X user @AirAssets reported jets from Langley Air Force Base departing quietly during the 29-minute window ending 3:45 a.m. UTC on Dec. 26, 2025, stating "Langley jets just snuck out and we’re being quiet…something is up and it’s not a fucking training mission," according to a post including video. Concurrently, X user @ArmchairAdml identified callsigns for four KC-135 Stratotankers from MacDill Air Force Base. @ArmchairAdml's update at 3:09 a.m. UTC listed the aircraft as AE0654 (58-0071, DREW 06), AE0152 (63-8034, DREW 09), AE014C (63-8025, DREW 04), and AE0374 (57-1508, DREW 11), noting these as likely callsign identifications for the four that departed MacDill, crediting @TheIntelFrog and tagging multiple defense tracking accounts. @AirAssets cited video footage issues due to a window screen, advising viewers to turn up the sound in the post from https://x.com/AirAssets/status/2004367992902373724. These developments follow the activation of nine U.S. Air Force tankers, including these KC-135s, for Operation Southern Spear refueling mission from MacDill, Cecil Airport in Florida, and McConnell Air Force Base, as reported by @ArmchairAdml in the prior window ending 3:15 a.m. UTC.
