Inside the World's Largest Aircraft Maintenance Facility

[@nickcase2635]

I can’t describe the level of safety I felt while deployed when a B-52 came on station. My grandfather flew B-52s in Vietnam. Seeing them in the Middle East always felt like a guardian angel above me.

[@awg6397]

Thats how I felt on dismounted patrol when Apaches swooped in over us

[@joshkerr]

Thank you for your service!

[@classicalhollywoodfilm8378]

The b52 bomber was built from 1952-1962.

[@loganyeck9122]

As a maintainer on the B-1B Lancer, I’ve always envisioned working in a facility like this after retirement. I don’t think I could get away from fixing jets if I tried.

[@sidv4615]

Had a question- Why does everyone keep saying that the Air Force broke the bones back in close air support?

[@JaaMorantt]

i’m assuming you’re at dyess or ellsworth?

[@loganyeck9122]

@@JaaMorantt correct

[@loganyeck9122]

@@sidv4615 The B-1 was designed for longer sorties and nuclear munitions. We’re talking 12+ hour flights. Whenever the B-1 lost its nuclear capabilities and our eyes shifted over to the Middle East, the mission changed. While it was once nuclear capable, it now hold the largest conventional inventory of explosive ordinance in the US fleet. With that being said, we used it constantly for close air support since it was the only thing it was allowed to do.

[@f..kingf..k]

The B1 is going to be decommissioned in the 2030s. Tinker will have the B-21 there.

[@SwayneMartinPilot]

Another amazing video! What really got me is how many thrust levers they have for all those engines... WOW!

[@SamEckholm]

Thanks Swayne!

[@pacificcoastpiper3949]

@@SamEckholm can you do a video on the A-10 warthog, thank you 😊

[@mrjordan6330]

@@SamEckholm what camera do you use?

[@SamEckholm]

Which aircraft would you like to see stick around long into the future?

[@japan2188]

F-22. My favorite plane. I will fly that baby one day!

[@besties1042]

The f22 the f 16 and the f 18.

[@pyeitme508]

Next wish for video about SOCOM soon.

[@rileymcnair9415]

The ac130

[@WilsonLove.]

Thank you so much Sam for all of the behind the scenes videos on certain squadrons and aircraft manufacturers. Each video is made with quality and keeps me engaged throughout the video. Keep it up Sam!

[@trevorhudson3357]

I grew up in the military as a military brat, you see unbelievable fighting machines, for land, air and sea. America has some impressive machines to help secure our freedom and way of life. Thanks for all who serve.

[@joecaseyj]

Please don’t use that terminology “military brat”. Cringeeee

[@trevorhudson3357]

@@joecaseyj There's no other terminology to use, when your very existence is what your dad/mom does for a living, is to protect and serve this lovely country of ours. I say "military brat " loosely, because the government does all it can do to make our lives as comfortable as possible, due to the constant moving, new schools, new homes, and NO friends. You shouldn't cringe, if you haven't been to 13 schools just to graduate from H.S., if you don't stop 3 times a day to salute the American flag. If you don't have any say about where your next duty station is, you can develop a attitude. Just because we don't wear the uniform, doesn't mean we don't serve our country, when that's your parents profession. Still, I love America and I didn't mind being that "military brat".

[@donald8354]

@@trevorhudson3357 Exllent explanation. Best wishes to you.

[@USMC1984]

Again another of your videos that takes me back! Spent 14 years on Tinker and been in bldg 3001 many times.

[@thehunterstruck]

Proud of Tinker. Several friends work there and love it. Nothing beats the sound of the E3

[@Sammy.538]

It’s crazy the technology they put in these planes and how long one takes to build its awesome

[@rhimiles]

Something everyone Sam interviews seems to have in common is great pride in their work. It's just nice to see.

[@yamahaguy1732]

Well that’s basically everyone in the aviation industry. It’s a lot of schooling and studying to get where they are at so I sure would hope they have a passion in what they do.

[@karlenfields9584]

That is so impressive!!’ That’s my brother Karl Koch.. he’s literally the smartest person I’ve ever known.. super proud of what he does

[@SamEckholm]

So cool! He is very smart for sure.

