A U.S. watchdog reports that the Air Force has too few of its flying refueling tankers—often described as the service’s “flying gas stations”—that are ready to carry out missions. The assessment centers on how consistently tanker units meet required readiness levels, which determine whether aircraft and crews can be deployed for operational support such as in-flight refueling. According to the report, tanker readiness continues to fall short of established goals, prompting concern about the availability of this capability when needed. While the details of the shortfall are framed as a readiness issue, the implications discussed across coverage are operational: reduced readiness can affect the Air Force’s ability to sustain air operations and support other missions that rely on aerial refueling. The reporting draws on the watchdog’s findings rather than changes announced by the Air Force in response to the audit. Both outlets characterize the situation as an ongoing readiness challenge for the tanker fleet and emphasize the importance of refueling tankers to U.S. airpower.