Those brand new KC-46 refueling tankers recently sent to Air Force bases in Wichita, Kansas and Altus, Oklahoma were at risk this week as severe weather moved into the Midwest.
So crews at McConnell Air Force base in Wichita evacuated three of the planes along with 10 KC-135 Stratotankers were flown to Washington state to prevent them from being damaged.
Fairchild Air Force base was picked to be the “safe haven” base because of its distance from the approaching severe weather. It was also able to house the personnel from McConnell.
Some funnels were reported in south central Kansas on Wednesday but there was no severe damage directly in Wichita.
Hail reported to be the size of tennis balls was reported near Wakeeney in northwest Kansas.
A spokesman at Altus Air Force Base stated the new tankers stationed there were not moved in advance of severe weather.
At least three tornadoes were reported Wednesday night in Oklahoma. One was in the western part of the state and caused extensive mobile home damage near Shattuck. No injuries were reported.