KC-10s continue completing missions in Southwest Asia

Photo By Master Sgt. Jenifer Calhoun | A pilot guides a KC-10 Extender as it returns from a a combat air refueling mission during operations on the flightline at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia, Jan. 23. The KC-10, assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., is one of Air Mobility Command's air refueling aircraft deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility that provides the "global reach" for Air Force and Department of Defense aircraft through air refueling operations for Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

01.28.2010

Story by Senior Airman Jenifer Calhoun 

380th Air Expeditionary Wing

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- A KC-10 Extender, assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, returned from a combat air refueling mission to a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia, Jan. 23.

According to its Air Force fact sheet, the KC-10 Extender is an Air Mobility Command advanced tanker and cargo aircraft designed to provide increased global mobility for U.S. armed forces. Although the KC-l0's primary mission is aerial refueling, it can combine the tasks of a tanker and cargo aircraft by refueling fighters and simultaneously carry the fighter support personnel and equipment on overseas deployments. The KC-10 is also capable of transporting litter and ambulatory patients using patient support pallets during aeromedical evacuations.

Additionally, the KC-10 can transport up to 75 people and nearly 170,000 pounds (76,560 kilograms) of cargo a distance of about 4,400 miles (7,040 kilometers) unrefueled.

The KC-10s deployed to the 908th EARS in Southwest Asia are a part of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. The 380th AEW is comprised of four groups and 12 squadrons and the wing's deployed mission includes air refueling, surveillance, and reconnaissance in support of overseas contingency operations in Southwest Asia. The wing supports Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

• Date Taken: 01.28.2010
• Date Posted: 01.28.2010 00:40
• Story ID: 44538
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)