McConnell reservists will be among first to operate KC-46A

5/22/2013 - MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan.  -- Air Force officials announced today McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., as the preferred alternative for the first active duty led KC-46A main operating base.

"We are proud that our Total Force McConnell Airmen have been entrusted with this new mission and are confident in their ability to bring the new aircraft on-line," said Col. Ricky Rupp, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander.

McConnell AFB was selected as the preferred alternative for the KC-46A, termed MOB 1, because it has the lowest military construction costs and is located in a region of high air refueling receiver demand. McConnell AFB will receive 36 KC-46A aircraft. This will require the lowest manpower adjustments of the candidate installations.

"This is an important step in recapitalizing our tanker fleet. The KC-46A is the first of a 3-phase effort to replace our aging tanker fleets," said Rupp. "The KC-46A is expected to produce better mission-capable rates and less maintenance downtime. This is another step in maintaining our global reach for years to come."

Since the KC-46A is a replacement for the KC-135, 36 KC-135s at McConnell will be retired.

"I am very pleased that the proposed location of the main operating base at McConnell means that our Citizen Airmen will be among the first to fly and maintain the KC-46A," said Col. Mark S. Larson, commander of the 931st Air Refueling Group. "We look forward to working together with our active duty partners in the 22nd Air Refueling Wing in successfully performing this new mission."

Altus Air Force Base, Okla., was selected as the preferred alternative for the KC-46A formal training unit, and Pease Air Guard Station, N.H. was selected as the preferred alternative for the first Air National Guard KC-46A main operating base. Forbes AGS, Kan. was selected as one of the reasonable alternatives for basing, MOB 2.

The FTU and MOB 1 will begin receiving aircraft in fiscal year 2016. MOB 2 will receive aircraft in fiscal year 2018.