D/D dropped RC-135

djms19

10-Year Member
Joined
Jan 25, 2011
Messages
68
D/D dropped an RC-135 last night. I know the basics about the aircraft, but can anyone tell me a little bit about "the life of an RC-135 pilot", how frequently and for how long they are typically deployed, or about Offut AFB? Thank you.
 
Oh wow...

My experiences are dated but here's the short version...she'll "deploy" fairly often unless the ops tempo has changed as we keep jets in several overseas locations. Her missions will be LONG...as a pilot, they're often kinda boring until you have guests or you go to refuel. There's a LOT she won't be able to tell you...a LOT. The plane is fun to fly, it's easy to fly but hard to fly well; it takes time and patience. The missions are SUPER IMPORTANT!! As for length of deployments...I don't know today; back in other times it was common to be either a 60 or up to 120 days. Offutt is...Offutt. Hot in summer, and humid; and arctic cold at times in the winter. LARGE city nearby (Omaha) great local communities. Oh yeah...they do have the occasional twister in the area.

Truthfully, with all that said, IMHO, this is one of the BEST drops you can get!!!!

Congratulations to her!!

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
Yep, long missions and regular trips. It is a limited asset that does some really interesting things that she won't be able to talk about.
 
If she were to marry, have kids, I suppose the mission of this aircraft presents no more advantages/disadvantages on family life than do other airframes/missions? Probably PCSing less often?
 
Congratulations!
 
Depends which model she ultimately flies. About two years ago we were treated to an RC-135S Cobra Ball doing touch-and-go passes at Campbell Army Airfield. Very cool and distinctive.
 
Looks like there are 3 Cobra Balls, 2 Combat Sents and 17 Rivet Joints in inventory. Seems like the Rivet Joints pretty much have missions planned a year out.
 
Oh wow...

My experiences are dated but here's the short version...she'll "deploy" fairly often unless the ops tempo has changed as we keep jets in several overseas locations. Her missions will be LONG...as a pilot, they're often kinda boring until you have guests or you go to refuel. There's a LOT she won't be able to tell you...a LOT. The plane is fun to fly, it's easy to fly but hard to fly well; it takes time and patience. The missions are SUPER IMPORTANT!! As for length of deployments...I don't know today; back in other times it was common to be either a 60 or up to 120 days. Offutt is...Offutt. Hot in summer, and humid; and arctic cold at times in the winter. LARGE city nearby (Omaha) great local communities. Oh yeah...they do have the occasional twister in the area.

Truthfully, with all that said, IMHO, this is one of the BEST drops you can get!!!!

Congratulations to her!!

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
Haven't been on the forum in a long time. Was looking at some old emails and came across a link to your reply. Daughter has been at Offutt now for 2 years. You were spot on with your comments. She's doing well. After an initial disappointment in the assignment, she's come around to like it. Currently on 2nd deployment. Purchased a condo near downtown Omaha. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR INSIGHT!! 'tis she:
 
How excellent!!!

Thank you SO much for posting this!!

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
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