The U.S. Air Force will retire the KC-10A Extender in September 2024, marking the end of 43 years of service for the aerial refueling tanker. The last KC-10 test bird recently flew its final flight, with the 70th Air Refueling Squadron flying the tanker to its final resting place at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.

Photo by Dennis Santarinala Lt. Col. Judson Darrow, 349th Operations Group deputy commander at Travis AFB, commented on the overall experience of flying the retired aircraft. “The final flight of #79-1951 was very special to me. It was also my last mission with the 70th ARS and flying the KC-10 before I retire this year,” said Darrow. “I have flown the ‘10’ for 20 years and have been part of the squadron for 17 of those years. To fly the last mission of this amazing aircraft with a great crew from throughout the KC-10 community was a perfect ending to my Air Force career.”

KC-10A #79-1951 has been a workhorse for the Air Force and has been a test aircraft for over 40 years. It has been a privilege for many Air Force personnel to work with the reserve units and fly on the only KC-10A test bird. The working relationship between the 70th ARS and 418th FLTS has been crucial for flight tests and certification for all receiver pairings.

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