McConnell AFB, Kan., inactivated its oldest KC-135 refueling squadron to make room for the next generation KC-46 tanker. The 384th Air Refueling Squadron, which formed 43 years ago, closed on Sept. 30. For 20 years, the 384th was the only refueling squadron at the base and now the Air Force will figure out if the “Squarepatchers” will reactivate at another base, according to an 18th Air Force release. Three squadrons will remain at McConnell and fly the KC-46 beginning in 2017.
The Department of the Air Force wants to launch a construction boom with its fiscal 2027 budget, more than doubling its request over 2026, according to budget documents.