Altus rapid airpower response
On 2 April 2021, Altus AFB's (OK) 97th Air Mobility Wing airmen exercised severe weather, rapid airpower response. In total 29 aircraft, comprising 12 KC-135R/T Stratotankers, 12 C-17A Globemaster IIIs and five KC-46A Pegasus tankers could be seen over the skies of southwest Oklahoma.
After a classic line up for an Elephant Walk at Altus AFB, a mass evacuation of aircraft in preparation of an emergency weather situation was carried out. The aircraft were launched as part of a severe weather exercise, testing the base’s ability to relocate aircraft before impending storms - something many consider necessary due to Altus’ geographic location. Public affairs from the 97th Air Mobility Wing made a timelapse video of the rapid airpower response (video by Senior Airman Breanna Klemm).
As the 97th Air Mobility Wing is mainly tasked with educating and training and administered under USAF's Air Education and Training Command (AETC), its aircraft are rarely seen outside the Continental United States (CONUS).
The following squadrons are active at Altus AFB:
Photos: USAF