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Video by Senior Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot

KC-135 operations return to Sioux City after summer absence

185th Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air National Guard

Nov. 22, 2022 | 4:17

Iowa Air National Guard KC-135 aircraft from the 185th Air Refueling Wing were able return to their homebase this week following the completion of a substantial runway improvement project at the Sioux City airport.

The return of the aircraft brings a long-awaited return to normal operations for air guard members who have had a long commute over the past several months.

The unit had been operating at bases in Topeka, Kan. and later in Sioux Falls, S.D. as construction was underway since last April.

During their time away, guard members continued to provide air refueling support for domestic operations while operating remotely.
While there was little disruption in commercial air traffic in Sioux City, the construction project closed the longer of two available runways used by the unit’s large KC-135 aircraft.

The project had construction crews replace overruns on both ends of the runway. They also refurbished wide shoulders on both sides of the 9000-foot runway.

Runway lights were also replaced with newer LED lighting. The project also involved extensive crack and spall repair, with thousands of damaged areas restored.

The return of the aircraft to Sioux City is just in time as the unit is immediately rolling into a major aircraft generation exercise that is part of regular operational requirements.

The welcome sound of jets on the ramp in Sioux City had crew chiefs scrambling to get them settled back at home just before the Thanksgiving Day holiday weekend. With the jets safely back, their return should allow everyone involved to enjoy some time with family and maybe a little football during the weekend break.

Lower Thirds: Lieutenant Col. Ben Young 185th ARW pilot