The F-15 connected to the refueling boom. Each fighter jet received approximately 2000 lbs of fuel (about 295 gallons), which only takes 15-20 minutes.
Slide 2 of 14
image credit
Gothamist
The KC-10 parked at Gate 12 at the American Airlines terminal at JFK.
Slide 3 of 14
image credit
Gothamist
When landing and departing JFK, the tanker received priority over other airplanes. The KC-10 is a modified Boeing DC-10 and has 88% of its systems in common with the commercial jet.
Slide 4 of 14
image credit
Gothamist
Bronx-born Master Sargent Ray Cruz III points out some features of the KC-10. The 75 passenger seats can be removed to allow for additional cargo.
Slide 5 of 14
image credit
Gothamist
No cargo on this flight. Just the media and up to 356,000 pounds of fuel.
Slide 6 of 14
image credit
Gothamist
Master Sargent Kingsley Rose from Queens goes over a checklist before a fuel-hungry F-15 arrives.
Slide 7 of 14
image credit
Gothamist
The call signs of the jets in the refueling mission: Rage 1 and 2, Killer 1 and 2, OPEC 70 (a nice nod to the oil organization). Rage 2 didn't make it off the ground from Massachusetts.
Slide 8 of 14
image credit
Gothamist
The F-15 from the 104th Fighter Wing approaches the KC-10's boom.
Slide 9 of 14
image credit
Gothamist
The cockpit of the KC-10 with the pilot, co-pilot and flight engineer.
Slide 10 of 14
image credit
Gothamist
A F-15 off the left side of the KC-10. Before and after refueling, the F-15s were seen in dogfighting exercises far off in the distance.
Slide 11 of 14
image credit
Gothamist
Through the door window, a F-15 hangs out for a photo-op.
Slide 12 of 14
image credit
Gothamist
Back at JFK, travelers take photos of an odd sightâan Air Force plane parked at a gate.
