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SALT LAKE CITY — The U.S. Air Force and Utah Air National Guard invite Utahns to watch air refuelers fly over northern and central Utah on Tuesday, honoring 100 years of air refueling.
Tuesday, June 27, marks 100 years since U.S. Army Air Service aviators successfully completed the first air refueling. On June 27, 1923, 1st Lts. Virgil Hine and Frank W. Seifert, flying a DH-4B, passed gasoline through a hose to another DH-4B carrying Capt. Lowell H. Smith and 1st Lt. John P. Richter.
Once deemed impossible, the first air refueling marked a new era for combat aircraft. The process lets planes stay in the air much longer, saving fuel and time during extended flights.
"Air refueling embodies our resolve to defend freedom and project power, leaving an indelible mark on aviation history," said Gen. Mike Minihan, commander of Air Mobility Command, in a statement. "It connects our strategic vision with operational reality, ensuring we can reach any corner of the globe with unwavering speed and precision."
Tuesday's flyover will serve as a celebration of the continual innovation of the U.S. Air Force and Utah Air National Guard.
"As we embark on the next 100 years of air refueling, we will continue to strengthen our air mobility excellence," Minihan said. "We must leverage the remarkable capabilities of air refueling to preserve peace, protect freedom and bring hope to the world."
How to watch
Here is the full schedule of when and where Utahns can watch the 151st Air Refueling Wing flyover:
- 9:40 a.m. — Utah State University
- 9:50 a.m. — Lagoon
- 9:56 a.m. — Utah State Capitol Building, including Air Guard and Reserve displays
- 10:03 a.m. — Brigham Young University
- 10:03 a.m. — Utah Valley University
- 10:15 a.m. — Utah State Capitol Building, including Air Guard and Reserve displays
- 10:55 a.m. — Cedar City Airport
- 11:04 a.m. — Utah Tech University
- 11:43-11:55 a.m. — I-70/I-89 Corridor
- 12:02 p.m. — Strawberry Reservoir
- 12:07 p.m. — Heber City
- 12:09 p.m. — Park City
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Gabrielle Shiozawa
