. The Air Force E-3A was a modified 707. When parked next to each other the differences can easily be seen. I worked the KC-135R for ten years in the service and a year as a civilian modifying the avionics after retiring from the AF.

[@oldnavcat]

There were at least two KC-135 incidents where at least one crewmember bailed out. The aircraft landed safely. Good credit in the video was given to navigators who were the "human GPS" back when only much simpler 1950's navigation equipment was on board.

[@TonyCAV8R]

TRUE. One was August, 1969, when 4 crewmembers bailed out of an airplane with engines flaming out due to fuel starvation enroute to K.I. Sawyer, MI., leaving the IP onboard to dead stick the jet to a landing short of the runway. In another incident, the Nav and Boom bailed out when an engine was on fire. The A/C and CO stayed with the jet and landed it uneventfully.

[@OMG_No_Way]

This was freaking awesome! I absolutely LOVE the fact your dad was in it and you two were able to share the experience. What an absolutely amazing memory, that I’m sure both of you will never forget. This was easily your best video yet. 🇺🇸

[@itiswhatitis4846]

I lived in winton CA close to Castle AFB in Atwater CA & was invited to go on a KC 135 to refuel 2 BUFFs over San Francisco flying over the Golden Gate Bridge. It was beyond amazing & something I’ll never forget! They let me (with help & guidance) fuel the BUFFs. I knew right there I wanted to be in the Airforce! That was in the 80s & I’ve been addicted to aviation ever since! Thanks for the video & bringing back some great memories. To ALL our military, past & current, thank you for your service! 🫡

[@itiswhatitis4846]

Unfortunately I don’t have/use social media. I rarely use FB & TBH, don’t have any need for the social media platforms. My apologies otherwise I definitely would. Take care.

[@njjeff201]

Thank you for having us along. We love our Vets! Thank you all for your Service 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@bigboy0625]

It's crazy that aircraft is from 1957 and still going strong. The back bone of the US airforce. The unsung hero

[@afantasticdream7490]

Proud Air Force veteran here ('09-'14) - I enjoyed supporting the air refueling + heavy cargo airlift missions as an Air Transportation specialist

[@j0seang3l]

As an FCC on this jet... This video makes the 135 look even more badass!

[@chaserevier006]

I’m an electrical and environmental maintainer at macdill Air Force base for the KC135 and I absolutely loveddd this video

[@macedk]

The friendly banter is always there but we all know the support crew is a major factor. No gas or food etc. no mission. Tip of the spear does nothing without the rear. Logistics wins the game. Support personel just rocks :)

[@trulyinfamous]

An army marches on it's stomach. If there's no food, your soldiers will be too weak to fight. If you have no fuel, your combustion engines can't run. If you have no bullets, you can't shoot your guns.

[@420folife]

My grandfather was a FAC and a B-52 bomber pilot in Vietnam. Then he transitioned to being a B52 pilot on alert after Vietnam and retired at Lt Colonel. He’s got so many cool and interesting stories from his days in the airforce and in Vietnam. I’m sure your dad helped fuel your love of the airforce and planes with his stories.

[@iamsam8446]

Capt Elliot looks like a young guy. Awesome he can operate with such responsibility.

[@s7w7o7t]

My grandpa retired out of the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel. He spent several winters at the Famcamp on Macdill. As soon as I saw what plane this video was about I knew it was going to have to be Macdill. I went down three different times and spent a week at Macdill at the Famcamp. Great base, great people, and great planes.

[@neho_itme]

It's so beautiful to see a father and son doing what they love. You are an inspiration to me 🙏

[@StufffTV]

Said it once, will say it again, the preparation and excitement you have for the question and dialogues with the crew etc make the video. Obviously not diminuishing the work of your cameraman or editors or any other people involved. But to me, one of the best host/interviewer/journalist, dont know how to describe because sometimes you re asking pre written question, other times you just seem genuinely interested so i really like the vibe. Best of luck wish you the best, and no doubt if you keep this formula up, the sky is the limit.

