NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Governor Bill Lee (R-Tenn.), U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), and the entire Tennessee delegation sent a letter to U.S. Department of the Air Force Secretary Troy E. Meink urging him to make the McGhee Tyson Air National Guard (ANG) Base outside of Knoxville, Tennessee, the seventh main operating base for the KC-46 Pegasus.

McGhee Tyson ANG Base Would Be Cost-Effective Choice with Rapid Access to Key Operational Areas

“Strategically located in East Tennessee, McGhee Tyson ANGB provides rapid access to key operational areas within the continental United States and abroad. The 134th Air Refueling Wing boasts six decades of air refueling experience which would ensure a smooth, cost-effective transition to the KC-46. McGhee Tyson features a newly completed 10,000-foot runway and a purpose-built hangar to support the KC-46 aircraft, along with favorable airspace, secure infrastructure, and strong partnerships with regional military installations.”

Airmen of 134th Refueling Wing Exemplify Excellence and Valor

“The Airmen of the 134th Air Refueling Wing exemplify sustained excellence which has been recognized through their receipt of 16 Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards. The wing’s culture was most recently showcased through the awarding of eleven Distinguished Flying Crosses for valorous action over Israel in 2024. This dedication makes McGhee Tyson ANGB an ideal location for long-term mission success. Selecting McGhee Tyson also ensures a proportional distribution of next-generation air refueling capability across the Air National Guard, and with its cost-effectiveness, proven experience, and operational readiness, it stands as the optimal choice for MOB 7 for the KC-46 and the U.S. Air Force.”

Click here to download this photo of Senator Blackburn with Airmen of Tennessee’s 134^th Air Refueling Wing.

 BACKGROUND

• The KC-46A Pegasus is the U.S. Air Force’s newest aerial refueling aircraft, designed to replace the KC-135 Stratotanker, which first entered service in 1957.

• KC-46A offers advanced boom and drogue refueling, secure communications, defensive systems, and support for cargo, passengers, and aeromedical evacuation. Its expanded range and modern systems enable the Air Force to meet mission demands in today’s complex global environment.

• McGhee Tyson ANG Base boasts over 68 years of volunteer excellence and service to the Air Force. The unit has received a remarkable 16 Air Force Outstanding Unit awards and is one of the most decorated air refueling units in Air Force history. 

• Securing KC-46 aircraft for McGhee Tyson ANG Base will preserve over 1,500 jobs and $203 million annually for decades to come. 

CO-SIGNERS

Governor Bill Lee (R-Tenn.), U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), and U.S. Representatives Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.), Mark Green (R-Tenn.), Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.), Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), John Rose (R-Tenn.), Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.), Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), David Kustoff (R-Tenn.), and Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) joined Senator Blackburn in sending this letter.

Click here to view the full letter.