[@montemiller3447]

Thank you, Sam. In 1970 I guarded the KC 135 and the B 52 as a Security Policeman prior to shipping out to Vietnam and I enjoyed the same duty when I came home. I have always loved both aircraft and I am encouraging my grandson to consider applying for the AF Accademy during his junior year of high school this Fall. He watches your Programs, too. I really appreciate the programming you have been putting up for us. God Bless and say "Hi" to Swayn Martin!

[@ryanmoeller3308]

My dad has worked in 3001 at Tinker AFB for over 30yrs with the KC-135!! Such an awesome place!! Keep up the GREAT work!! 👍👍

[@HansGyswyt]

Love your content, such wonderful production and videography skills as well. I’m an Air Force veteran, Air Traffic Controller, and retired from many years working for a defense contractor. I see so many things that used to be “Secret” and are now declassified. Anyway, your the best, and I also enjoy your partners productions as well. Keep it up, all the best…

[@sidv4615]

Can you give us a few examples of what used to be classified and is now declassified that you remember

[@HansGyswyt]

@@sidv4615, a secret clearance follows every person who holds one beyond the programs, but many programs have sun-setted. Without citing specifics, the mere fact that cameras are allowed in cockpits and specific things like maximum speed of performance aircraft are shared used to be secret. Now a days our modern marvels are on display at air shows, but I remember when I couldn’t talk about a specific airplane being built, and taking a photograph at work was grounds for termination or worse.

[@jdvierra]

I'm guessing this just means that the DoD has a lot of new cooler stuff up in their sleeves.

[@aivc9331]

Great video as always! Loved the T-38 flying over the taxiing B-52, fantastic shot. Keep up the good work.

[@thatdavidsonguy]

Totally underrated (in terms of subs as we love this) channel! These films belong on Discovery Channel! Bravo to you and the team.

[@charliehanna684]

One of the tankers in this video was 1513, if that was the 59 model, I was the assistant crew chief on her when she became the very first fully equipped KC-135Q back in 1963.

[@billygoatwes]

1513 was the first jet to get me off the ground as a Flying Crew Chief in 2011. I had some bad luck ranging from "mission canx" to 2 high speed aborts on previous missions. 1513 was lucky #10 for me. I still vividly remember that mission. Additionally, the Co for that mission was also the AC on Shell 77 two years later.

[@Mckinley-mick]

This video was extremely well done! Engaging and informative while displaying great visuals. Sam you are an absolute natural, I enjoyed your enthusiasm as you explored the topics, it made me interested too. Keep up the great work. 😁

[@wesleyhayley3657]

my brother was a crew chief on a BUFF from the mid 70s to the early 90s. we were stationed together back in 78-82. i had the joy of being able to go out with him to work on his bird (1016) back then most everything was handled there on base. my greatest thrill ever was getting to run up the engines on 1016. it was even wilder than being behind the wheel of a big block corvette. sadly we lost my brother 10 years ago. R.I.P. bro...

[@edjarrett3164]

Great video on Oklahoma ALC. Been there many times as a tanker/safety expert. It’s a big organization, but it’s one of a kind. We used to farm out depot work to Birmingham, AL which could take 6-8 aircraft In depot maintenance. Facility was sadly shut down in late 80’s. The groundbreaking upkeep of aircraft 60-80 years old is amazing. Overengineered aircraft built with slide rules are still flying as the b1’s are being retired. What a contrast.

[@evoluton117]

It’s crazy how I came across this channel 2 weeks ago, I was researching other job options to put down to give to my recruiter for AF. I have to say Sam your content has gotten me so excited and gave me peace at mind about joining. Thank you so much!! Your videos design and editing are so amazing you definitely need more subs than what is given. Congrats and I hope you and Swayne have awesome future ahead.

[@nicolestafford9418]

Heya, how's the joining process going for you? Did you land a maintenance job?

[@rileymcnair9415]

Great video!!! You should made another video specifically on the kc135, I think it would be really cool. Thanks!!

[@lowlandgrunt077]

He should! I work on them and it would be cool just seeing what information he brings that even I didn’t know!

