The U.S. Air Force marked the end of an era as it decommissioned its last KC-10 Extender, with tail number 91948, during a ceremony at Travis Air Force Base on Sept. 26, 2024.
Military leaders, veterans, and local community members gathered to commemorate the aircraft’s 44-year service history.
The event, hosted by Col. Jay Johnson, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, featured remarks from senior officials and a keynote speech by retired Gen. Paul Selva, former vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
“What I want to do is say thank you to all of you, to every one of you, for everything you have given that [KC-10] machine,” Selva said.
“Whether you are a maintainer, an operator, or a member of the support team that makes it possible for us to fly the airplane, you have made the reputation that is the KC-10.”
The KC-10, a derivative of the McDonnell Douglas DC-10, entered service in 1981. It played a crucial role in aerial refueling and airlift operations, supporting combat missions, humanitarian efforts, and allied partnerships worldwide.
Gen. John Lamontagne, Air Mobility Command commander, praised the aircraft’s legacy and the personnel who supported it.
“Your chests should be really high with broad shoulders. You have made magic happen with your predecessors for the last 44 years,” he said.
Throughout its service, the KC-10 participated in numerous operations, including Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Allied Force, and Enduring Freedom.
The aircraft also played a significant role in Operation Allies Refuge, the largest non-combatant evacuation operation in U.S. history.
As the KC-10 retires, the Air Force is replacing it with the KC-46A Pegasus. To date, 88 KC-46s have been delivered.
The 60th Air Mobility Wing at Travis AFB will transition to the new aircraft to continue providing air refueling capabilities.
The final KC-10 will be transferred to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, for preservation and potential parts reclamation.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin emphasized the human element behind the aircraft’s success.
“We can never forget that it was not the metal that made the KC-10 great – it was the people,” he said in a video address.
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