Early Morning RARE Visitor to RAF Mildenhall

United States Air Force KC-135T Stratotanker with a special livery arriving at RAF Mildenhall, this is a rare visitor from Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan.
If you like this video, check out another of my videos, this time an RC-135W Rivet Joint landing at RAF Mildenhall:
• USAF Spy Plane at RAF ...

[@chuckstockton6489]

As a young copilot of a KC135Q we flew into RAF Mildenhall in early 1970. Our mission was to refuel a RC135 off the coast of Norway that was taking the northern route to Alaska while hugging the coast of Russia. The majority of our work was in refueling SR71's over Thailand as they completed their mission over Hanoi and Haiphong and returned to our home base in Okinawa. We recovered at U-Tapao for refueling before returning to Kadena.

[@d.r.4453]

The KC-135 is one of the unsung heros in the USAF. Nice catch!

[@PhilGormanAviation]

Thanks! It certainly is, it will be a sad day when they are retired!

[@robertnorthrup1914]

As a high school grad in 1965, I got a summer job at the Boeing Renton plant (Washington State) where the iconic 707s were made. I was on a rib setter crew on the wing line that installed ribs between the leading and trailing edge assemblies. We built the wing from fuselage to second engine mount. The “tip” was an assembly bolted on to complete the wing. Fascinating work indeed.

[@puirYorick]

I'm so old I remember when these and their commercial cousins from the 707 platform were seen regularly in TV and films.

[@billdennis2993]

I'm so old I remember flying on civilian model to So East Asia @ 18yrs yng on an all expenses paid adventure thx to Uncle Sam😮.

[@puirYorick]

@@billdennis2993 I'm glad you got back home.

[@dr.OgataSerizawa]

@@billdennis2993
I’m so old, I remember flying on the Connie from Hawai’i with my mom and dad. He was stationed at Hickam AFB from 56-59. Interestingly enough, he was stationed just down the road at Wheeler Field on 7 Dec. 1941.
I miss dad…..

[@stephenroots4327]

Respect...

[@disabldfirefiter]

The tail number tells us that this aircraft is 65 years old!

[@donvanvliet9477]

I wonder how many parts are original?

[@lastmanstanding9389]

Gee, that vertical stab is ginormous.

[@grege9862]

It looks so much manlier with the CFM56 turbofans.

[@mickboakes7023]

She’s a real old lady , bless her. Wish they could keep up dating me in the same way. All the best. Mick (old codger).

[@PhilGormanAviation]

Thanks Mick, they really are incredible for their age!

[@philhand5830]

I saw them at Mouldyhole before the newer engines were Installed. TDY out of LRAFB!!!

[@davecooper3238]

Cor. Look at the flaps on that.

[@dominiqueroudier9401]

This plane is a KC135T, so a former KC135Q used for refuelling..SR71😮

[@PhilGormanAviation]

Love that fact, thanks!

[@RM-nd7gn]

I was a crew chief on that plane back in the early 80s back at Beale AFB. Nice to see it again and with new turbofans. Working on them was the best time of my life. Miss Mildenhall also.😃

[@dominiqueroudier9401]

@@RM-nd7gn in France we have had C135F, hybrid from KC135A and C135B. Now all converted in C135FR. 12 bought 11 survived. Réplaced by A330 MRTT. Own also for short time 3 KC135RG exUSAF

[@dr.OgataSerizawa]

@@RM-nd7gn
9th SRW. Semper Paratus.

[@Marvinthemarian]

Can I please ask what date this video was taken ?

[@PhilGormanAviation]

It was taken 1st August 2023

[@stevekohl5351]

This plane appears to be a KC-135 tanker. From which base did this plane fly from?

[@shusky59]

The base is in the video description!

[@dr.OgataSerizawa]

Selfridge ANGB, Michigan🇺🇸

[@stevekohl5351]

dr.jamesolack8504 I live in Sioux City Iowa near Sioux City ANGB. This wing flys KC135 tankers as well. Steve Kohl, attorney at law.