CMSAF Rodney McKinley took 11 airmen from USAF’s major commands on a visit to United Airlines’ San Francisco airport facility to study that company’s lean practices. The two-day excursion was part of a training course designed to aid the Air Force’s implementation of its smart operations for the 21st century (AFSO21) program. Why United Airlines? Ron Ritter, AFSO21 special assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force, said the airline “implemented the idea while under intense pressure and stress” and was successful.
KC-46’s Refueling Boom Damaged While Refueling F-22s
July 8, 2025
A U.S. Air Force KC-46 tanker suffered damage to its boom while refueling F-22 Raptors off the coast of Virginia on July 8, Air & Space Forces Magazine has confirmed, with reported radio communication from the crew indicating the boom “detached.”