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AMC commander welcomes news of KC-X tanker request for proposal
The announcement of the KC-X tanker request for proposal Sept. 24 in a Pentagon briefing is welcome news for Air Mobility Command. 

"This is a great day not only for Air Mobility Command, which operates our nation's fleet of aerial refueling aircraft, but also for our country as this is a capability we critically need," said Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, the AMC commander. 

"As the warfighter, I'm glad to see this day come," the general said. 

The time is now to move on with this program, said General Lichte of the Air Force's No. 1 procurement priority. This is a critical commitment to recapitalize a key aircraft supporting the National Military Strategy. Tankers allow U.S. armed forces to reach any crisis or humanitarian relief operation in the world. 

The KC-X will replace KC-135 Stratotankers that joined the Air Force inventory in the President Eisenhower-era and are approaching 50 years old. They are becoming increasingly more costly to maintain every year a replacement is delayed. This is also welcomed news for the Airmen who go to extraordinary lengths and spend countless hours maintaining the tankers to ensure they are safe and operationally ready for the aircrew who fly them. 

The plan calls for 179 aerial refueling tankers to replace the KC-135. KC-X will also augment the airlift fleet by carrying cargo, passengers and medical patients in a secondary role. 

This is also great news for our joint and coalition partners who rely on this critical capability to support operations around the world, including Afghanistan and Iraq, General Lichte said.

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Active Associate 906th Air Refueling Squadron stands up at Scott Air Force Base

 As part of the Air Force's ongoing Total Force Integration (TFI) efforts, the 906th Air Refueling Squadron (ARS) raised its flag today at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. 

The 906th ARS is an Active Association squadron with the Illinois National Guard's 126th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) serving as its host organization for all associated personnel. The 126th ARW will have operational direction and control of missions and assets, while the 375th Air Mobility Wing (AMW), specifically the 375th Operations Group, will be administratively responsible for the 906th's personnel. 

Lt. Col. Joe Santos took command of the 906th ARS today in a small, but significant ceremony at the base. 

"It is truly an honor to have been selected to command the 906th Air Refueling Squadron," said Santos. "The 906th has a long and distinguished history of service in the Air Force and I am proud to be able to continue with that proud heritage as an Active Duty Associate Squadron, assigned the 375th Operations Group and working side-by-side with the professional men and women of the 126th Air Refueling Wing." 

A ceremony is being planned for a future date, to recognize and honor both the 906th ARS and the 375 AMW's re-designation. 

The 906th ARS underwent a "flag move" without personnel and equipment to Scott AFB from Grand Forks AFB, N.D. The 906th has a notable history of service to the U.S. Air Force and will continue that service from its new home at Scott AFB. Active Duty Airmen comprised of aircrew, maintenance and support personnel began assignment to the 906th ARS as early as July 2009. The squadron is expected to be fully staffed, with approximately 135 Airmen, and operational by the fall 2011. 

Under this Active Association, the Airmen assigned to the 906th will work side-by-side 126th Airmen flying and maintaining the Air Guard's fleet of aircraft to accomplish the wing's missions to include contingency deployments. 

"The legacy of the 126th Air Refueling Wing is proven with its nearly 60 years of service to the nation and over 80 years of flying with the 108th Air Refueling Squadron," said Col. Peter Nezamis, 126th Air Refueling Wing Commander. "During the nation's most troubled times, the 126th has always answered the call. The Wing's decorated accomplishments reflect the dedication of its officers and Airmen. This association will provide increased efficiencies through a combination of factors coupled with greater aircraft availability, utilization and trained Airmen all increasing the command's capability to support world-wide aerial refueling requirements." 

This association is one of three Active Associate KC-135 Stratotanker units taking shape today. The other Active Associate units are located at Birmingham Air National Guard Base, Ala., and Pease ANGB, N.H. These associated units will provide greater day-to-day mission capabilities and will help the Total Air Force more efficiently utilize its KC-135 force. Such associations also generate efficiencies by sharing resources and reducing duplication of effort, increasing overall air refueling capability and preserving a corporate body of knowledge. They also help to improve aircrew and maintenance expertise levels, capitalizing on the long-term experience resident in Air National Guard units. 

General Craig McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, said that this initiative is critical to the success of the Air Force. 

"Total Force Integration builds on state and regional capabilities, thereby increasing economic efficiencies and enhancing the Air Force's ability to defend the Homeland against emerging threats and respond to natural disasters," he said.