[@SamEckholm]

Thank you so much 🥹

[@GM8101PHX]

Having served in the Air Force I think before your Dad was born was awesome, it is my favorite branch of the military, and when other service men say I served in the chair force I remind them just one of our weapons could level a city, the other branches except the US Navy boomers do not get to handle such weapons!! Of course if you mess with one veteran or active duty you might want to expect other veterans to show up!!!@@SamEckholm

[@stevestiles95670]

There was at least one use of the escape hatch and parachutes. A crew flying from Wurtsmith AFB in Oscoda Michigan, was running out of fuel. If I remember correctly a few of the engines had shut down due to fuel starvation. The Aircraft Commander thought he could make it back 0:30 to landing. The rest of the crew did not, and they took it upon themselves to bail out. Which they did safely! The Aircraft Commander did get it safely back on the ground. 0:30 0:30 FYI. I flew the water wagon KC-135A/Q for 3 assignments starting in 1976 with the 916 ARS at Travis the 100th ARW at Beale, and then the 376th SW at Kadena. Then I was assigned to HQ SAC in 1990 to the Tanker Program Office. I heard the story about the bailout from our Vice Wing Commander while stationed at Kadena. He had been a crew member in the Wurtsmith Squadron when the bailout occurred. While at SAC, we finally got the parachutes removed from the aircraft and I think we no longer required the crews to carry helmets. For my entire time flying we did wear the parachutes and helmets while air refueling.

[@DeathPenny]

In the early 80’s my dad was stationed at RAF Fairfield in the UK - a KC-135 base that occasionally hosted B-52’s - I remember how much louder the A model tanker engines were with the water injection engines during take off - we live off base about 10 miles away - and when they would start flying around 4-5am the sound was ridiculous - especially when compared the new engines on the 135. Good times.

[@stagle51183]

Id imagine many people living near the AFB being annoyed at the sounds

[@johnhickman106]

Minor tweak; it’s RAF Fairford over here in the UK.

[@DeathPenny]

@@johnhickman106 I know it’s Fairford, we used to live in South Cerney - auto correct is a bitch lol!!

[@musamusa2961]

Wow that's awesome, father and son moment

[@markburton8680]

Sam, great video! My father like yours was an accomplished U. S. A. F. pilot. He flew B-29, KB-29, and the KC-135A. He flew several other aircraft during his 29 year career and the 135 was his favorite.

[@BobI-jb4rk]

Mad respect to you for having the balls to go on extreme adventures to create your videos! Happy New Year!

[@brettsbaker]

This is great. I’m one of the few who call the KC-135 their absolute favorite aircraft in the USAF arsenal. Was stationed at RAF Mildenhall from 1992-95 & flew with the 100th ARW on countless missions, to a half dozen countries. The crews were always top-notch pros who not knew what they were doing, but knew how to make each run an enjoyable one. Keep up the great work, look forward to digging into more of your content.

[@seandelaney-gesing7585]

Great to see your Dad relive his Air Force days. What a knowledgable guy! Fantastic video as always, @SamEckholm! Granted the video I'm going to recommend will be difficult to get the clearance to make...but it would be fantastic to see a video done on the Navy P-8. Thanks for all your efforts!

[@theaudiophileshow4410]

love this epsiode. really makes me miss my dad. So glad that you can share this kind of moment with him and create new memories. Treasure the time

[@FlyingDylan]

Incredible video Sam ! The KC135 is truly a piece of art, and the reunion with your dad is cool. Now I'd love to see the KC-46A Pegasus in one of your videos

[@FighterOperationsGroupFOG]

I saw 2 Pegasus flying formation over Southern Louisiana a few days ago. Seeing the contrails way up making a huge turn was awesome.

[@hunterhalo2]

I fly the KC-46, its wayyy less interesting from a video perspective. Also its prohibited to record the screens, making any content moot point.

[@KariRice]

My father was a combat navigator of KC 135's in Vietnam. Graduated in 1964 from The Citadel...I miss him intensely...thank you for sharing this with us...

[@justinjerskey]

Yo can’t wait!

