WASHINGTON—Representative Scott Franklin (FL-15), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, congratulated MacDill Air Force Base on being selected by the Secretary of the Air Force as the next Main Operating Base (MOB) for 24 new KC-46 Pegasus tankers. The U.S Air Force previously identified MacDill and Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington state as the top two candidates for the new KC-46s. Rep. Franklin helped lead a letter in June with the entire bipartisan Florida Congressional Delegation urging Air Force Secretary John P. Roth to select MacDill as the next MOB for the tankers.

“MacDill is the right choice for the KC-46’s new operating base,” said Rep. Franklin. “It is home to 33 mission partner units from all branches of service, including U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command, making it an ideal setting for these aircraft. The KC-135 Stratotanker has been a work horse in support of military aviation since the mid-1950’s, but its time had passed. When I was a young Naval Aviator over 30 years ago, we were already looking eagerly to its replacement. That time has finally arrived, and I’m proud to know that MacDill will be the new home for the KC-46. The Tampa Bay area is highly respected for its support of our servicemembers and their families. I look forward to welcoming more of them to our community with the selection.”