The Restoration of KC-135 Tail Number 55-3130 Photo Gallery by Mike Bates at pbase.com

The Restoration of KC-135 Tail Number 55-3130

I was the Crew Chief on this aircraft while stationed at Carswell AFB Texas from 1978 to 1982. It is currently on display at the March Field Museum in Riverside California. The original gray paint had been painted camoflouged color and over the years that turned to an ugly green... With the help of many many volunteers I was able to restore it to it's former glory after over two years of hard work. The jet looks just as it did when I Crewed it as a young Airman.

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comment |

SSgt Douglas Schultz, USAF, Ret.		09-Oct-2019 01:23
I was a member of the 7ARS from January 1984 to December 1992 Flew many sorties on 3130 How in the world did Tony Fortney make " Chief "

Mike Bates		12-Oct-2012 20:19
Hi Bill, Thanks very much for your comment It was great to be able to bring her back to the glory days of SAC..

B Hoppe		09-Sep-2012 12:51
Hello Mike. I'm Bill Hoppe. I had the pleasure of flying Old Grandad on her last sortie from Carswell to the March Air Musuem in Dec 1992 as we were closing down the 7ARS. It was our squadron's last jet to be deactvated. As you know, she was the oldest tanker in the flying inventory at the time. We landed at March Code 1 w/no writeups and handed the jacket file to the musuem folks and flew back to Ft Worth on a commercial flight. I haven't been back to March sine, but it looks like your restoration work turned out great! Thanks, Bill

Mike Bates		06-Sep-2011 14:39
HI guys! What a trip that we met up here after all these years! Yes I remember everyone.. Tsgt Ledford was on alert with me the day that 56-3621 hit the blast fence on the Pad at Carswell.. I had a front row seat to that accident as they were parked next to us and taxied out just before we did....

Mike Bates		17-May-2011 21:39
Thanks everyone, It was a labor of love for sure!

John Schurman		11-May-2011 03:20
Nice job Mike. I was also at carswell 79-83 and remember this plane as well. I don't know if you Remember me. I was assnt crew chief on 1496 with Chuck Murzyn. I don't know if Bob Wallace will read this or not but, hey Bob hows it going?

Bob Wallace		31-Mar-2011 21:40
Glad to see the old girl is in good hands. I was at Carswell AFB from 1979 to 1982. I was the Asst. Crew Chief on 56-3656 with then Tsgt. Ron Ledford. Retiered at Robins AFB GA.in 1999. I believe she in the boneyard. Hope to get a chance to see 3130 some day.

Mike Bates		03-Oct-2010 01:26
Thanks Guys.. It means alot Mike

anthony fortney		19-Apr-2009 19:06
Great job! I was a Boom Operator stationed at Carswell AFB from 1982 - 1987 and flew many hours in this aircraft. It brings me back happy memories of my time in the A-model (water wagon). Thank you for you extraordinary efforts! CMSgt Anthony "Tony" Fortney (ret)

Steve Bailey		29-Oct-2007 06:06
She looks fantastic........well done on the work you did on her Congratulations Steve

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