“We are excited to welcome the 77th EARS to the 378th AEW,” said Col. Scott Davis, commander of the 378th AEW. “Their arrival will enhance our force extension capability to deliver airpower throughout the region while reaffirming our commitment and close relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
The 77th EARS brings together active-duty and reserve pilots, mobility force aviators, and maintainers from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, highlighting the Air Force’s Total-Force Integration approach. “We’re proud to bring the Air Force’s newest tanker platform into theater to integrate with coalition and regional partner aircraft,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Adams, commander of the 77th EARS.
“With this being the first time the KC-46A has deployed to the 378th, we look forward to showcasing our air-to-air refueling capability throughout CENTCOM,” Adams added. The KC-46A provides modernized refueling, cargo, and aeromedical evacuation capabilities, reinforcing a mission set that has sustained airpower for decades and remains central to current combat and support operations.
The deployment marks a milestone in air refueling modernization and strengthens U.S. support for future operations across the region. Air Force officials said the arrival underscores the continued role of aerial refueling in enabling force projection and regional stability.