[@Steveyoung49er]

A few years ago I used to do contract work for a year there and it was one of the coolest places to work! I love planes and it was an honor being there!! Seeing some of those buildings brought back memories 😃

[@danielwhyatt3278]

It’s absolutely crazy to think that one of these aircraft might be flying for 100 years eventually. Don’t know whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing. All I do know, is that those big tankers will definitely need to have their instruments swapped out for a more modern version eventually. We know that full gutting out and modern upgrades can cost a lot, but eventually the old controls just get too inconvenient.

[@plancton4058]

5:43 that triple ultra wide monitor setup tho 🥵

[@goldcanyon340.]

These people are among America’s best for what they do!

[@Platano_macho]

Thank you!

[@StratoArt]

I was a USAF crew chief on the KC-135 Stratotankers at Altus and Fairchild AFB in the 1990s. I got to visit Tinker AFB as well. It's a very cool place to see! Thank you for this great inside look!

[@antonleimbach648]

My dad was a crew chief for a KC-135. He absolute loved that plane and said it was a joy to work on.

[@judevector]

Wow finally I have been waiting for s video from you, good to see you again

[@dannyt5705]

Sam, I was just so pleased to see both of your videos from my hometown (and kinda-sorta namesake) AFB. Growing up here, I knew so many of the people who have, quite literally, kept the whole Air Force running over the years. I've had many friends who flew, crewed, or maintained all of these amazing aircraft; they've meant a lot to me, and to see you so joyously showing them off to your viewers is a great tribute to them. P.S.: I think I saw my house in your Insta reel about this video!

[@SamEckholm]

That’s so awesome!!

[@Nouta-j8d]

Spent the passed week trying to watch all the videos. Absolutely buzzing i found your channel. Absolutely fantastic.

[@SamEckholm]

Welcome to the fam!

[@Nouta-j8d]

@@SamEckholm Can we have a video of the Osprey next thats my favourite i live in the UK and seen 2 of them fly over head, i seen the SAS use them now for infill/exfill

[@SamEckholm]

Got one on the works!

[@basdenchris]

I always do a little *whoop!* whenever someone mentions Minot lol. Fun to see the BUFs that fly over my head in other environments

[@bigofishbone]

I am very impressed with this video!!!…I am a retired United Airlines mechanic (43 yrs. at United,,,4 yrs. in the USAF and 3 yrs. as an engine mechanic in a small outfit.)…I also worked on the KC135 during my last year in the USAF…

[@RhinoZone305]

Calling it right here 6:00 - the computer setup next to the clock is a sneak peek at the next home office "SAM's CREATION STATION" (aka SCS in military speak) ..... of course that version will have cool USAF blue uplighting and all the loose wires tacked up underneath. Another awesome vid Sam 😎

[@justinhogenauer317]

I feel better about paying taxes when Sam shows me where it is all going 😄 Thanks for another high-quality video looking into how to US Air Force operates!

[@jeffreygunn3530]

One minor point: All of the B-52 airframes still in service are H models, which were built between 1960 and 1962, so 2050 would only be 90 years. Still an awfully long time, though. There are still KC-135s flying that were built in the late '50s, though.

[@PatrickLipsinic]

Correct, 57 model is the old kc-135 flying today and is the oldest AF plane flying today.

[@WTCheatShaming]

I can definitely tell this was recorded when it was a lot colder when i see post dock wearing bibs and full coat. Wish you had interviewed some maintainers. I work on the 52 and its pretty amazing. Even going as far as saying that I know 18 year olds who work out at tinker and start out making great money before even looking at going into debt at college.

[@rael5469]

What do you consider great money?

[@WTCheatShaming]

@@rael5469 I mean there are 2 19 year old that just started in our building making $21 an hour and they have no formal training

[@rael5469]

@@WTCheatShaming So....they take home about $2580 a month, minus maybe the $580 for rent equals $2000 for everything else. I don't know....I don't consider $21 an hour great money but it looks like it'll cover their bills in that area.

[@rael5469]

@@WTCheatShaming I'm glad to hear that they will hire and train these guys. That's the way it should be.

[@WTCheatShaming]

@@rael5469 With full benefits and retirement. For an 19 year old thats better than pretty much any starting job anywhere with no experience.

[@reynastilwell8749]

Hahah! I made a cameo and didn’t even know it. You could make a video hours long and not cover everything done in this building. Thanks for shining a light on what a cool job we mechanics have!

