Tanker naming contest deadline nears Published May 25, 2008 WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The deadline for the Air Force's "Name the Tanker" contest is just a few days away. The contest, in which Air Force senior leaders are asking Airmen for suggestions on a name for the service's newest tanker aircraft, the KC-45A, ends May 30. Active duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen, as well as Air Force government civilians, can submit their suggestions to namethetanker@pentagon.af.mil. Suggested names must be brief, no more than two short words. Along with the suggestion, entrants must include a brief explanation for their idea. Entrants must also include their name, rank, contact information and duty station. Government civilians must identify their office and position. The KC-45A will replace the current KC-135, which is the oldest aircraft in the Air Force's fleet. It went into service in the 1950s. The KC-45A will offer greater air refueling capabilities and accommodate refueling for both Air Force and Navy aircraft within the same flight. Currently, KC-135s must be configured for one or the other before the flight begins.
