“ There ’ s that much more room for growth and experience to make this an even more viable weapons platform for the maritime warfighter ,” he said .
KC-46 : The world ’ s most advanced multi-mission aerial refueler
About 30 miles north of the P-8 and the “ Little Red Barn ,” another multi-mission aircraft comes alive in the Pacific Northwest .
The KC-46A Pegasus , the world ’ s most advanced multi-mission aerial refueler , is built to be a combat-ready tanker from day one on the 767 production line in Everett , Washington .
Real Time Software Engineer John Harriss supports situational awareness and connectivity on the tanker ’ s Tactical Situational Awareness System , which equips the crew with fleet data to give the U . S . and allies a tactical edge . His colleague , Jami Bunker , leads a systems engineering integration team that ensures the Pegasus continues to evolve for the needs of the mission .
“ The KC-46A is a great platform for innovation and incorporating all of these advanced defensive tactical systems ,” Harriss continued , “ and putting fuel where it ’ s needed so our service members can come home safely .”
A native Washingtonian , Harriss grew up with a passion for military aviation . He started his “ dream job ” at Boeing , Defense Space & Security in 2019 and said he is still glowing four years later .
“ When I was a kid , I think I was just very curious about technology , so I always wanted to take things apart and figure out how they worked ,” Harriss said with a smile . “ I think that sparked a lifetime of learning .”
As for Bunker , she harnesses the same career perseverance that brought her to Boeing ’ s team in the Seattle area from a small town in the Midwest .
“ Endurance really does define what the KC-46 is ,” Bunker said , describing the pride she has working with the U . S . Air Force to integrate “ new technologies that allow the platform to endure far into the future .”
Tran , Breeden , Bunker and Harriss represent thousands of Boeing employees – and suppliers they work with – who support a global mission on the same soil where The Boeing Company got its start . Together , this passionate and patriotic group works tirelessly to make the Pacific Northwest a bastion of national security and international stability .
DECEMBER 2023 | JANUARY 2024 ISSUE NO . 36 21