Alabama's Guardians: KC-135 Stratotankers

0:00Here's more Birmingham news for March 12th. The 117th Air Refueling Wing based at Birmingham Shuttle's Worth International Airport in Alabama plays a vital role in American, defense right from home soil. This Alabama Air National Guard Unit supports worldwide missions by providing critical air refueling. These days, their KC-135 Strato tankers refuel fighters, bombers, and cargo planes mid-air that lets aircraft fly farther, stay up longer, and respond fast to threats anywhere. More than 1,100 airmen make it all happen, from pilots and mechanics to analysts and cyber experts. About 700 are part-timers balancing civilian jobs with their service. The wing traces its roots to 1917 as one of the first aerial squadrons in World War I. It contributed to D-Day in World War II, operations in the Middle East, and more. After the 9-11 attacks, they flew non-stop for 13 days to guard US airspace,

1:02and they still support Operation Noble Eagle today. Locally, these neighbors and churchgoers keep watch over Alabama, while honoring the nation's upcoming 250th birthday. A quick thank you to our sponsor of today's episode. Podcasts hit different when the sound comes from your pillow. Once you try it, it just makes sense. S-O-L-I-SOLY-PILLOW.COM