The ability to power project through air refueling is one of our military’s greatest strengths. With a little planning (and enough tankers!) we can project power to nearly anywhere on the planet. As a guy that took a 4 year break from military flying mid-career, I can attest that air refueling skills are “perishable” skills and important to practice to get right. I’m glad everyone in this mishap is ok—yet this is another reminder that you need to bring your “A” game every time you step into the cockpit.

defensenews.com

Images show shredded KC-46 boom that led to emergency landing

Photographs that leaked online showed extensive damage to the KC-46's refueling boom, with its metal ripped and twisted and a chain hanging down.