Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

C-135 “Stratolifter”

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 21, 2025

1. C-135 “Stratolifter” Marker

Inscription. The C-135 Stratolifter was the first strategic jet transport purchased by the Air Force as an interim long-range cargo aircraft. The C-135 was flown primarily for priority governmental and military passenger airlift, weather reconnaissance and general mission support.

The versatile Boeing airframe had almost 40 variants developed with the KC-135 tanker as the most common. The C-135 and its various power plants have been core workloads for the Oklahoma City ALC since the late 1950s.

Characteristics: Span: 131' • Length 136' • Height: 38' • Gross weight: 297,000 lbs • Top speed: 585 mph • Range: 1,150 miles with 120,000 lbs of payload

Dedicated September 1, 1993

Erected 1993.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Military. A significant historical date for this entry is September 1, 1993.

Location. 35° 26.014′ N, 97° 24.241′ W. Marker is in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in Oklahoma County. It is in Tinker Air Force Base. It can be reached from South Air Depot Boulevard south of Interstate 40, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Oklahoma

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City OK 73145, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Oklahoma — Frontier Country.

It is also in the American South,

specifically on the prairies,

and on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: F-4D “Phantom II” (a few steps from this marker); Douglas Aircraft Historic Buildings (a few steps from this marker); Tinker AFB Historic Buildings (a few steps from this marker); Tinker Air Force Base 75th Anniversary Time Capsule (within shouting distance of this marker); EA-6B “Prowler” (within shouting distance of this marker); B-29 “Superfortress” (within shouting distance of this marker); C-47 “Skytrain” (within shouting distance of this marker); “Rosie the Riveter” (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oklahoma City.

More about this marker.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 21, 2025

2. C-135 “Stratolifter” Marker

It is in Charles B. Hall Airpark at the entrance to Tinker Air Force Base. The airpark is open to the public from dawn to dusk daily unless heightened security warrants closure.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 11, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 100 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 11, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.