Overview
- The 134th Air Refueling Wing was selected to receive the KC-46A Pegasus, replacing its KC-135 Stratotankers and expanding refueling, cargo, aeromedical and communications capabilities.
- The transition will unfold over several years through phased construction and training, coordinated with Air Mobility Command and the National Guard Bureau.
- Leaders cited the wing’s readiness, manpower strength and strong community backing as key factors in the selection.
- State officials credited two years of lobbying, and Sen. Bill Hagerty said the decision secures more than 1,500 jobs and protects over $200 million annually for Tennessee’s economy.
- Recent base upgrades include a new 10,000-foot runway costing $134 million and a $32.4 million maintenance hangar built to support the KC-46A.