Travis AFB to host final farewell for KC-10 Extender

Travis Air Force Base is set to bid farewell to the KC-10 Extender with a two-day event on September 25-26, 2024, marking the end of an era in air-to-air refueling operations.

A 380th Air Expeditionary Wing KC-10 Extender launches from an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Feb. 10, 2017. The KC-10s have contributed to Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve by offloading fuel to various Coalition aircraft working to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Tyler Woodward)


The 60th Air Mobility Wing, the last host wing for the KC-10A Extender, will lead the decommissioning ceremonies for the aircraft that has been in service since 1981. This event coincides with the full divestment of the KC-10 fleet in September 2024, as the Air Force transitions to the next-generation KC-46 Pegasus tanker.

On September 25, Travis will open its flightline from 9-11 a.m. for final tours of the KC-10. Base personnel and those with installation access will have the opportunity to view and walk through the aircraft one last time, offering a hands-on experience with this storied platform.

The main farewell ceremony is scheduled for September 26 at 9 a.m. in Hangar 46. This event will feature a keynote speaker and culminate in the final flight of a Travis KC-10, providing a fitting tribute to the aircraft’s legacy.

Col. Jay Johnson, 60th AMW commander and KC-10 pilot, reflected on the aircraft’s impact: “As a KC-10 flyer myself, it has been amazing to watch the global impact this aircraft has had. The Ten will continue supporting the mission right up until her last flight.”

As the KC-10 phases out, Travis AFB is preparing for a new chapter with the KC-46 Pegasus. Col. Johnson expressed enthusiasm for this transition, stating, “I am excited to watch the same sense of pride and community build as we transition to the next generation of tanker operations.”

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