HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Birmingham could soon play host to one of the Air Force's newest air refuelers.
Sumpter Smith Air National Guard Base has been selected as a finalist to be the main operating base for the KC-46A Pegasus. The KC-46A is produced by Boeing and is based off their famous 767 airliner. Sumpter Smith is already home to the 117th Alabama Air National Guard Refueling Wing, which homes multiple KC-135 aircraft, which the Pegasus is replacing.
Both Senator's Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville gave statements with the news of Birmingham being named a finalist.
“I am proud Birmingham’s Sumpter Smith Air National Guard Base has been selected as a finalist for this important basing decision. Alabama is the arsenal of the world, and because of that we have incredible communities, synergies, and personnel ready, willing, and able to support this potential investment by the Air Force,” said Senator Britt. “Sumpter Smith is already well-suited to handle the recapitalization of KC-46A due to existing infrastructure that will save the Air Force money and only require a nominal investment. The close proximity to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is also beneficial as the runway allows the 117th Air Refueling Wing to launch with full fuel capacity. This is critical given growing threats around the globe. I firmly believe Sumpter Smith is the best possible choice, and we will continue to encourage the Air Force to choose Alabama.”
“Alabama continues to be a leader in cutting-edge military equipment and technology,” said Senator Tuberville. “Sumpter Smith, home of the 117th Air Refueling Wing, is dedicated to providing air refueling and airlift support across Alabama and our nation. I am proud that Alabama is such a pro-military state and hope to see Sumpter selected for this designation next year.”
Birmingham could soon be home to one of the Air Force's newest aircraft
The Sumpter Smith Air National Guard base has been selected as a finalist to be a main operating base for the airplane