Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst host KC-10 “Elephant Walk”
On a cold, damp morning in mid-December, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst conducted an aerial training exercise last seen on base nearly five years ago. The 305th Air Mobility Wing completed an “Elephant Walk”, launching twelve KC-10’s in a 30 minute time period.
The term “Elephant Walk” was introduced during World War II. During that time the Army Air Corps large fleet of bombers would conduct attacks utilizing more than 1,000 aircraft. Observers commented that the nose-to-tail, single-file taxi movements of the bombers resembled the nose- to-tail trail of elephants on their way to the next watering hole.
During this particular “Elephant Walk” more than 160 Airmen participated in preparing, launching and recovering the KC-10 Extenders. Due to the extremely congested airspace within the New York metropolitan area, and large number of participating aircraft, extensive coordination with NY, Boston and Washington Centers was critical.
The KC-10’s were launched in two packages. First, a group of eight KC-10’s departed the McGuire runway, 10 minutes later, the second group of four launched. Fortunately de-icing of the aircraft was not a factor this particular morning. The participating aircraft from the package of twelve KC-10’s performed a simulation of passing and receiving fuel.
According to Lt. Col. Jimmy Shaw, 305th Operations Group Deputy Commander, “An Elephant Walk is a fundamental training element when preparing for Global Strike Missions”. Mid-December provided the slack time in high operations tempo for the 305th to focus efforts on training, maintenance, and of course, family.
An “Elephant Walk” as demonstrated by the men and women of the 305th this December morning is a fundamental training tool when preparing for a Global Strike Mission consisting of large formations of aircraft flying long distances. Tanker aircraft such as KC-10’s are required to launch in large groups to provide fueling support for the Global Strike Mission and it is a core competency.
“Overall the mission was a huge success and the 305th achieved all of the objectives they set out to accomplish” said Lt. Col. Erik Simonsen, Squadron Commander of the 32nd Air Refueling Squadron. “Everybody pulled together and it was a fantastic exercise of twelve aircraft showcasing Air Mobility Command’s global mission of global reach and global power”.
Report & Photos by Howard German
