Key Field lands 1st BOSS

MERIDIAN - The 186th Air Refueling Wing and state National Guard Bureau officials officially ribbon-cut and opened an air-refueling simulation system April 17 here at the Air National Guard’s Key Field. The Boom Operator Simulation System (BOSS) is a training tool for the ANG that replicates the Block 40 boom pod of a KC-135R Stratotanker used to provide the core air refueling capability for the Air Force, the 186th is in conversion back to the KC-135R Stratotanker. The tanker provides core aerial refueling capability for the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and allied nation aircraft. "Having the BOSS (on Key Field) will have a lot to do with the 186th ARW becoming the best refueling wing in the National Guard … again," said Maj. Gen. William Crisler, chief of staff for the joint headquarters of the Mississippi Air National Guard in Jackson. (Source: Meridian Star, 04/17/14)