The Associated Press –

New Jersey’s second-largest employer is getting an extended lease on life now that the Air Force picked it to host its next generation of air refueling tankers, officials said Thursday.

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst will receive 24 KC-46 Pegasus tankers to replace its current fleet of 32 KC-10 Extenders. The planes also will be stationed at Travis Air Force Base in California.

Lawmakers said securing the air refueling mission ensures the sustainability of the base from any future closure.

“Today’s decision is a big win for JB-MDL and a monumental step that will help maintain and secure the base, and its economic impact for New Jersey, for decades to come,” said Republican Rep. Chris Smith.

The base also hosts eight KC-135 Stratotankers and 13 C-17 Globemaster III airlifters, and other planes and helicopters.

Smith said the joint base contributes $6.9 billion annually to the regional economy and it is the nation’s only tri-service joint installation. It is home to over 80 mission partners that includes active duty, reserve and guard units.

Representatives Chris Smith, right, and Tom MacArthur, center, pushed for new tankers at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (At left is Four Star General Gen. Carlton Everhart, commander of the Air Mobility Command about Jt. Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst's prospects for new tankers.)

“This is a monumental decision for Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and the people of New Jersey, including the tens of thousands of military families who dedicate their lives by serving at the base,” Republican Gov. Chris Christie said.

This AP article ran in the Jan. 13, 2017 print edition of the Trentonian and was published online at numerous other papers, including The Daily Progress; Courier-Post; The Eagle; The Dispatch; New Jersey Herald; The Progress; Bristol Herald Courier, and can be read online at:

http://www.trentonian.com/general-news/20170112/new-jersey-base-to-get-new-refueling-tankers

http://www.dailyprogress.com/new-jersey-base-to-get-new-refueling-tankers/article_1f73a61a-75f8-56ae-a542-49ed2e211c72.html

http://www.courierpostonline.com/story/news/2017/01/12/joint-base-new-refueling-tankers/96495578/

http://www.theeagle.com/news/texas/new-jersey-base-to-get-new-refueling-tankers/article_f0b66f6f-37cb-5900-a328-e16b36fe2046.html

http://www.ccenterdispatch.com/news/state/article_080f4e70-a606-5484-a160-05ad2ae8fb21.html

http://www.njherald.com/article/20170112/AP/301129736#

http://www.theprogressnews.com/news/state/new-jersey-base-to-get-new-refueling-tankers/article_18b05370-68cc-57bb-a70d-1ab8577a88f8.html

http://www.heraldcourier.com/news/new-jersey-base-to-get-new-refueling-tankers/article_ebec2b67-a587-5216-a357-3d89f362d292.html