I'm not a TACAIR type (was VS/VP) but I've followed the airborne
tanker discussions with some interest.

It would seem that the options are getting a lot narrower with the
retirement of the S-3.

How about a KC-2? I understand it would be limited (could not
accompany strike packages any great distance). It still would work
overhead Mother. It's an aircraft in the inventory that will stay
there (we presume) for a while. It would also be available for COD
duty (in at least a limited form).

I do not know how many airframes are available. I do not know if
surplus E-2 airframes could be used (maybe another option entirely).

Bill Kambic