Four KC-135 air refueling aircraft from the Kansas National Guard 190th Air Refueling Wing, Forbes Field, Topeka, were flown earlier today to Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., as a precautionary move as the result of the severe weather threat for Northeast Kansas over the next 24 hours. Three other aircraft are being sheltered in hangers to protect them from the potential for large hail in the Shawnee County area.

The remainder of the aircraft from the 190th Air Refueling Wing had been deployed prior to the onset of threatening weather. The aircraft being flown to New Mexico are expected to return to Topeka once the threat of severe weather has passed.

"These aircraft are valuable assets not only for the state, but also for our national defense and security," said Maj. Gen (KS) Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general. "Moving them out of harm’s way is the sensible thing to do right now."

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