News Summary
The 128th Air Refueling Wing held its first open house in 13 years at the General Mitchell Air National Guard Base, allowing the public to explore military aircraft, interact with service members, and enjoy family-friendly activities. The event featured food trucks, live music, and showcased aircraft like the KC-135 Stratotanker and F-35A Lightning II. This outreach aimed to strengthen community ties and raise awareness of the Air Force’s role in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee – The 128th Air Refueling Wing welcomed the public to an open house on the weekend of September 13-14, 2025, at the General Mitchell Air National Guard Base. This event marked the first open house in 13 years, allowing attendees to explore various military aircraft and learn more about the operations of the base.
The open house hours were set from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Visitors had the opportunity to see an array of Air Force aircraft including the KC-135 Stratotanker, C-17 Globemaster III, F-35A Lightning II, and F/A-18 Hornet. Among the attractions was the chance for attendees to “pet a jet,” a hands-on experience that allowed individuals to climb aboard the aircraft and interact with service members.
This outreach event was designed to raise awareness of the Air Force’s presence in Milwaukee and to foster a stronger connection between the military and the community. Maj. Brandyn Dietman, an aircraft commander with the 128th, emphasized the unit’s goal to showcase their operations and aircraft to the public.
The open house featured food trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities, creating a lively atmosphere for guests of all ages. Visitors were encouraged to enter the base via access points on S. Pennsylvania Avenue near E. Grange Avenue. Additionally, the Milwaukee County Transit System Route 52 provided convenient public transport access to the base.
The KC-135 Stratotanker, one of the primary aircraft on display, has been in service since 1963 and is capable of delivering up to 6,000 pounds of fuel per minute. Notably, it is equipped with an overhead heating system to prevent fuel from gelling at high altitudes, an essential feature for its operational capabilities. A recent training mission showcased the aircraft’s capabilities when a KC-135 from the 128th rendezvoused with a C-17 cargo jet to deliver 5,000 pounds of fuel.
Beyond refueling missions, the 128th Air Refueling Wing is involved in various humanitarian efforts and is responsible for housing Air Force One during presidential visits. Colonel Charles Merkel, the commanding officer of the 128th, drew attention to a new paint scheme highlighting a unique winged beer stein symbol, which celebrates their local heritage as the “Home of the Brew City Tankers.”
The open house provided an invaluable opportunity for community members to engage with the military, fostering a greater understanding of the important role the Air Force plays in both national defense and local operations. Overall, the event showcased the strength and capabilities of the 128th Air Refueling Wing while emphasizing their commitment to connecting with the Milwaukee community.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 6 Now: Milwaukee Air Force Base Open House
- Wikipedia: Milwaukee
- Urban Milwaukee: Wisconsin Air National Guard Mission
- Google Search: Air National Guard
- WTMJ: 128th Air Refueling Wing
- Google Scholar: Air Refueling Wing
- WISN: KC-46 Tanker Plane Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Military Aircraft
- Stripes: USAA NFL Draft Wisconsin Air Base
- Google News: Military Events in Milwaukee
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
