Senator Collins and Senator King Welcome News that Bangor Air National Guard Base Advances to Next Round of Highly-Competitive Tanker Basing Process

Bangor Air National Base is now one of seven finalists under consideration as the next base to receive the KC-46A air refueling tanker

Bangor, ME - Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins and Senator Angus King were briefed by Major General Duke Pirak, Acting Director of the Air National Guard, that Bangor Air National Guard Base will continue to be considered for the next Guard base to receive the KC-46A air refueling tanker. The 101st ARW was one of 15 Air National Guard bases originally considered to have its aging KC-135 tankers replaced with KC-46As. There are now seven bases remaining in the competition that will be subject to further site visits and consideration.

Senator Collins hosted Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall earlier this year on June 7, in what was the first time that the Secretary of the Air Force has made a dedicated visit to the 101^st ARW, also known as the MAINEiacs.

"Today's decision by the Air Force is encouraging news and a testament to the MAINEiacs' worldwide reputation for accomplishing the refueling mission as well as the dedication of all of the servicemembers in the 101^st Air Refueling Wing," said Senator Collins, the Ranking Member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. "There's no question that the Air Guard includes many outstanding units across the country, but as the Secretary and the Air Force consider where to base new refueling tankers in the coming months, I wanted him to see the gold standard of a refueling wing in the Air Force located in such a strategic location because I have such pride in the Mainers who have been faithfully performing this mission."

"There is no more strategic air refueling wing than the 101^st MAINEiacs in Bangor," said Senator Angus King, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. "I am glad the Air Force recognizes the strategic value of Maine and the Bangor Air National Guard Base. I'm encouraged to hear the unit that has such global impact is now a finalist to receive the new KC-46 air refueling tanker, which would ensures the MAINEiacs aircraft are modernized and Maine remains at the forefront of contributing to our National defense. Bangor and the MAINEiacs are one of our state's greatest success stories, and I'm proud to advocate on behalf of these brave men and women who work to defend our freedoms."

"The men and women of the 101st Air Refueling Wing have consistently demonstrated excellence in the air refueling mission for decade," said Colonel Byron Newell, Commander of the 101st Air Refueling Wing. "Together with Bangor's vital strategic location, keeping the nation's most connected and capable air refueling platforms based in Maine makes sense for Homeland Defense, Strategic Deterrence, and Power Projection in crisis and competition. The MAINEiacs are excited to continue collaborating with our teammates throughout the Air Force, Department of Defense, and Congress as the MOB 7 basing decision enters this final phase."

The final decision for the selection of Main Operating Base 7 for the KC-46A is expected at the end of next summer, pending environmental review. The first aircraft would arrive at the selected location in 2030.

As the Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins secured nearly $9.6 million for MEANG projects in Bangor and Saco in the Fiscal Year 2024 Military Construction Appropriations bill. In May, Senator Collins highlighted the important role the MAINEiacs play in our national defense at a hearing to review the Fiscal Year 2025 budget request for military construction. The Fiscal Year 2025 Military Construction and Veterans' Affairs bill reported by the Senate Appropriations Committee includes $50 million secured by Senator Collins for the construction of a universal fuel cell hangar that can accommodate the KC-46A. If the bill is passed, this project will allow Bangor to be more competitive in the selection process.

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