SJAFB, 916th Refueling Wing could be next recipients of brand new KC-46A stratotanker
By Kenneth Fine
Published in News on October 30, 2015 1:46 PM
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Arrival time: 2019
It won't be a done deal until next fall, but Seymour Johnson Air Force Base officials have a reason to celebrate today as Air Force officials announced late Thursday that the Goldsboro installation is poised to receive a fleet of new tankers to replace its aging KC-135R Stratotankers.
Seymour Johnson was chosen Thursday as the preferred alternative for the first Reserve-led KC-46A Pegasus main operating base -- a decision that puts the base "in the lead" in the race for the branch's new state-of-the-art aerial refueler.
And Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James said 2019, the year the tankers would, if the base meets the final list of criteria, see the aircraft touch down, could not come soon enough.
"It is absolutely critical that we replace our aging tanker fleet with the KC-46A Pegasus aerial tanker," she said. "I am pleased to announce Seymour Johnson AFB as the first Reserve-led location because it is a testament to the Air Force's commitment to the total force. We must use all three components -- active, Guard and Reserve -- operating cohesively and seamlessly as one team so we can release the full potential of airpower."
Seymour Johnson was chosen after detailed, on-the-ground site surveys of each candidate base were conducted.
The major commands then evaluated the bases against operational and training requirements, potential impacts to existing missions, housing, infrastructure, and manpower -- and developed cost estimates to bed down the KC-46A at each candidate base. The results of the surveys were briefed to James and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, who selected the preferred and reasonable alternatives.
"Seymour Johnson was selected based on operational analysis, results of site surveys, cost, and military judgment factors," said Jennifer Miller, the Air Force deputy assistant secretary for installations. "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."
Welsh agreed.
"Bringing the KC-46A online is a huge first step in recapitalizing a tanker fleet that has been the world leader in air refueling for more than five decades," he said. "The incredible airmen who will fly this great machine, and the joint and coalition partners they support in contingency and humanitarian operations around the world, deserve the improved aircraft availability rates, reliability and capability it will bring to the fight. Rapid global mobility has always been a core mission of our Air Force; the KC-46A will help us take it to the next level."
Before the move is a done deal, the Air Force's Environmental Impact Analysis Process will run its course -- a process that is expected to take until early fall 2016.
"We look forward to the inputs provided from the communities as we proceed through the environmental impact analysis," Miller said. "Once the requirements of the environmental impact analysis process are complete, the Air Force will make its final basing decision."
4th Fighter Wing Commander Col. Mark Slocum was among those who reacted Thursday.
"Congratulations to the 916th Air Refueling Wing and all total force airmen here at Team Seymour for the 916th's selection as the preferred alternative for the KC-46A Pegasus mission," he said. "This is truly fitting for such a world class unit, and the synergy between the 4th Fighter Wing and 916th will continue to deliver combat airpower anywhere on the planet. 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 Air Force Base.
"Also, the members of the 911th Air Refueling Squadron have been critical to the success of the KC-135 mission at (Seymour Johnson) and around the world. As an 'Active Associate' unit within the 916th, they have proven how successful an Active Associate unit can be (and that success was part of why the KC-46A is coming to SJAFB)."