The lumbering formation of KC-10s taxing out is affectionately known to aircrew and maintainers as an “Elephant Walk.” 'Elephant Walk' is a unique Air Force term introduced during World War II, eventually becoming a part of the Air Force's institutional language. The Army Air Corps' large fleet of bombers would regularly conduct attacks by sorties comprising more than 1,000 aircraft. Observers commented that the nose-to-tail, single-file taxi movements of the heavily-laden bombers paralleled the nose-to-tail trail of lumbering elephants on their way to the next watering hole. The term stuck and the Elephant Walk remained commonplace through the Cold War when large formations of tankers and bombers would execute taxi drills routinely. (U.S. Air Force photo by Russell Meseroll/Released)
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Russell MeserollReleased
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