[@AfterburnerAv]

wait… HOW!? JUST.. HOW!? 1 DAY AGOooh your a member

[@justinjerskey]

@@AfterburnerAv it’s cuz he premiered it so you could comment on it early

[@gloriouslyimperfect]

This was one of the planes my dad navigated. The first time I got to go inside one as a kid what the exact time I realized what my dad did for our country. Thanks for this. Miss the old man every day.

[@icun2212]

16:30 if i were Lt. Abby i would have sweated a lot afraid being questioned by my checker. Nice crews, and absolutely nice video, Sam

[@eliasperez6396]

This was a good video my uncle was a dedicated crew chief for the 135s at Altus AFB for 26 years ! 135s hold a special part in my heart because of him . He pretty much raised me , and he’s the reason why I’m an aircraft maintainer in civil service ! As soon as I finished watching this video I sent it right to him ! Awesome content!

[@mwnader]

Can't wait for this Thank you for your Service! Keep up the Great Content📷😄

[@MrGoodnplenty1957]

Thanks for the memories. I live about 35 minutes from MacDill and the 91st was one of my squadron back when i was stationed at McConnell AFB. To your Dad. He definitely remembers the rules for the "Honey Bucket." Retired KC-135A/R boom from 1979-1986 & KC-10A boom from 1986-1999. This is for your Tanker Toad dad, with all due respect, "Pilot, Boom Stowed, Leaving Position."

[@FunFacts101-]

My grandpa flew the kc135 and refueled jets following it and he’s given me the motivation to hopefully join the academy

[@kennethsouthard6042]

Cool Video! As an Air Force veteran myself of the 92nd, I can't help but notice that this plane is from Fairchild AFB, yet you shot this at MacDill.

[@andrewmiller4573]

Great video! Makes me miss my time in, a thousand years ago. I also grew up partially in South Tampa even before I joined in '86. Macdill was a TAC base back then with F16s. Many years later 2010 to be exact, I ended up back in Tampa and was really surprised to see Tankers at Macdill.

[@daveh4893]

Sam, very cool video! I am about the same age as your dad, and my dad (old enough to be your grandfather) flew KC-135s. When the Air Force selected the KC-135 and B-52, they really got it right! Aircraft flying for 70 plus years. It's also a credit to the maintainers and the commitment to upgrade engines and avionics over time.

[@kevinvelazquez6214]

Planning to be a boom operator in the USAF! Its a cool job and i was trying to find a video more ik depth on what its like to be one and now that i seen this video im convinced. Thanks sam!

[@GeorgeGalligan]

I'm from the UK so our military is different. Is a boom operator enlisted aircrew over in US or is it officers?

[@DeepBlue1882]

@@GeorgeGalligan Enlisted

[@kevinvelazquez6214]

@@GeorgeGalligan They’re enlisted the only thing you have to do is get a high enough score on the ASVAB to qualify for it

[@yankeetango]

@@GeorgeGalligan Enlisted.

[@spicysnowman8886]

​@@GeorgeGalligan enlisted

[@EugeneMoretti]

I was a Crew Chief on tail number 59-1507 until it went in for the R-model config and then crewed 58-0093 as an A-model, both with J57-59Ws when stationed at Loring AFB, Maine 85-89. This video is awesomely good!! I was fortunate to have a friend retire after 40 years at McConnell last March and was able to go up in one of these after many many years, with a guy who seriously knows them. The jets even have a particular smell, and that took me back decades. ...same jets, but also not the same jets, those who know, know, but upgrades over the years ... i remember when we closed up all the sextant windows, had the new FSAS installed, but got out (wish i hadn't) before the glass gauges. Good times, traveled the world in a short time, and am extremely proud of it. Miss these jets.

[@TheRichram]

I was an A-model chief from 62 till 69 . Minot-a/c 119, Ramey a/c 501, Castle a/c 136, U-tapao ,Tanker launch chief, I know, never should have left in 69, traveled the World what an education Loved it.

[@WoodworkerDon]

Aim High, Air Force. I was an Airborne Cryptologic Linguist in the 1980s on RC135, EC130, and E3A.

