Spouses refuel: A-10 pilots' spouses participate in refueling mission

by Staff Sgt. Danielle Wolf
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/2/2010 - LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. -- Fighter pilot spouses, of the 303rd Fighter Squadron, boarded a KC-135R Stratotanker this fall to watch an A-10 Thunderbolt II refueling mission.

Thirteen spouses had the opportunity to watch the refueling side-by-side with the boom operator onboard an aircraft operated by the 190th Air Refueling Wing, Kansas Air National Guard.

Each spouse was able to crawl to the boom operator's quarters to see refueling operations from his perspective. From there, they were able to put on headsets and communicate with the pilots as they refueled.

"It was cool for Valerie to see what I actually do instead of just coming home every day and telling her about it," said Capt. Chad Carlton, 303rd Fighter Squadron A-10 pilot. "She was really excited when I talked to her after the flight. The wives are always supportive when we deploy, and I think it will help next time I deploy for her to know what exactly it is I'm doing over there."

Source

Note: Related pictures will be uploaded soon.