The Air Force civil engineers that keep the water flowing—and treated—at Kirkuk AB, Iraq, and Forward Operating Base Warrior, are critical because unlike stateside where treated water may go into a stream or river to be reabsorbed into the environment, the water in Iraq goes directly back into the water table from whence it came. It is non-potable water—not used for drinking—but, officials say, the more than 100,000 gallons of waste water CE treats each day still must go through a 12-hour cleaning process.
Boeing received a $2.47 billion Air Force contract Nov. 25 for 15 more KC-46s, bringing to 183 the number of Pegasus tankers on contract to all customers, foreign and domestic. The new contract—for Lot 12 of the initially planned KC-46 buy—is to be completed by 2029.
