National

Rep. Sewell lauds Birmingham base as KC-46A finalist

Birmingham’s Sumpter Smith Air National Guard base is one of seven finalists to base the new KC-46A refueling aircraft.

Staff

Published on September 30, 2024 at 7:10 am CDT

KC-46 Pegasus from Pease Air National Guard Base, N.H., participate in an elephant walk, Sept. 8, 2021. The aircraft display showcased a collective readiness and ability to generate combat airpower at a moment's notice ensuring regional stability. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Victoria Nelson

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Last Friday, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Alabama, celebrated the selection by the U.S. Air Force of Birmingham’s Sumpter Smith Air National Guard (ANG) base, home of the 117th Air Refueling Wing (ARW), as one of seven finalists to base the new KC-46A refueling aircraft.

“As I have communicated to Secretary Kendall, it is in the best interest of our national security to base the new KC-46A aircraft right here at the Sumpter Smith Air National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama,” Sewell said. “I am thrilled that we have been chosen by the Air Force as a finalist and will continue to advocate on behalf of the men and women at Sumpter Smith and the 117th Air Refueling Wing.”

In May, Sewell led every member of the Alabama delegation in a letter to Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall expressing support for Sumpter Smith Air National Guard Base as the future basing site for the KC-46A aircraft.

Staff

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