Rumsfeld defers tanker lease decision Published May 26, 2004 WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld has deferred a decision on the tanker recapitalization program until additional studies now under way can be completed. Officials said the decision was based in part on recommendations made by the Defense Science Board’s aerial refueling task force.The data evaluated by task force officials led them to conclude the corrosion problem on KC-135 Stratotankers can be managed, and the operating and maintenance cost growth on the tanker fleet may not be as large as earlier estimates.Officials also concluded the mobility capability study being conducted by the director of program analysis and evaluation would provide more clarity on the question of tanker recapitalization. They said they found that future potential decisions regarding the matter would benefit from the completion of the Air Force’s ongoing analysis of alternatives, a comprehensive look at other aerial-refueling options.Based on task force studies, the secretary of defense has directed that both studies -- the analysis of alternatives and the mobility capability requirements -- be completed by November.