The KC-10A's primary mission is aerial refueling, it can combine the tasks of a tanker and cargo aircraft by refueling fighters while carrying fighters' support people and equipment during overseas deployments. The Air Force is calling the KC-10A the 'Extender' because of its ability to carry out aerial refueling and cargo mission without forward basing, thus extending the mobility of U.S. forces. The KC-10 plays a key role in the mobilization of U.S. military assets, taking part in overseas operations far away from home. The KC-10 is expected to serve until 2043.