Modernization

  • Published
  • By Col. Mark Dillon
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Last week, this commentary focused on Team Travis' synergistic air mobility partnerships which "fuel the fight" consistent with Air Mobility Command's third priority. 

Our war-winning "fueling" actions are possible through these optimized mobility partners, and by also remaining focused on AMC's fourth priority -- preparation of mobility forces for the future. 

Innovative preparation is required to support operational requirements and overcome challenges our enterprise currently faces. The statement, "Gentleman, we are out of money, therefore we will have to think," made by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill to Parliament during World War II is very applicable today. Simple and direct, his challenge highlights the importance of innovation to remain successful despite fiscal constraints. 

To maintain our status as the world's greatest air mobility force, we must optimize future mission effectiveness through the innovative preparation of our processes and equipment. The primary air mobility enhancement requirement is the acquisition of a new air-to-air refueler. Current aerial refueling operations are accomplished by Airmen who operate, maintain and sustain the KC-10 Extenders and KC-135 Stratotankers. 

In the 80 years since the first aerial-refueling mission, this force-extending capability has afforded numerous strategic and tactical advantages. However, to maintain these advantages our aging KC-135 fleet, which has been in service since 1957, must be replaced. Acquiring the next generation tanker, the KC-X, is crucial to our future, for if the KC-135 fleet was to be utilized until its projected flying hour lifetime, it would be in service for 80 years. The acquisition of a new, innovative tanker will minimize operational risk and maintenance costs. 

We have come a long way in terms of efficiency and effectiveness since the first air-refueling mission. That evolution occurred gradually by implementing continual process-improvement measures into daily practice. As we await the acquisition of the KC-135's replacement, we must remain focused on the preparation of our mobility force to ensure continued success. In doing so, Team Travis and our partners will continue to provide global air mobility, and thus, fuel our nation's fight. 

This is the perfect time to accept Prime Minister Churchill's challenge to ensure we remain the most powerful Air Force the world has ever known. I know you will rise to the occasion to once again prove we are "America's First Choice." Keep up the innovative preparation of our force!