[@RG_Errorr]

as a current active kc-135 crew chief thanks for making the video. everyone hates on tanks but nkawtg. also i hope u loved macdill. its an amazing base

[@shadownor]

Dude this is an awesome video, good for you and your dad and the ground/flight/ops crew involved!

[@womensrights]

The 135 is definelty the Goat of the Air Force, longevity, success, and reliability rate can't be matched. The comparison to an Aircraft Carrier in terms of changing the battle space was perfect. Shout out to all the 10s of thousands of maintainers who didn't make the video, but have made this plane great for so many years.

[@jacksnowmanjs]

At this point Sam really outta just being making the USAF recruiting videos; With how high the production quality is along with the knowledge and seeing everything up close, it's just an amazing insight so far into many Air Force/Military aircraft.

[@Constabruity]

This is most certainly a recruiting video, but isn’t branded as such 😉

[@davidkak1354]

What do you think this is?

[@mrspecs9211]

It’s literally sponsored by the usaf 😂

[@DavidPerry-p4j]

Loved the video.Was a J-57 engine mac on the "hogs" at P-burg AFB 74-79,switched to the TF-30 on the FB-111's in the engine shop.What a sight to see all the alert birds starting during an ORI using their cartridge starters, talk about smoke.Got to go on an "insentive flight",flew over Vermont and were suppose to link up with F-100's from the CT ANG but they got scrubbed so we just flew around and burned up a bunch of JP-4..Good memories at Plattsburgh and the AF,experience helped me in my career as a techncian with Fed Ex for 39 years.

[@AnAJRfAN]

I can’t wait for this

[@Turboy65]

Celestial navigation will still work after every nav satellite has been neutralized by enemy action. Navigators trained in this art should never ever become obsolete. Use modern nav aids, but always have someone on the crew who can tell you where you are with a compass and a sextant.

[@johnshackford]

Depending which core tanker base he was stationed at I may have launched your dad out a time or two. I crewed 135 from 1990-2000 at Grand Forks Kadena and Fairchild along with many trips to Mildenhall wouldn't be surprised if we crossed paths. I do recognize the tail numbers.

[@Sterlingkataadem]

Many fond memories of flying in the desert. A heartfelt thank you to Roggy and Frowny for teaching what a Boom Operator should be. You never forget how she talked to you and how she smelled. Priceless...

[@RhinoZone305]

Another great video Sam. Dad is a natural on cam, did he get that from you, or did you get it from him? Won't be at all surprised to see Dad's new Channel being listed in the YT suggestions LOL - Sam 👍 Dad 👍

[@mogsyman]

Video of the day 👍 To have your dad with you, how fantastic, making memories for many years to come.

[@traxxastrickstt8409]

I love your video's. They are soo cool! Keep it up!

[@SamEckholm]

Thank you so much!

[@0711emilio]

All your videos are awesome. Having your dad on this one must have been very special for you

[@Kotixvii]

Such a beautiful thing to see is a black American captain. Salute to you my brotha 🫡🤝🏿.

[@Mostopinionatedmanofalltime]

That’s racist.😮

[@austinisplaying3781]

@@Mostopinionatedmanofalltimenah what

[@Mostopinionatedmanofalltime]

@@austinisplaying3781 What if I said that about Larry Bird? So proud of my white brother playing in the NBA.

[@StratoArt]

What an awesome experience with your dad! Thank you for covering the Stratotanker! For me, it was a great honor and privilege to take care of these Stratotankers as a USAF flying crew chief! Though I didn't like being away from my wife so much, I did love working on these venerable jets, even painting squadron pride nose art on five lead KC-135 aircraft at Fairchild AFB, WA, in the 1990s. NKAWTG! NOBODY!

[@greystripe3737]

the KC135 is more like the sister of the 707, not quite a modified one. the KC135 and 707 were both derivatives of the Boeing 367-80 prototype, and differ quite a bit structure wise.

