Utah Air National Guard Unveils New Tail Flash Honoring Legacy and Innovation

  • Published
  • By TSgt Nicholas Perez
  • 151st Wing

The Utah Air National Guard proudly unveiled new tail flash art for their KC-135 Test Detachment tanker at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base on August 20, 2024.

The design of the new tail flash prominently features the Mountain West Militia Minuteman, with a striking blue and mountainous backdrop. The red stripe at the top pays homage to the original F-86 tails that once flew in Utah, connecting the present to the Guard’s storied history.

Tail flashes hold deep significance within military aviation, serving as powerful symbols of unit identity and pride. "When you’re out in the system, whether TDY or deployed, seeing your unit's tail flash evokes a sense of pride in your aircraft and your organization," said Col. Jeffrey Gould, 151st Operations Group commander. "That's my unit, those are my people flying a mission.' It's a source of motivation, whether you are a pilot, maintainer, work in finance or security forces; that tail flash represents your organization and the pride of being a part of something bigger than you."

Aircraft 275, the jet bearing the new tail flash, has been a cornerstone of the Test Detachment for the past five years, playing a crucial role in aircraft modernization. Aircraft 275 has been instrumental in implementing significant advancements, including the Real-Time Information Cockpit (RTIC) system, tactical data links through Link-16 and Situational Awareness Datalink (SADL), and beyond line-of-sight communications. Recently, the test detachment integrated Global Lightning Phase 2, featuring a StarLink antenna and Iridium Satcom antenna, which expands the platform’s capabilities even further. In modern warfare, every bit of data we can transfer off the airplane is just as valuable as the fuel it delivers. 

Col. Gould goes onto say “Every 1 and 0 I can transfer off the airplane is just as valuable as the gas I can transfer off the airplane”

Unlike previous tail flashes, which were applied as stickers and frequently damaged by weather and general flight conditions, the new design was meticulously hand-painted over five days. This durable paint job ensures the tail flash will withstand the elements and endure for years to come.

The unveiling of this tail flash is more than just a visual update; it represents the Utah Air National Guard’s pride and readiness to showcase their Mountain West Militia identity on a global stage.

-30-