Col Cory Damon, Wing Commander of the 22 Air Refueling Wing at McConnell AFB, is responsible for 18 KC-135 and 24 KC-46 stratotanker aircraft. Although McConnell is not the biggest refueling base, it is the only one that operates both tanker types. Along with Damon's aircraft responsibility comes supervising a few thousand men and women.
A former military pilot himself, having flown the T-37, T-1, C-5, KC-135 and KC- 46, the 46-year-old worked his way up the ranks to Colonel during just over 23 years in the USAF. Part of that time, he was deployed over enemy territory in various parts of the world. Damon is surprisingly approachable and relaxed for a man of his discipline and stature.
While at McConnell this past week to participate in a KC-135 refueling sortie (story at end), we sat down with him to discuss his base and its mission. Following are edited excerpts from a longer conversation. Jim Clash: Let's start by discussing some of the differences between the KC-135 and the newer KC-46.
Col Cory Damon: The 46 has two engines versus four on the 135. That leads to efficiencies in maintenance - less engines to maintain means a quicker ability to get the aircraft off of the ground. Also, the 46 can pump fuel into a receiver aircraft faster than the 135, another efficiency.
Then there’s age - the 135s are from the fifties, whereas the first 46 rolled out in 2018. The amount of fuel each carries is about the same, but the technology integrated into the 46 is much more modern. .
