Aloha ‘Oe KC-10A Extender

In a few days, the US Air Force will officially retire the remaining McDonnell-Douglas KC-10A Extenders in service. The first KC-10As entered the US Air Force fleet in March 1981, and has faithfully served for 43+ years. Over 50 were built for the Air Force.

82-0191 (c/n 48213, l/n 383), pictured above, is seen on final approach for Runway 8L. This KC-10A entered service in April 1983, and retired in November 2023. It was last with the 60th AMW/ 349th AMW based at Travis AFB, CA.

Heavies Taking Off From Runway 26R

With the crazy westerly winds we have been having for the past week and a half, most flights, including widebodies, were taking off from Runway 26R.  Normally, widebodies would still taxi out to Runway 26L ("The Reef Runway") or to Runway 22L during Kona winds.  The video above includes 26R takeoffs from all 3 aircraft types UPS flies to HNL, a KE 747-4B5, HIANG F-22, and an USAF KC-10 just taxiing down 26R to HIK.  The various clips were taken over several days during different times of the day.