{"id":25997,"date":"2018-06-12T21:57:04","date_gmt":"2018-06-12T21:57:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/uncategorized\/2018\/06\/12\/commentary-the-kc-46-is-a-capability-america-depends-on-in-any-universe\/"},"modified":"2026-08-07T20:49:36","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T20:49:36","slug":"commentary-the-kc-46-is-a-capability-america-depends-on-in-any-universe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/commentary\/2018\/06\/12\/commentary-the-kc-46-is-a-capability-america-depends-on-in-any-universe\/","title":{"rendered":"Commentary: The KC-46 is a capability America depends on in any universe"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If the iconic \u201cStar Wars<\/a>\u201d character Han Solo<\/a> served in the U.S. Air Force, he\u2019d almost assuredly be assigned to a tanker<\/a> or airlift<\/a> squadron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solo, however unconventional the methods, is foundational to mission success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luke Skywalker<\/a> and the troops can get little done without Solo and the delivery of critical supplies and fuel. The Alliance<\/a> depends on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the course of the Star Wars franchise, Hollywood gave top billing to Solo, the mobility pilot, who is also a mechanic, leader, and many other roles as needs arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even in the movies, an old saying rings true: in wartime, professionals always think logistics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solo delivers hope, relief, and resolve, much like today\u2019s Air Force mobility troops, who underpin the American military\u2019s lethality and, when the need arises, are a finely tuned instrument of diplomacy delivering disaster relief and enabling humanitarian assistance around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well into the future, American military success in warfare will depend in large part on refueling tankers<\/a> and cargo planes \u2014 they are arguably one of a handful of assets and capabilities that allows the United States to remain a global power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That advantage is not guaranteed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the refueling tankers give the Air Force global reach, the Air Force\u2019s capable and consistent tanker fleet, like Solo\u2019s Millennium Falcon, is a bit long in the tooth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The KC-135 fleet is over 55 years old. World-class teams reload, and that is exactly what the U.S. Air Force is doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To borrow words publicly highlighted on Boeing\u2019s web site, the KC-46 is a multi-role aircraft capable of refueling \u201call U.S., allied and coalition aircraft\u201d with the ability to \u201cdetect, avoid, defeat, and survive threats.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s exciting! This is more than an airplane. It\u2019s a weapons system!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I recently traveled to McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, the first installation slated to receive the KC-46, to get a better sense of what the aircraft means to airmen and the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I saw airman and installation preparedness and readiness to receive the new refueling tanker and genuine pride in their role. Equally visible was the community and civic support for the mission and what it means for the nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Arlen Honts, a civic leader, noted that Wichita prides itself on being the Air Capital of the World \u2014 known for its rich history of making airplanes and aircraft components. He is also mindful of the base\u2019s role on the Air Force team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Honts pointed out with pride: \u201cWithout fuel, the rest of the Air Force cannot do its job.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Two U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagles fly in formation after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron during a aerial refueling mission in support of Operation Inherent Resolve over Iraq, May 5, 2018. The 340th EARS is assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Operations Group and supports various operations in countries such as Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan.(Staff Sgt. Keith James\/Air Force)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This is true. Air Force tankers have served a leading role and have been a workhorse in the current war.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlighting the value of tankers in ensuring joint warfighter effects, Operation Inherent Resolve, the war against ISIS, has been called a \u201ctanker war\u201d by those charged with executing the mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This moniker came about as acknowledgment to its vital role. After all, more than 40 percent of all U.S. Air Force sorties flown in the war against ISIS are flown by tankers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Timely global reach and persistence relies on the tanker force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting the KC-46 adds to America\u2019s military might and ability to help those in need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assuredly, moments of discovery are part of the aircraft development and testing process. Airmen are relying on Boeing\u2019s ingenuity to deliver a capability America and the joint force deserves.<\/p>\n\n\n\t