On a quiet April morning in 2020, the rhythmic hum of machinery filled a hangar at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. Inside, Tech. Sgt. Tray Dorrell, an aerospace propulsion craftsman with the 507th Maintenance Squadron, was deep in the middle of one of the Air Force’s most critical maintenance tasks—an engine swap on a KC-135R Stratotanker. The job demanded precision, teamwork, and expertise built over years of training and hands-on experience.
The KC-135R Stratotanker, a cornerstone of the Air Force’s global reach mission, serves as the backbone of aerial refueling operations around the world. With decades of service under its wings, each aircraft depends on constant care and maintenance to keep it mission-ready. For Dorrell and his team, that means inspecting, removing, and installing engines that power the tanker’s vital missions—sometimes under tight timelines and challenging conditions.
Engine swaps are not routine undertakings. Each step requires close coordination between multiple specialists, from propulsion experts to crew chiefs and quality assurance personnel. The process begins with detailed diagnostics and safety checks to ensure the aircraft is properly secured. Once preparations are complete, the old engine is carefully removed using heavy lifting equipment designed for precise handling. Dorrell’s focus during this phase is unwavering; one wrong move could damage equipment or delay critical missions.
The new engine, a CFM International F108, is then meticulously positioned and secured to the aircraft’s wing pylon. Dorrell and his team inspect every connection, ensuring fuel lines, electrical systems, and control linkages are properly integrated. It’s a task that combines mechanical skill with deep technical knowledge—every bolt, hose, and wire must be aligned to exact specifications.
Despite the challenges of the job, Dorrell approaches his work with professionalism and pride. As an aerospace propulsion craftsman, he carries the responsibility of ensuring that every KC-135R that leaves his shop can safely take to the skies. The mission of the 507th Maintenance Squadron depends on this level of dedication. Each successful engine swap translates directly into operational readiness—allowing the Air Force to refuel fighter jets, bombers, and other aircraft that rely on the Stratotanker to extend their range across the globe.
In April 2020, the world was also adjusting to the early impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even amid those challenges, maintenance crews at Tinker AFB continued their essential work. Following strict safety measures, they kept the fleet operational, ensuring no interruption to national defense capabilities. For Dorrell and his fellow Airmen, that commitment underscored the importance of their mission—maintaining the aircraft that sustain America’s airpower, regardless of circumstance.
Tech. Sgt. Tray Dorrell’s work that day represented more than just another maintenance milestone. It reflected the enduring skill and resilience of the Air Force’s enlisted technicians—the quiet professionals who keep complex aircraft like the KC-135R ready for flight at any hour. Their hands ensure that aircrews can complete their missions safely, extending the reach of U.S. air operations around the world, one engine swap at a time
