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Refueling warriors: 2nd ARS brings McGuire KC-10s to the fight

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Bekah Phy
  • 305th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  At 181 feet in length, with a 165-foot wingspan and the ability to reach 619 mph, the KC-10 is one capable aircraft. From providing in-flight refueling to U.S. aircraft and coalition forces in Operations Desert Shield and Storm to moving thousands of tons of cargo and thousands of troops in support of the massive Persian Gulf buildup, the KC-10 has an impressive resume. 

In addition to Desert Shield and Storm, KC-10s have played a prominent role in the on-going Global War on Terrorism since Sept. 11, 2001. The KC-10 has flown more than 350 missions guarding U.S. skies as a part of Operation Noble Eagle. During Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, KC-10s have flown more than 4,200 missions (in the past year alone) delivering critical air-refueling support to numerous joint and coalition receiver aircraft. 

These are just a few accomplishments of the KC-10, and McGuire's 2nd Air Refueling Squadron has played a major role in these operations since 1991. 

"I've been stationed at McGuire for three years, and I've deployed four times," said Capt. Mike Charles, 2nd ARS. "I'm a KC-10 pilot trained to fly the (305th Air Mobility Wing's) air-refueling mission ... and we stay quite busy." 

Captain Charles explained that the 2nd ARS has maintained a continuous presence in the Middle East since 1991. The KC-10 unit currently in operation -- the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron -- is the largest KC-10 squadron in the Air Force, which is made up of crews from McGuire and Travis AFB, Calif. 

"Our goal is to provide timely gas to the airborne war fighter - we take off, fly the war planner's tasking, and return to the same location, generally," he said. "Our level of involvement has stayed relatively constant." 

The 2nd ARS directly supports Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Most assets are typically dedicated to one theater, but the KC-10 has the ability to support both because of the high capacity of fuel it is able to carry, the captain said. 

During a series of recent missions, KC-10s and the 2nd ARS played a large role in providing fuel to aircraft protecting ground assets while building the Kajaki Dam in Afghanistan. Air support was required to escort a large convoy transporting parts for the dam through hostile areas in the country. Orbiting above the convoy, among others, were F-15s, F-16s and AV-8s; the KC-10s refueled the aircraft protecting the convoy and its troops. 

"We knew we were supporting the Kajaki Dam convoy, and we were keenly aware of the project's significance," Captain Charles said. "We were providing airborne weapons platforms, such as the B-1 and A-10, with time-critical fuel, but we knew there was an even greater reason for that mission." 

In a letter to his unit, Lt. Col. Timothy MacGregor, 2nd ARS commander, praised his Airmen for their accomplishments during the Kajaki missions. 

"... What you are doing absolutely makes a difference in the lives of millions of people, whether U.S. forces, coalition forces, or the populations of the countries we are serving and working in." 

"The work you did provided aerial protection for forces building and guarding the Kajaki hydroelectric plant, and the nearly two million people who will receive its electricity are a testament to your excellence and accomplishments ... your success in accomplishing worldwide combat operations is absolutely unmatched, unquestioned and invaluable." 

Captain Charles explained that, along with anything else, there are some sacrifices that come with being deployed and accomplishing these missions. The 2nd ARS is not part of a typical Air Expeditionary Force since they are in constant rotation; however, groups of aircrew frequently deploy about every three to four months for at least 75 days, he said. 

"I'm not married, but I do miss my family a great deal when I'm deployed ... I can imagine it's tough for a lot of my team, too, but we take care of each other really well - our support network is really strong," Captain Charles said. "I'm glad to say most, if not all, 2nd ARS Airmen are extremely proud to do the mission, proud to fly the KC-10 into combat, and when they return and see their families' smiling faces - it makes it that much more rewarding." 

Other 2nd ARS team members seem to agree: It's tough leaving home, but it's for a mission, and their team's camaraderie helps get them through. 

"There is some stress, of course, with deploying and leaving your family, but it's about completing our mission," said Tech. Sgt. Chris Stroup, 2nd ARS boom operator. "We're saving lives on the ground every time we fly, and I get to see the coolest things being at 25,000 feet and offloading 90,000 pounds of fuel. 

"And, our crew becomes a family (at home and while deployed), he said. "We spend 12 hours in a jet every other day with the same crew - we get along really well, hang out together, work together and look out for each other. We're a tight-knit little family." 

Despite being so busy with constant deployments, the 2nd ARS still shoulders the 305th AMW's mission while at home station - and maintains a close-knit relationship. They support Air Force-level global missions; including distinguished visitors, cargo, fighter and bomber movements in addition to Strategic Command support and local training flights. 

"We're so heavily involved with so many different mission sets, yet our unit still embraces the value of family. Our squadron leadership really does a fantastic job of keeping us on track and looking out for us through it all," Captain Charles said. "I'm very thankful we have them leading us through the tough times."