KC-46A Refueling Tankers Coming to Pease

The U.S. Air Force has announced that Pease Air National Guard Base will be the location of the Air National Guard’s KC-46A Pegasus main operating base, according to reports.

The location announcement comes after officials have spent nearly two years promoting the Pease as the best possible site for the command refueling station.

The decision will mean millions of dollars in development and construction funds to build a new facility and as many as 100 jobs for the region.

In a statement, Gov. Maggie Hassan, D-Exeter, thanked the New Hampshire Congressional delegation for their work in promoting the location and congratulated everyone involved in the effort for their hard work.

“Over a year after Pease was selected as the preferred Air National Guard base for the KC-46A, we are thrilled to celebrate the official announcement that the Air Force’s next generation refueling tanker will indeed be based here with our National Guard in the Granite State,” Hassan noted. “The entire state of New Hampshire is incredibly proud of our National Guard and the 157th Air Refueling Wing, and we are eternally grateful for their service and sacrifice.”

U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, who assisted in securing $19 million for a new facility and consolidation components to improve command communications and efficiency, agreed that the announcement was great news for the Seacoast.

“This is a very proud day for the dedicated men and women at Pease, for my District, and for New Hampshire,” Shea-Porter said. “The 157th Air Refueling Wing has proven themselves more than ready for this mission. I am very pleased that Pease was selected as the first main operating base and I look forward to welcoming the KC46-A to New Hampshire.”