Citizen Airman supports Air Force’s newest tanker

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Minnette Mason
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

When Senior Airman Victoria Montgomery joined the 446th Logistics Readiness Flight, she didn’t anticipate supporting a mission that would lead to the initial production lot of the Air Force’s newest refueling tanker—the KC-46A Pegasus.

While integrated with the 62nd Logistics Readiness Squadron here, she helped build and maintain readiness spares packages (RSPs) to support the F-16 Fighting Falcons, one of three aircraft that were refueled off the boom by the KC-46A Pegasus. F-16s were the recipients of refueling demonstrations, required before the KC-46A could receive approval to enter production this past August.

On August 12, two KC-46 low rate initial production lots, totaling 19 aircraft and associated spare parts, were awarded. According to a recent article published by the Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs, contracts will soon be awarded to Boeing for a “pre-negotiated $2.8 billion combined value.

“The first aircraft deliveries will be to McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, and Altus AFB, Oklahoma. A total of 18 tankers are scheduled to be delivered by early 2018.”

As a traditional reservist, Montgomery participated in monthly unit training assemblies, or UTAs, and other annual training requirements with the 446th LRF. Outside of her military commitment, she was a full-time college student seeking a career as a nurse anesthetist. However, when the opportunity arose for Montgomery to gain more experience as an inventory management journeyman, she quickly volunteered to contribute more time to the Air Force.

“My main goal is to become more competent all the way around,” she said. “I have been moving from one section to another, but I want to have a higher level of knowledge and be proficient at my job.”

Assisting with the KC-46A Pegasus mission wasn’t the only total force integration opportunity for Montgomery. She also partnered with the 62nd LRS after graduating from initial skills training in September 2014 as part of the Air Force Reserve Seasoning Training Program.

“I enjoy working with the active duty,” Montgomery said. “I feel like there’s a lot that I could learn; I already have learned a lot from them. They treat me just like one of them.”

Reservists who participate in the STP volunteer to remain on active duty to receive on-the-job training. Staff Sgt. Jimmie High, with the 62nd LRS, is the NCO in charge of readiness spares package and played a role in Montgomery’s upgrade training.

“If we deploy with reservists and they haven’t interacted with active duty, it’s like two worlds meeting,” High said. “We’re able to bridge that gap, and I think a lot of people don’t get that. So it definitely helps with transition.”