[MilCom] KC-46A Pegasus

[Rick Tharrington]

Well good news here on the home front. SJAFB is about 55 miles NNE of my
location. I live just south of SJAFB Echo Moa . I get a great deal of milcom
activity from this base. 

So looks like a new bird for me to log. J

Rick Watha NC FM14

Kd4jrx

 

Just last week, the United States Air Force announced their preliminary
decision to establish a new KC-46A Pegasus Air Refueling Squadron at
Goldsboro's Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in 2019. The KC-46A Pegasus
tanker fleet is a tremendous advancement for our national security. These
airborne "gas stations" allow the military to maintain its global reach into
every region of the world and ensure a quick response to crises far from our
shores.

The Air Force's clear intention to base twelve aircraft in the state ensures
continued investment in the Goldsboro and Wake County communities and
reinforces North Carolina's status as an ideal location for critical
military assets.

The KC-46A is a tanker aircraft that can refuel all U.S., allied, and
coalition military aircraft that are compatible with international aerial
refueling procedures. The Pegasus is a badly needed upgrade to the reliable
KC-135 fleet that is a critical component of projecting U.S. military power
over long distances and in austere environments.

North Carolina is strategically situated on the Atlantic seaboard to provide
the best training platform and overseas support to confront the threats our
nation faces. The Air Force, Marine Corps, and Army's large presence in the
state reduces costs and fosters strong inter-agency and inter-service
relationships.

Our premier higher education and research facilities spur innovation and
develop world class minds that often energize science, technology, and
entrepreneurship. Most importantly, our close knit military communities of
uniformed and civilian workers and their dedicated families exemplify the
patriotism North Carolinians are known for and attract continued investment
to a growing East Coast hub of national defense.

Seymour Johnson's first test will be an environmental impact study over the
next nine months before the final decision in 2016. It is our hope the
rigorous assessment to date and the environmental impact study ahead will
pave the way for the Air Force to bring the KC-46A Pegasus to North Carolina
in early 2019. The Air Force's decision to base this fleet in Goldsboro will
be a catalyst for approximately $104 million in infrastructure upgrades to
house and support the new aircraft.

North Carolina is the heart of our nation's rapidly deployable military. The
18th Airborne Corps, Army and Marine Special Operations Commands, Army
Forces Command, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, the 4th Fighter Wing and
916th Air Refueling Wing, and a robust and highly seasoned National Guard
are just some of the units proud to call North Carolina home. The Air
Force's recent announcement confirms our proud military tradition and
demonstrates our military's confidence in North Carolina.