Thirdly, the KC-10 SPO saw and seized several synergistic opportunities to aid other weapon systems throughout the disposition phase of the acquisition process. First, the KC-10 SPO solved multiple shortfalls in their sister tanker platforms, the KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-46 Pegasus with the transfer of flightline equipment saving over $4.8 million in base laydown for the KC-46, while achieving $16.1 million in future cost avoidance for the KC-135’s ability to refuel Navy and Allied combat aircraft. Next, the E-4B National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC) and the E-6 TACAMO Airborne Command Post received nine KC-10 Engines and hundreds of parts, solving E-4 depot shortfalls cutting 30 days of turnaround time off propulsion overhauls. Finally, numerous civil institutions received benefit from the KC-10 SPO’s proactive efforts to place excess inventory for public auction via the General Services Administration, with California and New Mexico firefighting entities, the State of Connecticut, and Florida propulsion inspection companies all benefiting from the excess defense articles that not only aided the public sector but also recouped over $13.7 million for the U.S. Treasury Department.
KC-10 Afghanistan Evacuation Source: USAF photo
Finally, these repeated adaptability, large-scale solutions, and innovative body of work produced by the small but mighty KC-10 SPO drew the attention of multiple high-level accolades. First, Air Mobility Command (AMC) was recognized by Aviation Week magazine as a 2022 Laurate Award Winner for Defense, for the 2021 Afghan Airlift. In this effort, the KC-10 SPO sustained the operational deployment of 40% of the entire KC-10 fleet to conduct the President’s number one priority executing Operation Allies Refuge contributing to the successful evacuation of 3,363 Afghan Nationals as part of the largest Non-combatant Evacuation Operation in American history. ( https://www.af.mil/ News/Article-Display/Article/3139085/in-reflection-a-look-back-at-operation-allies-refuge/ ). The focus of the KC-10 SPO to prioritize critical thinking and problem solving produced repeated and effective battle- field, acquisition, and sustainment solutions through every divestment process milestone. These accomplishments not only drew accolades from the customers of the KC-10 but also garnered the attention of multiple high-level ac- quisition political appointees. First, in 2023 the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition and Sustainment (SAF/AQ), the Honorable Andrew Hunter, awarded the KC-10 Program Office the 2023 Dr. James G. Roche Product Support Excellence Award presented to the Most Outstanding Program Office in the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, and U.S. Special Operations Command.
Far Left: Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. Informa Markets, a trading division of Informa PLC. Source: https://laureates.aviationweek.com/en/winners/ previous-winners.html Left: The 2023 Dr. James G. Roche Product Support
Excellence Award. Source: USAF photo
May-June 2025 | DEFENSE ACQUISITION
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