[@keith_jones]

Just finished binge watching the whole channel. The algorithm failed me in a big way. I should have been shown this channel far sooner. Better late than never, I suppose. I love these videos and wish I could get back to Wright Patterson to see the museum again. Perhaps you could cover it?

[@sjwecks]

Another A+ production, Sam.

[@muhammadpk3851]

This channel is a gem. You earned a subscriber

[@LUTZRICH6487]

brings back memories, I changed lightbulbs in that facility in 1974--76

[@LauRoot892]

Lutz 😊

[@danlou8008]

I went to attend the course of training in Sheppard AFB. 30 years ago, I was granted some chance to visit that Tinker AFB also, so much good memory.

[@texicali444]

My dad worked there for a while. Funny seeing a "no photography" sign in the video. Yes, I know they got special permission.

[@LauRoot892]

Tex, Where ya from ?

[@RyderSchäfer2002]

ive been sent out to work here for a day, it was so amazing and my mouth was watering the entire time just being able to checkout some of the different aircraft lol

[@JosVerbeek]

This was fantastic to see!

[@chas5978]

love this video! i’m able to see areas of my home station that i haven’t been able to myself! hope you enjoyed it here at tinker! (:

[@TheDistHist]

Another great video, you never disappoint.

[@deltabravo1257]

9:18 The sound of a B-52 is unmistakable. They were at Fairchild AFB during my time there.

[@JimmyShot]

One of the coolest things ever was seeing Wise Guy, the b52 brought from back the dead, flying overhead

[@USAIRFORCE621]

If Sam hasn't been there yet he should also consider the Warner Robin Air Logistics Complex at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia, they do all the major maintenance for the venerable C-130, C-5, C-17 and my personal favorite aircraft in the Air Force's inventory, the majestic F-15!!

[@SuperAirplanemaster]

This so awesome thank you for making this video

[@CaptainTNTxD]

Amazing! Love this video!!!

[@Ryan_Christopher]

I’ve never been inside the ALC though plenty of stuff that I’ve been responsible for have been sent there for periodic calibration and maintenance in the Metrology Department. Alternatively, I was one of the few Airmen who have been to the contractor facility in Greenville, Texas, where they convert old KC-135 Aerial Refuelers to RC-135 Rivet Joint Surveillance Aircraft. That was like 20 years ago. And oh yeah, that drive to Greenville started from my B-52 base in Shreveport, LA, so I know what’s up when one of ours goes for depot maintenance.

[@switch4895]

*Bossier, LA lol. Dad was an EDUB for 21 years and retired there. Love the Buffs from the bottom of my heart!

[@Ryan_Christopher]

@@switch4895 Which squadron was he in? Before 9/11 my unit had a long-running squadron soccer rivalry with the 96th BS. Like they’d win and my side would get first runner-up. We finally won the championship in mid-2001 before things kicked-off. I imagine the young aircrew lieutenants I used to tackle on the playing field back then would be retired Colonels by now.

[@NealTK]

AWESOME video Sam!

[@NealTK]

Right away!

[@NealTK]

I don't have or use Telegram. Sorry Sam.

[@teenagerinsac]

In 1968 we toured there while visiting my sister and her husband who stationed at Tinker with SAC there, he was an APN -69 IFF tech. They had a KC 135 in the building- in pieces of fuselage separated. This particular jet was in ADC Gray gloss paint at the time, and was likely an ANG squadron tanker, as Regular SAC units tankers were in natural aluminum 'coroguard' in that time. That facility was known in those years as OCAMA (Oklahoma City Air Materiel Area.

[@teenagerinsac]

Stupid program lines thru a sentence :(

[@raginOKCTHUNDER]

To anyone wondering when the guy referred to the B-52 as BUFF, it stands for Big Ugly Fat F***

[@scottwright236]

I worked as a Jet Engine Mech on both the BUFF and KC-135's in Loring AFB, was also a flight mech on a KC for my final year in (86-90).

[@monzav8]

Fun fact, Bldg 3001 is identical in original design to Bldg 4 at Lockheed Martin in Ft Worth where the F35 is produced.

