MacArthur: KC-46s are Officially Coming to Joint Base

Toms River, New Jersey—Congressman Tom MacArthur was notified this week of the United States Air Force’s decision to send 24 KC-46 tankers to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. The announcement was made following an environmental impact analysis of the Joint Base; the Air Force deemed the new tankers would not cause any significant environmental impacts in the surrounding area.

“This is great news for South Jersey and the men and women at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. 24 KC-46 tankers are officially coming to the Joint Base, a decision that will secure JB MDL’s status as our nation’s premier air mobility installation and will protect thousands of local jobs for years to come. 42,000 New Jersey residents employed at the Base and the tens of thousands who depend on its survival can rest assured that JB MDL will continue to be of vital importance to our national security and air power. Since day one in Washington, now nearly four years ago, I’ve worked with the Department of Defense, secretaries of the Air Force, local and state officials, and my New Jersey colleagues to get this done. I look forward to welcoming these tankers to their new home in South Jersey.”

Background on Congressman MacArthur’s actions since 2015:

• The Air Force will introduce the KC-46 into the refueling fleet beginning in 2020 with a projected completion by 2023. The fleet is currently led by the KC-10 that received protections from Congressman MacArthur in the FY16 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with bipartisan support from Congressman Norcross.
• MacArthur organized 282 officials from Ocean and Burlington Counties and the state to sign a letter in support of the placement of the KC-46.
• MacArthur also discussed the need for the tankers with former Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James.
• MacArthur and Congressman Smith had a separate sit-down with General Everhart, Commander of U.S. Air Mobility Command.
• Additionally, MacArthur worked with key people in New Jersey and the Department of Defense to make sure JB MDL would be considered the ideal location for the placement of the new tanker.
• MacArthur sent a bipartisan letter with members of New Jersey delegation to Defense Secretary Mattis urging him to include funding in the FY18 budget for new hangars to house the KC-46 tankers at the Joint Base.

In November, Congressman MacArthur will attend a ground breaking ceremony at the Joint Base to welcome the KC-46 tankers.

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