Secretary Wynne notes, however, that it remains an open question how long the existing fleet of KC-135s will last. The AOA was supposed to provide some insight into the life expectancy of the KC-135s, but the fact the Wynne raised the point indicates there isn’t a definitive answer yet. He gave no hint as to when the Pentagon might reach a conclusion. He did say that the KC-135 overhaul operation at Tinker AFB, Okla., is keeping the aircraft going remarkably well.
The U.S. military conducted strikes on Iranian targets around the Strait of Hormuz on May 7, as the conflict with Iran flared up again—though officials say the ceasefire remains in effect.