Wing Commander Takes Flight in KC-135 Boom Pod Simulator Published April 15, 2025 By Airman 1st Class Daisy Quevedo SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- U.S. Air Force Col. John Poole, 375th Air Mobility Wing commander, visited the 906th Air Refueling Squadron to participate in a KC-135 Boom Pod Simulator session at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, April 10, 2025. U.S. Air Force Col. John Poole, 375th Air Mobility Wing commander, grips the simulator throttle as Staff Sgt. Matthew Ronnfeldt, 906th Air Refueling Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of operations, highlights key visual cues on the display during an immersive KC-135 boom operations training tour on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, April 10, 2025. The two reviewed boom alignment techniques inside the simulator. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Daisy Quevedo) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Staff Sgt. Matthew Ronnfeldt, 906th ARS noncommissioned officer in charge of current operations, led Poole through a series of hands-on refueling scenarios that simulated real-world conditions. Ronnfeldt emphasized the rewarding nature of training new boom operators as they gain confidence and develop their skills for aerial refueling missions. "My favorite part is watching new boom operators grow from being nervous about flying and conducting air refueling to seeing it click in their head," said Ronnfeldt. "They build confidence and start to understand the systems. Having a front-row seat to watch that transformation is really rewarding." The comprehensive simulation included day and nighttime operations in different aircraft types under various weather conditions. These variables tested critical decision-making and operational skills essential for in-flight refueling. A monitor displays U.S. Air Force Col. John Poole’s view from inside the KC-135 Boom Pod Simulator during a refueling scenario at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, April 10, 2025. The simulation featured detailed instrument panels, including azimuth, elevation, and telescoping measurements. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Daisy Quevedo) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The experience gave Poole a deeper appreciation for the technical precision, focus, and situational awareness required of boom operators during in-flight refueling missions. Poole's visit emphasized the 906th crucial role in maintaining the U.S. Air Force’s global reach and sustaining combat airpower.