Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL) commended the Department of the Air Force for selecting Tampa’s MacDill Air Force Base as the preferred location to host 24 KC-46s.
“I am thrilled that MacDill was chosen to be the new main operating base for 24 KC-46s Pegasus aircraft,” Castor noted. “The patriotic Tampa Bay community embraces the mission and the outstanding men and women who serve here. Tampa is “tanker town,” and we are thrilled to upgrade our tankers and cement the air mobility mission at MacDill for decades to come.”
The action replaces the base’s 24 KC-135s. The decision was made after site surveys assessing locations based on factors regarding mission, infrastructure capacity, community support, environmental considerations and cost.
“MacDill Air Force Base is proud to be chosen to become the next preferred location to host the KC-46 Pegasus,” Col. Benjamin R. Jonsson, commander, 6th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill Air Force Base, said. “The selection ensures that the 6th Air Refueling Wing will provide next generation aerial refueling support and AirPower for our nation’s defense for decades to come.”
Castor and local leaders previously advocated placement of the next generation tanker aircraft at MacDill Air Force Base.
“On behalf of the MacDill Means Mobility Task Force, we are thrilled that the Air Force has chosen MacDill Air Force Base to host the KC-46,” Kelly Flannery, president and CEO, South Tampa Chamber of Commerce, said. “Tampa Bay and Florida’s unrivaled support for military service members, their families and our veteran community makes MacDill the perfect home for this new squadron. With a premier location for global power projection and global reach, MacDill is ready for the KC-46.”