11/2/2015 - SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Air Force officials announced Seymour Johnson Air Force Base as the first Reserve-led location to receive the KC-46A Pegasus tanker, Oct. 29.
Pending the analysis of potential environmental impacts, a final basing decision is expected to be made in the fall or winter of 2016. If approved, the KC-46As will begin arriving at Seymour Johnson AFB in 2019.
"Our base being selected is a testament to all the hard work of our Total Force Airmen, the sacrifice of their families, and the incredible support our local community provides to Seymour Johnson AFB," said Col. Mark Slocum, 4th Fighter Wing commander. "This is truly fitting for such a world class unit, and the synergy between the 4th Fighter Wing and 916th Air Refueling Wing will continue to deliver combat airpower anywhere on the planet."
The installation was selected based on operational analysis, results of site surveys, cost, and military judgment factors. According to officials, the primary drivers for selecting this location as the preferred alternative were its lower costs and its highly successful existing active-duty association, which will lead to the lowest active duty manpower required to stand up the KC-46A reserve unit.
"The active duty members of the 911th Air Refueling Squadron have also been critical to the success of the KC-135 mission here and around the world," Slocum said. "As an 'active associate' unit within the 916th, they have proven how successful an active associate unit can be and their success was part of why the KC-46A is coming to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base."
The KC-46A will provide 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 survivability; and multi-point air refueling capability.
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