Since 1995 the KC-10 had been based at Travis Air Force Base North Carolina and on September 26, 2024, they held a farewell ceremony for the Air Forces last KC-10 Extender, a refueling tanker that served for 44 years. The final KC-10, tail number 79-1948, took its last flight to the Davis-Monthan Boneyard in Arizona.
79-1948, fleet number 91948, was delivered to the United States Air Force in July 1982. Known for its immense fuel capacity and comfort, the KC-10 supported numerous missions around the world, including Operation El Dorado Canyon in 1986, the longest fighter combat mission in history.
The aircraft, nicknamed Gucci 10 and Big Sexy, became a symbol of excellence at the 9th Air Refueling Squadron, where Gucci became a motto of pride. Though retiring, the KC-10s legacy continues with the newer KC-46 Pegasus.