USAF KC135's

[EK01]

Hi Guys,

The USAF KC 135's which have been regulars over Spain in support of the Libyan crisis have up until the last few days been using the flight ID of 'Mobil' or variants thereof. However, they have now started to use the flight ID of 'OUP'. Currently in 'My Flights' is 'OUP704'.

Does anyone with a bit more knowledge of all things military know the significance of this sudden change and what 'OUP' as a flight ID might relate to if anything ?

[ACW367]

It is the initials of the NATO operation name. Operation Unified Protector. At least they didn't name the op - operation integrate Libya. That would have been telling initials :)

[anorak]

Do we detect a hint of cynicism there by chance?   ;-)
Dave.

[EK01]

It is the initials of the NATO operation name. Operation Unified Protector. At least they didn't name the op - operation integrate Libya. That would have been telling initials :)

Thanks for that. Wonder why they waited until now before using the correct ID. Maybe the powers that be got a little fed up with 'MOBIL', 'MOBL', 'MOBEL', etc and the obvious oil connotations. !

[chewycanes]

Hi
Isn't it just that the paper work has gone through all the channels ....joke...

Brian

[BadWolf]

EK, having spent many years in the KC-135 community, don't try to read too much into the logic of flight ids. typically the normal unit call signs get used on regular missions and those like the OUP ones for special ones. Having seen "BEER ME" on a C-130 flight recently here in CONUS, I leave that one to your imagination..

[ACW367]

My favourites are the ANG and AFRC planes that use unit IDs based on the local football teams and the aircraft often have matching fuselage markings to the teams.

Just come back from Minneapolis where the AFRC Hercs used VIKNG (NFL Vikings) and the ANG Hercs use GOFER (College NCAA Golden Gophers).