KC-135 Veteran: 'Epic Fury' Is Straining Tanker Readiness, Maintainers and Aircrews
Retired Col. Troy Pananon, a former KC‑135 commander, warns Operation Epic Fury's sustained high‑tempo sorties are straining Stratotanker availability, maintenance teams and aircrews, degrading readiness across the tanker fleet and creating sustainment and crew‑fatigue risks for prolonged refuelling operations.