At a ceremony at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB-MDL) today, Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) joined Colonel Elizabeth Hanson, Colonel Anthony Smith, other top military officials and servicemembers of the 305th Air Mobility Wing to mark the grand opening of the new KC-46 two-bay hangar that will help house and maintain the Joint Base’s next generation refueling tanker jets.

            “Special thanks to the distinguished Commander of the 305th Air Mobility Wing Colonel Elizabeth Hanson and Colonel Anthony Smith of the 87th Air Base Wing for your extraordinary leadership and amazing service to our country,” said Smith, who delivered the keynote remarks at the Joint Base event.

            “The KC-46 and this new hanger we inaugurate today are yet another tangible recognition of the vital role the 305th plays in defending freedom and ensuring the security of the United States,” said Smith.”

            Known for its state-of-the-art refueling capabilities, the KC-46—which is operated by the Airmen of the 305th—can refuel two aircraft at the same time and is able to be refueled itself while in flight.

            “The strategic airlift and air refueling missions of the 305th are the key to American power projection and are vital in the sustainment of American security,” said Smith, who noted the US Air Force wing’s distinguished lineage that stretches back to World War II, including its critical role through the post 9/11 conflicts, US engagement in Syria, the evacuation of Afghanistan, and supporting Ukraine in its war with Russia.

            “The 305th’s unrivaled readiness and capabilities are what connects our nation’s strategic vision with the realities faced everyday by our servicemembers across the globe,” said Smith.

            Smith, who serves as Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China and senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the 305th’s rapid air mobility mission is critical to projecting and sustaining critical assets abroad in the face of rapidly evolving threats against the United States and free people around the world, especially and including the existential military threat posed by China.

            “It is critical now—more than ever—that that the United States must enhance and invest in the capabilities that provide deterrence and project lethality across the globe to make the Chinese Communist Party—and any malign actor who seeks to oppress others—think twice about armed conquest,” said Smith.

            “Whether it is the rapid deployment of American assets to conflict zones, sustaining military activities through vital airlift capacity, delivering humanitarian assistance in a time of crisis, or providing air refueling operations at home or across the globe, the Airmen of the 305th get the job done,” Smith said.

            “I have no doubt the women and men of the 305th will make good use of this new facility to house, maintain, and keep our KC-46’s, C-17s, and future airframes mission ready to defend the United States and our interests across the globe,” said Smith.

            A proven and relentless advocate for federal investments at the Joint Base, Smith led the New Jersey congressional delegation’s 2016 letter urging the Air Force to designate JB-MDL as the host of the KC-46 air refueling tankers.

            “Above all, this investment is an expression of the deep and abiding faith we place in each of you and your willingness to answer our nation’s call to serve,” Smith told the servicemembers at the Joint Base. “Words are simply inadequate to express our gratitude.”

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