Kansas
Kansas Air National Guard hosts team surveying 190th ARW for new operations
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Forbes Field could be the home base for one of the US Air Force’s newest operations.
The 190th welcomed a site survey team consisting of members from the National Guard Bureau and active-duty Air Force to Forbes Field Tuesday. The Air Force is reviewing seven military bases across the nation to find a proper base for the KC-46 Pegasus.
KC-46s will replace KC-135 Stratotankers at the final decision location and bring enhanced capabilities, such as boom and drogue refueling on the same sortie, worldwide navigation and communication, cargo capacity on the entire main deck floor, receiver air refueling, improved force protection, and multi-point air refueling capability. DAF announces seven candidate locations for KC-46A Pegasus MOB 7
“The KC-46 brings more capability than just fuel to aerial warfare. This is critical for our Airmen and aircrew who would be fighting in potential future conflicts,” Col. Kent Crane, Commander, 190th ARW, said. “The site survey provides an opportunity to showcase how the 190th ARW is uniquely positioned to enhance Air Force capabilities in strategic refueling missions.”
The 190th Air Refueling Wing says it based its tour around several factors making it the ideal base: Forbes Field’s central location and potential for growth, and the 190th ARW’s existing infrastructure, partnerships, And proven capabilities.
“It’s always exciting getting to showcase the 190th, especially the members of the 190th because they’re so adaptable, they’re innovative, and they excel at everything they do,” Col. Marjorie Durkes, Deputy Commander, 190th ARW, said. “It’s so exciting to showcase not only the 190th but the Topeka community and how we’ve all come together around this.”
A final decision is expected this fall.
Candidate Bases:
- Bangor Air National Guard Base, Maine
- Forbes Field Air National Guard Base (Topeka), Kan.
- Key Field Air National Guard Base (Meridian), Miss.
- McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base (Knoxville), Tenn.
- Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio
- Scott Air Force Base, Ill.
- Sumpter Smith Air National Guard Base (Birmingham), Ala.
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