[@chuckhoward6931]

that KC-135 (62-3508) is out of McGuire attached to the 141st ARS Tigers. My airplane

[@LauRoot892]

Howard 🤔

[@astonkruger3159]

Looks better than VQ-3&4. (Navy) still love my squadron!

[@LauRoot892]

Kruger

[@navyseal1689]

I really love watching videos about factory and their manufacturing process, please visit Ah64 or MRAP production line next

[@derek7737]

It is so cool to look the b-52 wheel set up. There is two in the back and two in the front. It seems paradoxical that their is the same amount in the front as in the back and the fact that it works well too.

[@Hebattt_h]

if you pay attention to the video in detail, at 10:10 seconds, you can see the plane's propeller is covered by a red cloth, it's not just closed, it's for the sake of flight security and confidentiality while on a mission, so that the enemy cannot identify how the sound from the propeller, it will be easy to know if the propeller is shown in the media, the enemy will know in more detail the type of aircraft or from which plane the sound waves are tracked on the radar, you will also not be able to record videos of the existing propellers on the submarine, it's top secret

[@TheKitsuneDuke]

Nah you couldn't be more wrong. It's just to cover the inlet while it's on the ground so birds and other things can't get in.

[@brianpowers2313]

I love your content. Great work.

[@SamEckholm]

I appreciate that!

[@lenniedavis1294]

I just discovered your channel yesterday and I just finished watching all of your videos. I love this channel it's very interesting. Also you're insanely good looking too. Can' wait for more videos. Subbing.

[@ballinhoes]

Nice one! Great B-52 shot

[@nohaboy100]

Used to go to that building in the late 90's when I worked at a MAJCOM and went TDY to Tinker 2 or 3 times a year.

[@rigoperez6604]

Man I live in the dorms of tinker AFB, i am a huge fan of yours and it absolutely kill’s me I can’t do a meet and greet with you when you’re so close, never the less thank you for wonderful content especially on tinker!

[@pahtar7189]

The oldest B-52s still flying were built in 1961, so the current plan has they flying for 89 years... still quite amazing!

[@PatrickLipsinic]

H models were 60-62

[@msgtdel]

Nice video, I'm from Oklahoma and was stationed there in the reserves as an Aerospace propulsion technician (jet engine mechanic). I did not know that they train future technicians via virtual reality methods, wow!!! I'm a dinosaur from the late 70's training from Chanute AFB, IL. LOL... We actually trained there on the J-57 engine they used in the B-52 back in 1977 when I went to tech school. Keep up the good work!!

[@bwindele]

Great video! Wish you'd have given a shout out to the Navy E-6Bs that are stationed at Tinker, which ALC does a great job of keeping in service also! Can see one taxiing for takeoff starting at 9:45.

[@alechixson]

Proud to live in Oklahoma with the largest AFB in the world

[@markb3787]

Number 17 @8mins, Trust the plan, your friend from Australia [M]

[@LauRoot892]

Hmm 🤔

[@jwaustinmunguy]

ONE building? That's a single point of failure. I hope they have a good plan to recover if this place is ever damaged. They must, there are too many great minds in control.

[@semiwandering295]

You do a great job, and thank you for your service.. I love your videos.. you are a great fit in your role as a public affairs officer... don't stop serving.. until you retire.. don't get out... did you know you wanted to be a public affairs officer at the Academy? What was the reason you didn't end up Being a pilot since you love planes as much as I do..

[@AlamarFly]

Thank you for such nice video and tour!

[@PapeZeon]

Who are you?

[@AlamarFly]

@@PapeZeon i am KGB agent 😄

[@PapeZeon]

@@AlamarFly Uh oh... I think I shouldn’t have don-

[@jtroulston6733]

The only comparable place ive personally been is the boeing factory in washington state. I may be misremembering but i think it was multiple miles long

[@LauRoot892]

Hmm 🤔

[@esaudjahedi8068]

Awesome video, you should make a video about the F-15 Eagle

[@MH5XXXX]

First off I'm jealous of not getting to ride the AC-130, But I digress that building he's in now sounds like building 12 at the no Dead McDonnell Douglas aircraft factory in Long beach,ca. That's where the DC-10 was assembled, for any of you who were in Long Beach prior to 2011,when Boeing (yuck) shut down the C-17 line and earlier the DC-9 & 10 lines.

