TN lawmakers express support for McGhee Tyson Air National Guard base

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. ( WATE ) — Tennessee lawmakers have submitted a letter in support of McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base to be an operating base for the U.S. Air Force’s KC-46 Pegasus.

The KC-46A “is the first phase in recapitalizing the U.S. Air Force’s aging tanker fleet,” according to the Air Force. Tennessee U.S. Congress members, Sen. Marsha Blackburn, Sen. Bill Hagerty, Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, Congressman Mark E. Green, Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger, Congressman Tim Burchett, John Rose, Scott DesJarlais, Andy Ogles, David Kustoff, Steve Cohen are all signees in the letter.

“We write regarding the 134th Air Refueling Wing’s proposal to make McGhee Tyson Air National Guard (ANG) Base the 7th Main Operating Base (MOB) for KC-46 Pegasus,” the letter states. “The dedicated personnel at McGhee Tyson ANG Base in Tennessee have steadfastly served the United States for over 68 years and have established themselves as one of the most decorated air refueling units in the history of the U.S. Air Force having achieved 16 Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards. Tennessee’s 134th Air Refueling Wing boasts over $200M of infrastructure improvements and over 100 percent end strength growth over the last decade making them uniquely qualified to receive and employ the KC-46.

“Further, we understand that the ANG currently makes up approximately 40 percent of the U.S.
Air Force’s KC-135 air refueling capability. This selection also pursues proportional distribution
of next generation air refueling capability within the ANG. McGhee Tyson ANG Base/134th Air
Refueling Wing is a cost-effective solution with the right airmen, with decades of proven
experience in the refueling mission, and is the right choice as MOB 7 for the KC-46 and for the
U.S. Air Force.

“Please give all due consideration to this request.”

The letter was addressed to the Secretary of the Department of the Air Force, Frank Kendall III.

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