We reported in Wednesday’s Daily Report column that the Air Force plans to recapitalize its aerial tanker fleet in three steps, labeled KC-X, KC-Y, and KC-Z. Previously, service officials have said the KC-X and KC-Y acquisition programs were meant to replace the KC-135 fleet and the KC-Z procurement would replace the KC-10 fleet. However, an Air Force spokesman said on Oct. 30 the service has modified this approach. “The strategy for KC-135 recapitalization is a three-increment approach [KC-X, KC-Y, and KC-Z]. Where the KC-10 may fit in this recapitalization has not yet been determined,” said the spokesman. Worth noting: senior Air Force officials—including Air Mobility Command chief Gen. Paul Selva—have said recently divesting the KC-10 fleet might be among the “vertical cuts” the Air Force would consider if it must manage to budget-sequester-level spending levels or less.
How Miss America 2024 Took the Air Force Somewhere New
Dec. 20, 2024
When 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh became the first ever active service member crowned Miss America on Jan. 14, top Air Force officials recognized a rare opportunity to reach women and girls who otherwise might not consider military service as an option.