The KC-10 Extender has completed its final combat mission, marking the end of a nearly four-decade era of service as it prepares for retirement.
The most recent KC-10 deployed overseas departed from Prince Sultan AB, a U.S.-operated outpost located in Saudi Arabia, on October 5, following its support for combat operations in the U.S. Central Command region.
Since 2002, the 908th EARS (Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron) has operated the KC-10 in various U.S.-led military campaigns against terrorist organizations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, primarily from Prince Sultan AB and Al Dhafra AB in the UAE.
The retirement of the KC-10 is part of the broader strategy of the Air Force to modernize its aging inventory.
The Air Force is phasing out the 59-strong fleet of Extender jets to make way for Boeing's new KC-46 Pegasus tanker, which boasts capacity to carry over 212,000 pounds of fuel, 65,000 pounds of cargo, and accommodate nearly 60 passengers.
The most recent KC-10 deployed overseas departed from Prince Sultan AB, a U.S.-operated outpost located in Saudi Arabia, on October 5, following its support for combat operations in the U.S. Central Command region.
Since 2002, the 908th EARS (Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron) has operated the KC-10 in various U.S.-led military campaigns against terrorist organizations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, primarily from Prince Sultan AB and Al Dhafra AB in the UAE.
The retirement of the KC-10 is part of the broader strategy of the Air Force to modernize its aging inventory.
The Air Force is phasing out the 59-strong fleet of Extender jets to make way for Boeing's new KC-46 Pegasus tanker, which boasts capacity to carry over 212,000 pounds of fuel, 65,000 pounds of cargo, and accommodate nearly 60 passengers.
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