A farewell to Gucci 10 and remembering the Berlin Airlift
A farewell to Gucci 10 and remembering the Berlin Airlift
The last KC-10 retires and looking back on the incredible logistical effort in Berlin
“Those who study warfare only in the light of history think of the next war in terms of the last. But those who neglect history deprive themselves of a yardstick by which theory can be measured.”
-Cyril Falls
Mission Briefing
On 26 September 2024, a chapter in the U.S. Air Force's history came to an end as the last KC-10 Extender, tail number 79-1948, embarked on its final journey. Taking off from Travis Air Force Base, this legendary refueling tanker flew to the Boneyard in Arizona, marking the end of its remarkable 44 years of service. Known for its exceptional fuel capacity and comfort, the KC-10 Extender played a pivotal role in both combat and peace-time operations.
Background on the KC-10 Extender
Derived from the civilian McDonnell Douglas DC-10 airliner, the KC-10 Extender was developed to meet the U.S. Air Force's growing need for a versatile, long-range refueling aircraft. Introduced in 1981, the KC-10 supplemented and eventually replaced the aging KC-135 Stratotanker. One of the most significant features of the KC-10 was its enormous fuel capacity—nearly 356,000 pounds of fuel, almost twice that of the KC-135. This made it an ideal choice for supporting long-range missions, especially in modern combat scenarios where aerial refueling has become a key enabler of air superiority.
Beyond its refueling capabilities, the KC-10 also provided cargo and personnel transport, adding to its versatility. Equipped with both a boom and a hose-and-drogue system, it could refuel a wide variety of aircraft from fighters to cargo planes, all in the same mission. With just 60 of these tankers built, the KC-10's contributions far outstripped its relatively small fleet size, especially during major U.S. military operations.
Throughout its service, the KC-10 played a critical role in many military operations, including the 1986 mission known as Operation El Dorado Canyon. This mission, a retaliatory strike against Libyan targets, made history as the longest fighter combat mission at that time. The KC-10's ability to refuel the strike package mid-flight was instrumental in the success of the mission. In fact, during numerous military campaigns, from the Gulf War to Operation Enduring Freedom, the KC-10 became an irreplaceable asset for long-range air operations.
Affectionately nicknamed "Gucci-10" by crews, the aircraft earned a reputation for being a highly reliable and comfortable tanker. The name "Gucci" signified the sense of pride and exclusivity that came with serving on this aircraft, particularly at the 9th Air Refueling Squadron. The squadron, based at Travis Air Force Base, adopted “Gucci” as a badge of honor, representing the standard of excellence embodied by both the aircrew and the aircraft itself. Its spacious cockpit and comfortable conditions in the crew compartment led to the additional moniker “Big Sexy,” further highlighting its unique place in the Air Force’s fleet.
On the morning of September 26, 2024, Travis Air Force Base held a special farewell ceremony to honor the final KC-10's retirement. Amid the cheers and tears of both current and former crew members, the aircraft's final flight to the Boneyard at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, symbolized the end of an era. While the KC-10 will no longer grace the skies, its impact on aerial refueling and strategic air operations will not be forgotten.
As the KC-10 retires, the Air Force continues its transition to the newer KC-46 Pegasus, a more advanced and technologically equipped refueling tanker. The KC-46 offers improved communications, better situational awareness, and enhanced defensive systems, but the legacy of the KC-10 will live on in the memories of those who flew and maintained it.
A Lasting Legacy
For nearly half a century, the KC-10 Extender served as the backbone of the U.S. Air Force’s refueling fleet. It stood at the forefront of countless critical operations, providing air support and extending the reach of U.S. and allied aircraft around the globe. Although the KC-46 Pegasus will carry forward the mission of aerial refueling, the KC-10’s name—particularly the "Gucci-10"—will forever be associated with pride, precision, and a unique chapter in Air Force history.
As the Air Force looks to the future, the KC-10 will be remembered not just for its capabilities but for the people who flew it, maintained it, and who now say goodbye to one of the most iconic aircraft to ever serve.
This week in aviation history
On 30 September 1949, the Berlin Airlift officially came to an end, marking the conclusion of one of the most extraordinary feats in aviation history. For 15 months, Western Allied forces—principally the U.S. Air Force, Royal Air Force, U.S. Navy, and the Royal Australian Air Force—had kept the city of West Berlin supplied with vital goods. This operation, known as "Operation Vittles," was an unprecedented logistical achievement, delivering over 2.3 million tons of supplies on 280,290 flights to a city isolated by Soviet blockade.
The Soviet Union's blockade of West Berlin, which began in June 1948, was a calculated move to force the Allies out of the city by cutting off all land and water routes to the western sectors. With no other choice, the Allies resorted to air power. At the height of the airlift, aircraft landed at Berlin's Tempelhof Airport every 30 seconds, day and night, even in adverse weather conditions.
One of the most iconic aircraft used during the airlift was the Douglas C-47 Skytrain, a workhorse from World War II. However, as the scale of the operation grew, larger aircraft like the C-54 Skymaster took over, with each able to carry up to 10 tons of cargo. These planes flew in all weather conditions, often using only instrument flight rules due to poor visibility. General William H. Tunner, who had gained experience in aerial logistics during World War II, led the airlift and revolutionized cargo operations. His management cut unloading times from 17 minutes to just five, dramatically improving efficiency.
The importance of the Berlin Airlift cannot be overstated. Over two-thirds of the cargo delivered was coal, essential for heating and electricity during Berlin's brutal winters. Despite early skepticism, the airlift proved not only feasible but a resounding success. By April 1949, the Allies had reached a peak delivery of 13,000 tons in a single day, which equaled the capacity of 600 railroad cars.
Beyond the logistics and raw tonnage, the airlift also had a deeply human side. U.S. pilots, like the famous "Candy Bomber" Colonel Gail Halvorsen, started initiatives like "Operation Little Vittles," dropping candy to Berlin's children with parachutes made from handkerchiefs. These small acts of kindness brought hope and joy to the city’s residents, turning pilots into beloved figures.
In the end, the Berlin Airlift was more than just a logistical triumph—it was a demonstration of the West's commitment to freedom and resilience in the face of Soviet aggression. The operation laid the groundwork for the use of airpower in humanitarian missions and stands as a lasting example of the aviation community's ability to overcome immense challenges.
This operation remains one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of aviation, proving that air transport could sustain a city of two million people under siege. Today, it is remembered not just for its success, but for its symbolism of endurance, freedom, and the power of aviation to bridge even the most formidable divides.
In Case You Missed It
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Photo Outlet
I’ve always thought the A-1 Skyraider aka “Sandy” was an underrated aircraft - I’m glad I was able to photograph a flying example:
Post Flight Debrief
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-Tog