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Committee Hearing Opening Statements

Jt. Base MDL Makes the Cut for New Tankers

Smith, NJ Delegation continue to make the case for final selection

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Washington, Jan 9, 2013 | Jeff Sagnip (609-585-7878) | comments

  • An Air Force C-17, similar to the ones already stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, taking fuel from KC-46 tanker. (illustration)

The U.S. Air Force today announced that the 108th Wing, located on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB-MDL), has cleared a significant hurdle and is now one of only five Air National Guard units in the running for 12 new KC-46A aerial refueling tankers in 2017. 

    The Air Force considered numerous bases across the country for the first round of basing for three sites: a Formal Training Unit (FTU) location that will receive 36 tankers, a “Main Operating Base 1” (MOB #1) that will receive 12, and “Main Operating Base 2” (MOB #2) that will receive 12. 

    MOB #2 will host the main National Guard Tanker unit.  The Air Force looked at over 80 sites in 47 states before selecting JB MDL for the list.  

    “Working with the 108th Wing and the New Jersey National Guard, I know—as the Air Force has now confirmed—that they have unique abilities and are ready and willing to perform this critical new mission,” said Smith.  “The Joint Base remains the nation’s only tri-service joint installation and hosts active, Reserve and Guard units.  The variety of personnel and missions at JB MDL bring something different to the table when DOD makes basing decisions.” 

    Last year, after the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force approved the KC-46A basing criteria that would be used to select the installations, Smith and the delegation worked with New Jersey National Guard officials to ensure the best case was presented to AF decision makers. (Click here to read June 2012 letter).

    “Throughout the process we remained confident that after a careful and objective review of the 108th’s strengths, assets and capabilities, the Air Force would see that JB MDL is an ideal location for Main Operating Base Two,” Smith said.

    “These and other efforts are part of our deliberate and concerted strategy to bring new and grow existing missions at the Joint Base to enhance our national security and fuel our central New Jersey economy,” said Smith.

    The Air Force plans to establish as many as 10 main bases for the new KC-46A tankers—which will replace the aging fleet, including the KC-135R models currently flown by the 108th Wing.  A final AF decision is expected in the spring of 2014.
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