The Tanker Conundrum

The ability to get the force to the fight, sustain the force while in the fight, and get the force home once the fight is over is a critical capability of the U.S. Air Force. A key component of that capability is aerial refueling. The ability to continue to provide this vital lifeline allowing our forces to operate in a truly global and expeditionary way has been the topic of much debate. While the ideas about how to continue to provide this capability are being debated, its critical nature is understood by all. As Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator John Warner (R), of Virginia stated, "One point in the debate is eminently clear. It is vital to the national security of the United States that we have a robust aerial refueling capability.