KC-10 provides unique experience for aircrew, spouses

A U.S. Air Force F-15 Strike Eagle assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing refuels from a KC-10 Extender Feb. 20, 2015, over the North Sea during an aerial refueling mission with the 514th Air Mobility Wing. The training familiarized F-15E Strike Eagle pilots with KC-10 formations and capabilities in the refueling process compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker they usually train with. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jonathan E. White/Released)

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KC-10 provides unique experience for aircrew, spouses

Capt. Matthew McCune, KC-10 Extender pilot, explains the capabilities of the KC-10 and F-15E Strike Eagle to a 48th Fighter Wing spouse during an aerial refueling mission over the North Sea Feb. 20, 2015. The flight gave spouses an opportunity to witness an aerial refueling mission firsthand and a better understanding of the jobs their loved ones perform on a regular basis. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jonathan E. White/Released)

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KC-10 provides unique experience for aircrew, spouses

Spouses from the 48th Fighter Wing pose in front of a KC-10 Extender after participating in an aerial refueling mission over the North Sea Feb. 20, 2015. This flight gave spouses an opportunity to witness a mission firsthand and a better understanding of the jobs their loved ones perform on a regular basis. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jonathan E. White/Released)

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KC-10 provides unique experience for aircrew, spouses

Published March 10, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Dawn M. Weber
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- The 48th Fighter Wing recently hosted a unique training opportunity for aircrew to maximize their flying program, while also allowing spouses to see their counterparts at work.

Liberty Wing pilots rehearsed aerial refueling with a KC-10 Extender, assigned to the 514th Air Mobility Wing, to gain new perspectives.

The training familiarized F-15E Strike Eagle pilots with KC-10 formations and capabilities in the refueling process compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker they usually train with. said Capt. Matthew McCune, KC-10 pilot, in an article with the 514th AMW.

Capitalizing on an opportunity to make the mission two-fold, military spouses were offered a chance to see firsthand what their loved ones do on a daily basis by boarding the KC-10 and observing aerial refueling in action.

Col. Robert Novotny, 48th FW commander, said the flight was a great opportunity for Liberty Wing spouses to see the coordination it takes to bring about mission success.

"Liberty Airmen aren't just 'Forward, Ready, Now,'" said Novotny. "At the moment, the 48th Fighter Wing is well ahead of other fighter wings regarding flying hour program success. That's a huge testament to the dedication and cooperation of our Airmen, as it takes many members in different roles to execute our primary mission: generating combat airpower."