LOCAL NEWS

Utah Jazz logo marks Utah Air National Guard aircraft

Jul 20, 2023, 10:16 AM

Utah Air National Guardsmen attend the unveiling ceremony of Utah Jazz nose art on a KC-135 at the ...

Utah Air National Guardsmen attend the unveiling ceremony of Utah Jazz nose art on a KC-135 at the Utah Air National Guard in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. (Laura Seitz/Deseret News)

(Laura Seitz/Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — People around the world will see the Utah Jazz logo on the side of a KC-135 aircraft following a collaboration between the Utah Air National Guard and the state’s NBA team.

Utah Jazz dancers unveiled the nose art on the front left side of the plane at a ceremony at Roland R. Wright Air Guard Base on Wednesday.

“We’re proud to mount our logo on this plane. It’s more than a logo — it’s representative of who we want to be, and being proud members of this community,” said Utah Jazz President Jim Olson.

He spoke about the strength of the long-term relationship between the Utah Jazz and Utah Air National Guard, but said the logo on the plane represents much more than a collaboration.

“It represents Utah and it represents all the good things of Utah,” Olson said. “We have incredible women and men who sacrifice and serve in all the different branches of the armed forces. It’s just another example of different groups, different agencies, different organizations coming together to show their support, our support, of what a great place Utah is.”

Utah Jazz dancers Layla Pope and Jill Cardenas unveil Utah Jazz nose art on a KC-135 at the Utah Air National Guard in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. (Laura Seitz/Deseret News)

Col. Brandon Taylor, 151st Air Refueling Wing commander, explained that nose art originated during World War II and has traditionally been a way for pilots to express their origins and interests, along with their connection to their community.

There are two full-time crew chiefs on each plane at the Utah Air National Guard and they get to select the nose art for their plane. The Utah Jazz logo is unique to this KC-135 aircraft.

Taylor said the support from Utah Jazz and other community organizations has been instrumental to their success, including the legislative support and funding that helps retain military members.

“We would not be able to do what we do without the support of our community partners and the Utah community as a whole,” Taylor said. “Freedom isn’t free. We love our life, but we don’t know what it costs, and having those partners helps us to provide that right and helps us to attract those people into the military.”

He added that the nose art will serve not just as a symbol to the community, but to the world.

“We’ll be able to show that Utah Jazz symbol all over the world, because this airplane will travel all over the world,” Taylor said.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

(Chopper 5, KSL TV)...

Josh Ellis

1 dead in crash that temporarily closed SB I-15 in Utah County

One person was killed in a crash on southbound I-15 near Pleasant Grove Thursday morning.

1 hour ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

Crews respond to avalanche near Lone Peak, multiple skiers missing

Multiple organizations are responding to an avalanche near Little Cottonwood Canyon with multiple missing skiers. 

2 hours ago

A memorial for Santaquin officer Sgt. Bill Hooser is seen outside the police station in Santaquin o...

Andrew Adams

Large crowd gathers in Santaquin for vigil honoring Sgt. Bill Hooser

A large but somber crowd gathered at Centennial Park Wednesday for a vigil honoring Sgt. Bill Hooser, who was killed in the line of duty.

2 hours ago

Gal Gadot, Chris Stapleton, Taylor Swift, Keanu Reeves among many other celebrities have had their ...

Matt Gephardt

Utahns are losing money and their personal info to celebrity imposter scams

A Utah man contacted the KSL Investigators to ask us to verify if he was messaging the real Gal Gadot of “Wonder Woman” fame through social media.

14 hours ago

A man in Rose Park said he was carjacked at gunpoint after listing a car for sale on Facebook Marke...

Debbie Worthen

Man said he was carjacked at gunpoint after listing car on Facebook Marketplace

A Rose Park man said he was carjacked at gunpoint after listing it for sale on Facebook and meeting up with who he thought was a potential buyer.

15 hours ago

Michelle Obama walks onstage during The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times - in Conversa...

Mary Culbertson

Michelle Obama pays visit to Salt Lake bookshop on ‘secret mission’

Former first lady Michelle Obama paid a surprise visit to a bookstore in Salt Lake City to sign copies of her new book, surprising locals, and buying a few books for herself.

16 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Electrician repairing ceiling fan with lamps indoors...

Lighting Design

Stay cool this summer with ceiling fans

When used correctly, ceiling fans help circulate cool and warm air. They can also help you save on utilities.

Side view at diverse group of children sitting in row at school classroom and using laptops...

PC Laptops

5 Internet Safety Tips for Kids

Read these tips about internet safety for kids so that your children can use this tool for learning and discovery in positive ways.

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Utah Jazz logo marks Utah Air National Guard aircraft