[@wendygraveline2310]

My mother was in the first class of female mechanics in the USAF, and this was her baby. She thoroughly enjoyed watching this video and said it brought back a lot of great memories! Thank you!!!❤

[@Roboseal2]

I personally miss the JT3D engines but the CFM56 is just so much more quiet and efficient.

[@TannerSpotsPlanes]

Literally my most favorite video. I've always wanted to learn a little more bout the KC-135, and this one delivered. Great video Sam!

[@gregparrott]

Excellent video. In addition to details about the KC-135, it was interesting to hear the level of detail involved in a flight briefing (13:20) It's surprising how little the aircraft veered after shutting down 1 engine and how effortless it seemed to perform with shutting down two engines. I wonder how bad the weather can be yet still be able to refuel. In turbulent winds, a small fighter jet will be tossed around a lot more than a heavily ladened KC-135

[@andrewjackson8401]

Thats awsome you got your dad to come back and be in video with you on a plane he flew long ago!!!!!!! You will never forget this

[@phantomf4747]

I still visit the alert pad at KMHR. (was Mather AFB) Former home of the 320th bomb wing and 940 ARG. Now, it's a driving/skid pad for CHP. I remember as a kid watching the alert practice once a month and the TF33's belching smoke as those big, beautiful birds did a MITO. Great video Sam. I really do enjoy your work here. Stay safe and Merry Christmas everyone. #USAF #KC135 #SAMECKHOLM

[@badgumby9544]

I was stationed at Mather AFB from 1978 to 1980.

[@phantomf4747]

@@badgumby9544 Now a civilian airport and completely renovated it's a bustling aviation hub. UPS, flying schools, private jet services, NG aviation unit, Sac Metro Fire, VA hospital and more. They did a great job turning it in to a viable place to work and fly. I work at the other former base in the area, KMCC which has done much the same with assets including Northrop-Grumman.

[@terryboyer1342]

I flew on the A model twice when I was a CAP cadet. First time was in 1972 when I was 13. From Wurtsmith AFB in Oscoda MI to McDill AFB FL. Enroute something happened in Cuba and we diverted to McCoy in Orlando. Second time I was 15 from Wurtsmith to McCoy again. Both times were in January so getting away from cold Michigan to warm Florida was a treat.

[@AfterburnerAv]

to anybody reading this… Merry Christmas 😊

[@Ianrunsna]

As someone who wants to fly the KC-135 one day in the Air Force this is awsomr

[@jamesbaldwin2696]

Sam, the KC-135 is not a 707. It is a 717. The 707 and KC-135 are both derived from the -80 program but two completely different aircraft though they look similar are not the same.

[@bgs455]

I came to the comments to say this. I would add it's a 717-148. When Boeing bought MD, they renamed the MD95 to 717.

[@robertheinkel6225]

Retired crew chief here. I first got on Tankers at Grissom AFB, IN. When BRAC closed the base, we moved to Malmstom AFB MT. Three years later the tankers there were transferred to MacDill AFB FL. The tanker was probable the easiest aircraft to work on, especially once converted to an R model. My aircraft was 63-8883.

[@AllDay3090]

The Air Force just did its first reverse flow air refueling with a C-5 Galaxy refueling a KC-135 Stratotanker

[@justinmorgan4568]

I was a KC-135 crew chief. At first I wasn't to excited about the plane because I thought it was boring. But after working on it, and knowing everything it can do, I truly love and respect it just as much as my wife. Also I noticed the 141ARW... That's MY unit. Much love! 👌

[@ACoalitionGuy]

Wonderful video! You and your dads excitement are more than clear! Y’know I never quite realized how cool the KC-135 (and mid air refueling as a whole) is!

[@tomdemerly]

Eckholm is an incredible asset to the Air Force. He is a great documentary maker. This little story does an amazing job of tying personal interest to excellent documentary. Well done. Very well done.

[@GM8101PHX]

I would love to have an airman come on the comments section to say he or she enlisted or was commissioned because of Sam!!!

