August 31, 2006

Aug. 31, 2006
The KC-135 tanker marks 50 years since its first flight. USAF receives the first production KC-135 in June 1957.

Related Content

What to Watch for the Air Force as House, Senate Advance Differing Defense Bills

July 17, 2025
The Senate Armed Services Committee this week released the full text of its version of the 2026 defense policy bill—often referred to as the National Defense Authorization Act—that would allow the Air Force and Space Force to spend billions of dollars more than the services had sought for next year.

HASC’s Draft Authorization Would Save E-7, Block A-10 Retirements

July 16, 2025
The House Armed Services Committee on July 15 passed its draft of the 2026 defense policy bill, 55-2, in a late-night vote following nearly 14 hours of debate over hot-button issues ranging from President Donald Trump’s desire to use a Qatari jet as Air Force One to cutting military aid…

Defense Policy Nominee Has Advocated Merging NRO and Space System Command

July 16, 2025
Combining the National Reconnaissance Office with the Space Force's Space Systems Command could help turbocharge national security space acquisition, argues Mark Berkowitz, the Trump administration's nominee to be assistant secretary of defense for space policy, in a newly published essay he coauthored.  

Air Force Claims $10.4B in DOGE Savings, Most from Consultants and Contractors

July 16, 2025
The Department of the Air Force is claiming more than $10 billion in savings as part of President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Air Force Secretary Troy Meink. The department did not provide a full breakdown of the savings, but…