ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. — Airmen from the 97th Air Mobility Wing’s demonstration teams represented Altus Air Force Base at Airshow London 2026, showcasing the aircraft, Airmen and capabilities behind the Air Force’s global mobility mission in London, Ontario, Aug. 21-23, 2026. Through aerial demonstrations, the U. S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, KC-46 Pegasus and C-17 Globemaster III demonstration teams came together to highlight the aircraft’s capabilities to move fuel, personnel and equipment around the world. “We have spectators here from 37 countries, 27 states and every province in Canada,” said Gerry Vanderhoek, Airshow London Sky Drive 2026 director of flight operations. “We have every branch of the U. S. military represented in our show, and Altus has been one of our fan favorites and definitely one of my favorite teams to have here.” The airshow also featured aerial demonstrations and static displays from a variety of U. S. and Canadian military aircraft, including U. S. Air Force F-22 Raptors, a B-52 Stratofortress, a P-38 Lightning and U. S. Air National Guard F-16 Fighting Falcons, which were refueled in flight by the KC-135 en route to and from the airshow. For the Altus demonstration team, the weekend was about more than aircraft. It was an opportunity to represent their mission and inspire spectators. “It’s so important for us to inspire the next generation, not only the next generation of Airmen but anyone who has a passion for aviation,” said U. S. Air Force Master Sgt. Alex Esquibel, 54th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 formal training unit evaluator boom operator. “Signing a child’s autograph or handing them a patch may seem like a small thing to us but those moments can mean so much to them and that’s what motivates me to keep coming back.” The KC-135 and KC-46 highlighted Altus’ aerial refueling mission while the C-17 represented the airlift side of the installation’s mission. Together, these aircraft reflect diverse training conducted at Altus AFB where mobility Airmen prepare to operate and maintain some of the Air Force’s most critical airlift and aerial refueling platforms. “Airshow London 2026 was incredibly welcoming supportive and excited to have us there,” said U. S. Air Force Maj. Luke Webb, 56th Air Refueling Squadron formal training unit instructor pilot. “It’s such a cool opportunity to see the enthusiasm people have for our tankers.” Behind every aircraft demonstration at the show were Airmen whose work makes it all happen. Pilots boom operators loadmasters maintainers and support personnel work together to ensure mobility aircraft are ready to train deploy and deliver airpower wherever they are needed. For the Airmen of Altus AFB when it comes down to it this event was another chance for them to represent their wing share their mission with others showcase why Victory Begins Here.  
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