Few airframes have lasted as long as the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, which is commemorating the 60th anniversary of its first flight later this month.

The heavily modified Boeing 707 commercial transport flew for the first time on Aug. 31, 1956. Today the workhorse plays an integral role in supporting air campaigns in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, including over Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan.

As an aerial refueler, the Stratotanker enables other aircraft to remain on station for longer periods of time to carry out their missions. Boeing’s new KC-46 is scheduled to start replacing the longest-serving Stratotankers in 2017.

Check out this video by a Stars and Stripes reporter of a KC-135 conducting a refueling mission in support of the air campaign against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

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