WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. – The U.S. Air Force is holding public, drop-in meetings at four bases on a list of possible sites for the KC-46A, a new aerial refueling aircraft. The meeting in Massachusetts will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on April 12, at the Castle of Knights, 1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee, Mass.
The scoping meetings will be in the format of an open house information session, and the public can drop in at any time. The open house session is an opportunity for community members to learn more about the mission and environmental impact of KC‑46A. The public is also invited to speak with Air Force personnel one-on-one, and to provide comments that will be factored into the public portion of the study. Public input supports the Air Force in making more informed decisions about the impact and placement of the new aircraft.
Westover is one of four possible sites for the KC-46A, including Grissom Air Reserve Base in Indiana, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina, and Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma.
The Air Force has identified Seymour Johnson as the preferred alternative site. The purpose of the chosen base’s mission is to provide a fully capable, combat operational KC-46A aerial refueling squadron to accomplish aerial refueling and related missions. The public scoping meetings will be arranged in a “come and go” open house format with no formal USAF presentation or opportunity for public testimony. Written comments will be accepted during the public meeting.
The KC‑46A aircraft will replace the aging tanker fleet. With more refueling capacity, improved efficiency, and increased capabilities for cargo and aeromedical evacuation, the KC‑46A will provide aerial refueling support to the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, as well as allied nation coalition force aircraft.
A final decision and selection of a main base will be announced after the public meetings and comment period end. For more information, visit the project’s website at www.KC-46A-beddown.com.
Media is welcome anytime during the meeting.