[@LauRoot892]

Hey 👋

[@paulinacruz7491]

Muchas gracias por compartir tus conocimiento ❤

[@limvo1260]

Great video Sam. Keep it up.

[@AvanaVana]

Pretty incredible. Loved the shot of the B-21 next to the B-2.

[@user-yu5qs2ii7u]

Curious as to how much money is saved by refurbishing aircraft verses replacement. Also I would have thought that digital gauges would have replaced the analog ones seen in the video.

[@gavinball1607]

The KC135 is going through an analoge > digital gauge conversion they just didn’t highlight it in this video

[@gordonfreeman4491]

Only 10 mins? But why, there should be atleast 50 mins, so this is an opportunity lost

[@medrep1000]

Are the employees civilians or airmen mechanics? Thanks for this excellent video. I served in the USAF from 1963 to 1967 at Castle AFB in Calif.

[@SamEckholm]

Mostly civilians.

[@homerfry9234]

I was at Castle AFB 77-81. Its a shame what it looks like now after it closed 25 years ago.

[@MrBen527]

Cool vid, thanks!

[@dr9205]

Neat vid! Awesome megaSEM!

[@JakePurches-Base2music]

Nicely made programme!

[@MinotStratofortress]

You need to do a follow-up video showing all the things broken and messed up when that jet gets back to home station. The acceptance checklist we do getting a jet back from Tinker always comes up with some embarrassing stuff. I've seen control panels installed upside down, parts put back in the jet and not connected, tools left on the jet behind a panel, parts Tinker never reinstalled and we had to get them to ship it to us, broken wiring they caused pulling parts out, the list is endless. The North Vietnamese treated our B-52's better than the depot team at Tinker.

[@edjarrett3164]

I’ve done a number of acceptance flights out of Tinker. We do what is known as FCF flight which involves a very intricate checkout in flight of the aircraft. It ran an hour to hour half. I would say that most of them were very successful with minor issues to fix. Sure, there are always things missed or overlooked, but the overall output has been very impressive.

[@1shARyn3]

During repaint: Letters, numbers, insignia ----- painted or decal-ed?

[@aviationcatF22]

This was a amazing video I want to see one about the C-17 but the biggest question here is Can I get the simulator that you can maintain planes or is it Air Force only?

[@motumoyu4566]

The Goodyear Plant in Lawton Oklahoma is bigger than this building. 2.8 million square feet under one roof. 0.92 miles long

[@will-i-am2752]

I know this might be the wrong video to comment this but once you’re in ROTC can you quit it because I’m thinking of doing ROTC but unsure if it’s really what I want to do.

[@SamEckholm]

Yah you can- just had to be before you contract in/go to field training after sophomore year

[@will-i-am2752]

Thank you very much for this information

[@BruhitsCris]

You should do a review of the A-10s at Moody Air Force Base, GA home of the flying tigers with that iconic shark face. That was my last base and I can proudly say that I was an engine mechanic for the tanks in the sky. “BRRRRRRRRT!!”

[@jakeruffin9433]

I work at Robins AFB GA as a structure mech. on F-15s 👊🏻

[@BruhitsCris]

@@jakeruffin9433 Nice, Im in Korea now working on the F16s, then I go to Alaska to work on the F22s

[@panagiotisgiannakis7014]

its not workers its aircraft engineers big difference .. thumbs up for the video!!

[@TheoXydias_PerlaCoffeeTrailer]

i am watching your videos and you are the reason i got permision to film also a chinook here. also check the abandoned Robinson r22 that i saved. the faces on the road were price less

[@wonkeralien0559]

Obviously wanna see the Wright Brothers plane there, but it’s at the Smithsonian fully restored along with the X-1 pretty cool..

[@SigmaSharam-bp6nv]

This video is awesome

[@kenm6559]

First video I see on my 16th birthday 😁😁

[@redblueyankee8343]

Happy birthday to you 🙂

[@SamEckholm]

Happy birthday!

[@GameyHarp]

You should do one about the C5 super galaxy. Dover afb is the better of the bases for them

[@SamEckholm]

It's on the list!