McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. -- McConnell’s international combat sortie, Project Magellan, earned international recognition by winning the 2025 Founder’s Award from the Aerial Refueling Systems Advisory Group (ARSAG).
Last year, McConnell Airmen set out on a KC-46A Pegasus to execute the world’s first nonstop, westbound circumnavigation endurance flight, named Project Magellan, starting and finishing here.
This flight was an Maximum Endurance Operation (MEO) for the KC-46, Air Mobility Command’s newest tanker aircraft. During the sortie, McConnell coordinated receiver aircraft during the mission to demonstrate its ability to operate as a tanker during MEO. During this flight, the KC-46 refueled Air Force B-2 Spirit bombers, a C-17 Globemaster III airlifter, F-15E Strike Eagles and another KC-46.
“Project Magellan’s triumph stands as a testament to AMC’s (Air Mobility Command) rapid global mobility capabilities and the effectiveness of the KC-46 aircraft and crew in executing intricate combat missions,” said Col. Brent Toth, 22nd Operations Group commander. “This achievement highlights the USAF’s unwavering commitment to excellence in aerial operations and reinforces its position as a global leader in air refueling support.”
The ARSAG Founder’s Award is a prestigious award, in this case given for outstanding performance of Project Magellan’s crew in aerial refueling and its significant contributions to enhancing joint interoperability and operational flight safety.
Additionally, this award recognizes the McConnell Airmen’s dedication to advancing medical knowledge regarding circadian rhythms and the physiological risks associated with prolonged flights. Additionally, the crew collaborated with a third-party contractor to enroll the crew in a fatigue study.
“Project Magellan wasn’t just a flight. It was a glimpse into the future of airpower,” said Capt. Daison Batangan, 22nd Air Refueling Wing chief wing executive. “We pushed the edge of what’s possible in global reach and human endurance, proving that maximum endurance operations can be executed with precision, lethality, and resilience. What made it even more special was seeing the entire Wing come together to make it happen.
From start to finish, it was incredible to watch every piece fall into place. Planning, medical, maintenance, support, operations, everyone had a role. Being part of a mission that circled the globe nonstop, while collecting real-time data on crew performance, will help shape how the Air Force projects power for the next generation. It was truly an honor to be part of it!”
ARSAG is recognized internationally for advancing the field of aerial refueling. They enhance interoperoperability, safety and create a standardization across global operations. The group is both military and industry professionals from over 20 nations including allied countries, and representatives from the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army and Marine Corps. Engineers, maintainers and aircrew collaborate through meetings and an annual conference to address current technical challenges, improve equipment interfaces, and update procedures.
Project Magellan is a prime example of the endurance and excellence that is McConnell’s contribution to global airpower providing a glimpse into
current capabilities and the future of aerial refueling. The ARSAG award highlights the pushed boundaries and teamwork required to make this demanding mission possible.