The distinctive tail paintwork features Aerodur 5000 Flat colours in blue and yellow, supplied by AkzoNobel’s distributor AIS. The yellow is a bespoke shade developed by the AkzoNobel team to represent the unit’s shield, the Milwaukee city flag, and the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team.
A Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker – one of the world’s longest-serving aerial refuelling aircraft – has received a complete coatings refurbishment
and a new heritage tail design, thanks to AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings’
high-performance systems.
The comprehensive coatings overhaul, covering the fuselage, wings, and tail assembly, breathes new life into this iconic aircraft, which plays a crucial role in enabling long-range missions by transferring fuel mid-air to other aircraft. The addition of a heritage-inspired tail design strengthens the link between the 128th Air Refuelling Wing and the city of Milwaukee, reflecting the hometown pride of the unit’s personnel.
Every element of the new design was meticulously selected to honour the unit’s mission, heritage, and deep-rooted connection to the city. The SAC stripe – adorned with star constellations and the wing’s shield stretching across the fuselage – pays tribute to the unit’s legacy under the Strategic Air Command. The tail features a flying beer stein, a symbol dating back to 1963 that represents the wing’s nickname, ‘Brew City Tankers’. A bold ‘Milwaukee’ tail flash and a barley motif further underscore the city’s proud brewing tradition.
To ensure long-lasting protection and resilience, the aircraft was coated using AkzoNobel’s military-approved aerospace products. This included an epoxy primer for superior corrosion resistance and the Aerodur 5000 Camouflage topcoat – a two-component polyurethane coating renowned for its outstanding chemical and weather resistance.
“The major elements of this design help forge a strong connection between the 128th Air Refuelling Wing, the city of Milwaukee, and the profound pride of our unit members. A symbol as striking as the stein on the tail amplifies that sense of pride and dedication – not just for the aircrew and maintenance teams, but for every individual on base who contributes to the mission. It’s become a unifying emblem that motivates and inspires us all to deliver exceptional airpower,” has stated Master Sgt Elizabeth Cywinski, 128ARW Structural Maintenance Specialist and Command Jet Repaint Lead Coordinator.
The heritage design and its application were carried out entirely by the unit’s own Airmen, making the aircraft not only a representation of tradition but also a testament to the craftsmanship, skill, and dedication of those serving with the 128th Air Refuelling Wing.
“The KC-135 Stratotanker has played a vital role in global aerial refuelling for nearly 70 years. We’re proud to support the unit with this update – a project that reflects both its storied legacy and ongoing significance. Our advanced coatings will help protect an aircraft that carries not just fuel, but decades of history, engineering excellence, and community spirit,” has added Ted Wiesner, Air Defence Segment Manager at AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings.