128th Air Refueling Wing Unveils Command Jet’s New Heritage Design

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Cynthia Yang
  • 128th Air Refueling Wing
MILWAUKEE, Wis. --  The 128th Air Refueling Wing unveiled a KC-135 Stratotanker Command Jet featuring a heritage design that reflects the unit’s pride and the history of Milwaukee City, at General Mitchell Air National Guard Base, July 1, 2025.

The new design includes a large flying stein on the tail, the markings “Milwaukee” and “Brew City Tankers,” and a Strategic Air Command (SAC) stripe with star constellations and the wing’s shield running across the fuselage. The paint scheme also incorporates blue and yellow to represent the unit’s shield, the Milwaukee flag, and the Milwaukee Brewers. Additional details include barley artwork, eyebrow paint, and Crew Chief name blocks with the outline of Wisconsin.

“The major elements of this design help to connect the 128th Air Refueling Wing, the city of Milwaukee, and the hometown pride felt by unit members,” said Master Sgt. Elizabeth Cywinski, 128ARW Structural Maintenance Specialist and Command Jet Repaint Lead Coordinator.

Each feature of the jet was carefully chosen to represent the unit’s mission, identity, and connection to Milwaukee. The flying stein, a symbol dating back to 1963, ties to the wing’s nickname, Brew City Tankers, representing historical unity and mission focus. The bold “Milwaukee” tail flash highlights local pride, while the barley detail pays tribute to the city’s rich brewing heritage. The SAC stripe honors the unit’s legacy under Strategic Air Command, and the blue and yellow color scheme connects visually to the unit emblem, the city flag, and the Milwaukee Brewers.

“A display as prominent as the stein on the tail helps to amplify pride and dedication—not only for the maintainers and aircrew, but for all personnel across the base that make the mission possible,” said Cywinski, “It has become a symbol; it motivates, binds, and connects the members, rallying and driving us toward mission accomplishment and the delivery of exceptional airpower.”

Adding to that pride, the heritage design and its application were completed by the unit’s own Airmen, making the aircraft not just a symbol of tradition but also a reflection of the skill and commitment of those who serve at the 128ARW.

The heritage jet stands as a powerful symbol of the wing’s pride, professionalism, and unity, serving as a visual reminder of the unit’s legacy and the people behind the mission and its continued success.

“It is a symbol for all to see, binding unit members and our unique history,” said Cywinski, “A statement of the unit’s esprit de corps for all to see.”