[@douglaslivengood359]

When I was in AFROTC. I got to ride in a KC-135 out of McConnell AFB. It was a great memory

[@customcreations-rickkramer5357]

Not only are all your videos awesome but I love reading the comments from other viewers who have been in the military, maybe were assigned to this plane but, also its pretty cool to hear from non military persons who have a story about the plane and how much an positive impact it has had on them. I've never had the opportunity to be around military planes so anytime you would like to bring me a long, I would be truly honored and it would be great to be able to leave a comment about my experience with anything military. My bucket list includes being in a tank, submarine ( newer than WWII era), fighter jets or any type of helicopter. But anything military would work for me. Just so you know I live in the great state of Texas. ( east Texas - 1.5 hours SSE of dallas) I'm available any time! Glad you were able to spend some awesome time with your dad. You will never forget, and neither will he. Great Job!!

[@dmoore319]

Great video and being a former Air Force member, I recognize and appreciate the crew's outstanding professionalism and knowledge. This is just another reason we should be proud of our military.

[@pianoplayrpiano99]

My dad was a navigator on a KC135 crew back in the 60's. Thank you for posting this video!

[@X_Hog]

Great video Sam, and it was great to get your dad’s insights into the venerable KC-135. Thanks to the crew for being such great hosts.

[@sweynforkbeardtraindude]

Nice video as always. I'm an USAF brat My Pops drove a BUFF from 1955-1959. I chose another career path. My son now a pilot in America's Navy! I appreciate you and your Pops service!

[@davef.2329]

Sam, that's a great video and a nice Christmas surprise for your dad. Thanks for sharing this and to all the folks who made it happen.

[@USAIRFORCE621]

When I lived in Bowie, MD just outside DC I used to see KC-135R's flying over my house at regular intervals, sometimes with F-16's from 121st FS of the DC ANG in trail, its an old aircraft but still just as beautiful! In addition Sam it is great to see and hear your father's experiences with this aircraft, actually a long time friend of mine, his father in law flew these in the Air Force reserve!

[@RickInMaryland]

I loved flying on the KC-135. It was my favorite aircraft to fly on. Once on a TDY from Guam to Australia, the boom operator let me lay next to him (that sounds weird) and take pics of our B-52s coming up for a drink.This was probably back in 1989. The 707 airframe always struck me as the most perfectly proportioned airframe. Nothing, the wings, the vertical stabilizer, the horizontal stabilizer, look too big or too small. Everything just looks... right. It's the only aircraft that I can say this about.

[@vivek27789]

Cool👍

[@jonsobieralski6053]

The airframe is second to none for its size. Tex Johnston proved that with a barrel roll in prototype Dash 80.

[@cookiedog1878]

I was watching a refueling from the cockpit in a rain/cloudy day. The USAF pilots were true professionals. We could barely see the KC-135 airframe. Only the boom was visible. Such great pilots.

[@kevinmann3063]

Thanks so much for the video! I was a crew chief for the 135 from 92-96... I was proud to have my name on 57-3137 Steamin-Screamin with the old J57 engines... Unfortunately she was slotted for the bone yard and not the upgrade. The crew chiefs were the ones to empty the toilets back then. Our rule was a 6 pack of beer if the crew went #2 on the flight... Funny thing is no one ever paid up lol... Im still owed at least a case of beer... Such a critical aircraft that doesnt get the credit it deserves! I just missed doing the Alert aircraft in support of the B1 in Abilene... They started to change the mission of the B1 back then from nuclear to conventional... Interesting trivia on the Alert KC-135s at Dyess... The alert load out was 190k of fuel... The rumor back then is only one pilot was successful on the simulator to get the 135 airborne with the J57 engines on the length of runway being that heavy! Glad we never had to test that out... With the new engines that would have never been an issue... Lots of fun memories and great experiences with great people! Glad the 135 is still working hard!

[@bigman55434]

This was a great video. Love seeing your dad and his perspective. Great production quality. Love the collaboration with the Air Force.

[@DrMyEyes]

Refueling in flight is an amazing operation. These men and women that fly in both the refueler and "tail-gators" make it appear easy. Amazing. Great work and a very good video! ✈️