(photo via usmilitary.about.com)
The Air Force has selected Wichita’s McConnell Air Force Base as the main operational center for a new line of air refueling tankers. McConnell will house 36 new KC-46A tankers starting in 2016. Congressman Mike Pompeo, a Republican from Wichita, called it a great announcement for the area and Kansas.
Pompeo, a Republican from Wichita, says the selection will mean jobs and investment in Kansas.
The Air Force will also invest about $200 million to upgrade the base for the new aircraft.Topeka’s Forbes Field was in the running to host the Air National Guard's new KC-46A mission, but that designation was awarded to a base in New Hampshire. While Forbes was passed over for this particular assignment, it will be eligible to compete for future KC-46 projects.