KC-46 aerial tankers from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., landed in the Middle East in early October, beginning the refueler’s first-ever operational deployment.
KC-46s previously operated out of Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, in 2022, as part of an Employment Concept Exercise meant to help validate and clear the Pegasus for operational duty. But not until now have KC-46s deployed for full-scale operational use, according to a news release. The deployment establishes a regular rotation of KC-46s in the Middle East for years to come.
In September 2022, Air Mobility Command cleared the KC-46 for worldwide deployments and combatant commander taskings, including in combat. Since then, Pegasus jets have participated in training exercises, stateside taskings, and operated in the Indo-Pacific, and Europe, and South America. But combat operations were limited.
“While the KC-46A has operated in CENTCOM previously, this deployment is building the foundation for sustained KC-46A expeditionary operations,” said Maj. Andrew Doenitz, commander of the new expeditionary squadron. “It’s been a team effort across the enterprise to prepare for the KC-46A Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron stand-up, and I’m proud of our Airmen for playing a role in this historic achievement.”
The KC-46s deployed and were ready to operate rapidly, the Air Force said. Given only 72 hours notice to generate forces and deploy, the 305th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron was established for the deployment. Several support agencies from the 305th Air Mobility Wing and 87th Air Base Wing across Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., worked to get the entire Mission Generation Force Element trained, equipped and prepared to deploy.
The unit made its first operational sortie Oct. 8. The Air Force has surged aircraft into the region as tensions rose between Iran and Israel.
The Air Force called the 305th a mission generation force element, new nomenclature related to its evolving force generation and deployment model. It carried with additional capabilities, including expanded connectivity, increased fuel capacity, and onboard aeromedical evacuation equipment.
The aircraft also brought a Deployable Air Refueling Support Hub kit containing every mission planning cell component they needed and enabling the unit to begin air tasking orders within 48 hours of arrival.
Air Forces Central deactivated KC-10 and KC-135 Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadrons, though KC-135s continue to operate in the region.
Airmen and KC-46s from Pease Air National Guard Base, N.H., had been poised to make the first Pegasus deployment, but that plan was nixed by “emerging requirements within the AOR” and the tasking went to the 305th Air Mobility Wing instead, the release noted.