DC-10 tanker retired after more than 750 fire missions Published Dec. 2, 2014 By Ryan Stark Nucleus writer KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- After fighting numerous fires across the country, Albuquerque-based 10 Tanker Air Carrier retired one of its DC-10 tankers Nov. 15, ending a run of over 750 fire missions. Dubbed "910," the plane will be dismantled at a Michigan facility and replaced by a new aircraft for the company in the spring. Mark Williamson, chief operating officer for 10 Tanker, said the plane's decommissioning was bittersweet. "I'll say that the overwhelming feeling is that 910 was a good airplane," Williamson said. "I've heard many reminiscences about the development of passenger planes into tankers and about the early years." The next new plane for the company -- also slated to carry the 910 moniker -- will be a newer version, a DC-10 Model 30. The retired plane was a Model 10. 910 was converted into an air tanker in 2004, entering into a contract to cover large fires in California in 2006. The company has two other converted DC-10s in service, each modified with an externally mounted, computer-controlled, gravity-propelled drop system capable of delivering an 11,600-gallon payload. Retired pilot Rick Hatton started 10 Tanker Air Carrier in 2002.