TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. —
From June 24-28, in a historic moment, the 60th Maintenance Squadron and the 660th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron completed a final A-check inspection on a KC-10 Extender marking the end of an era for the KC-10, which has been a cornerstone of air mobility and aerial refueling excellence.
The KC-10, a vital asset in the U.S. Air Force’s refueling fleet since the early 1980’s, has played an important role in extending the reach and endurance of U.S. and allied aircraft across the globe. Known for its fuel capacity, extended range and multi-role capabilities, the KC-10 has provided invaluable support in both combat and humanitarian missions.
For decades, maintenance members at Travis AFB have meticulously performed A-check inspections to ensure the aircraft’s airworthiness and operational readiness. Members check for wear and tear, perform necessary repairs and ensure that all systems are functioning correctly.
“An A-check is a week-long inspection performed on a KC-10,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Wessley Chandler, 60th MXS maintenance flight superintendent. “Each aircraft must be inspected every six months. If the inspection does not happen, the aircraft is grounded until the inspection is performed.”
This final inspection marks the end of a chapter in Team Travis’ operational history, closing one of the final pages in KC-10 history. By September 2024, the U.S. Air Force’s inventory of KC-10s will be decommissioned and gradually replaced by the new KC-46A Pegasus airframe.
“It’s a bummer that the KC-10 is leaving,” said Senior Airman Thomas Mihalyi, 60th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron inspection section team member. “We are moving to a whole new era of aircraft. We have already done four or five A-checks on the KC-46, and we are all learning.”
The KC-46A Pegasus, a next-generation tanker that offers advanced capabilities and improved efficiency, is the first phase in transitioning from the U.S. Air Force’s aging tanker fleet. The KC-46 has the ability to provide aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and partner-nation receivers.
