KC-46A Program Could Add 100+ Jobs at Pease

A new tanker program slated for the Pease Air National Guard Base could create more than 100 new jobs and pump millions into the local economy, officials said this morning.

Gov. Maggie Hassan was at the base to celebrate the news that it was selected to host the next-generation KC-46A, a refueling tanker and transportation craft. It will replace the 1950s-era KC-135 tankers.

Pease was selected out of about 80 other bases across the country.

"We are a small state but we can out-compete other states because of men and women like you," Hassan told members of the 157th Air Refueling Wing stationed at Pease. "This is just the kind of boost our state needs."

U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH, and Kelly Ayotte, R-NH, promoted Pease to top military brass during the selection process.

"We’re thrilled that the Air Force recognizes Pease’s many strategic advantages as well as the 157th’s exceptional record of service," the pair said in a statement. "We’re confident that Pease will continue to provide the best air refueling support in the Air Force for decades to come."

Col. Paul Hutchinson, commander of the 157th, said the KC-46A program will have a huge impact on the area. He said it would create more than 100 new jobs—representing about $7 million in payroll and $45 million in construction contracts.

The Pease selection is still subject to an environmental impact study.