Last KC-135 deploys from Grand Forks AFB Published July 27, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Rachel Martinez 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The last KC-135 Stratotanker will deploy from Grand Forks Air Force Base July 26 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This will be the last deployment for the KC-135s assigned to Grand Forks AFB due to the base's transition from an aerial refueling mission to an unmanned aerial systems mission. Although other KC-135s are still deployed to various locations in the area of responsibility, upon return they will not begin another deployment while assigned to Grand Forks AFB. "Grand Forks has had an enduring presence in the AOR for years now," said Staff Sgt. Alan Champagne, 905th Air Refueling Squadron in-flight refueling journeyman. "I am happy to be a part of this last deployment." The Grand Forks AFB Stratotankers have been actively engaged in the Air Force's aerial refueling mission since the first Stratotanker was received here in 1960. "This is my 11th deployment with the KC-135," said Sergeant Champagne. "I am looking forward to going back out." While deployed, the KC-135 crew will conduct aerial refueling operations in the AOR, enabling various other aircraft to accomplish their unique missions. "It's the end of a legacy of the KC-135s," said Capt. Scott Morrison, 905th ARS KC-135 Stratotanker pilot and the lead pilot for this deployment. The last squadron of KC-135s will begin transferring from Grand Forks AFB in August, with the last one scheduled to leave in December.