186 ARW Unveils New Tail Art on KC-135 Aircraft
Key Field Air National Guard Base, Miss. -- The 186th Air Refueling Wing unveiled new tail design artwork on one of the KC-135R aircraft assigned to the Wing on September 22, 2026. The artwork showcases the Wing’s Mississippi roots and Meridian’s aviation heritage.
Tail art traces its roots to the early days of military aviation, when markings on aircraft tails and rudders were first used primarily to identify aircraft and distinguish friendly forces. During World War I and the years that followed, these markings evolved to include colors, stripes, numbers and unit insignia, gradually becoming symbols of squadron and unit identity. Over time, units painted tails not only as identifiers, but as a visible representation of the unit history, heritage and pride. In this spirit of esprit de corps, the tradition continues today.
The artwork features the iconic “Key Bros” logo, honoring Meridian aviation pioneers Al and Fred Key, whose work helped advance air-to-air refueling technology. The brothers became interested in aviation following World War I and went on to make aviation history in 1935 when they remained airborne for 27 days over Meridian using air-to-air refueling. Their achievement established the aviation legacy that continues at Key Field today.
Shayne Meder, also known as “Fly Girl Painter,” painted the aircraft’s tail art, incorporating the Mississippi coat of arms and the American flag to connect the aircraft to its Mississippi roots and warfighting mission. She completed the hand-painted design over nearly two weeks, supported by extensive preparation, masking, equipment movement, and high-lift operations conducted with the painting team and Key Field personnel.
Meder, a retired U.S. Air Force aircraft mechanic who went on to serve in Strategic Air Command (SAC), gives back to the military through her passion for aircraft art. She began painting nose art in the 1980s and later started “Fly Girl Painter” in the 1990s, expanding her work to tail art. As a veteran with firsthand knowledge of aircraft, Meder brings a unique understanding to each project. She donates her time and talent free of charge, using her work to honor military aviation, boost morale and give back to the Air Force.
“Shayne did an incredible job, and I could not be more pleased with how it turned out,” said 186th Air Refueling Wing Commander Col. Robby Brady. “She affectionately named the aircraft “Liberty,” and I could not think of a more fitting name. The elements of the design highlighted by the American flag pay tribute to the cost of freedom, and it honors our country, our state, and the legacy of the men and women who have gone before us. We are forever grateful to them, and we are forever grateful to Shayne for brilliantly capturing that sentiment in her work.”
With its new artwork, this tanker now carries a visible reminder of the history, innovation and aerial refueling heritage that have defined Key Field and the 186th Air Refueling Wing for generations. It is with this same tenacity, professionalism and courage that the 186th Air Refueling Wing will fly, fight and win our nation’s wars in the decades to come.
The 186th Air Refueling Wing provides over 1,100 personnel and eight KC-135R aircraft to Air Mobility Command for worldwide operations. Additional units at Key Field include the 238th Contingency Response Squadron, the 248th Combat Airfield Operations Squadron, and the 186th Air Operations Group.
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