USAF Retires First Operational KC-135R Stratotanker

USAF Retires First Operational KC-135R Stratotanker: Airplane Headed To The 'Boneyard' After 50 Years Of Service After more than 50 years of service and 22,500 flying hours, the first operational KC-135R Stratotanker retired from service, Feb. 21, 2013. The aircraft made one last high-speed pass on the runway before heading to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ, better known as the "Boneyard," where Air Force aircraft go to provide parts to satisfy critical supply needs without any major holds.