Key Field in Meridian could become home to a new KC-46A air refueling squadron, with the U.S. Air Force informing Congress Tuesday that the Mississippi installation is one of four preferred locations for the military aircraft.
Mississippi’s congressional delegation, including Republican Reps. Trent Kelly, Michael Guest, and Mike Ezell, Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson, and Republican Sens. Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith, released a joint statement announcing and commending the decision. Key Field advanced from an initial list of 14 candidate bases.
“We applaud the U.S. Air Force for selecting Key Field Air National Guard Base in Meridian as a finalist to host the KC-46 refueling aircraft,” the members said, noting that Key Field already has an air refueling wing that makes it an attractive candidate:
“Key Field is the home to the 186th Air Refueling Wing, hosting more than 1,000 Airmen and Air Force personnel servicing the KC-135. The 186th is the primary National Guard tanker unit devoted to U.S. military operations in the Middle East — a vital mission for a consequential region of the world.”
While the delegation is pleased to see Key Field named a finalist, members are making their case to the Air Force for why it should choose the Mississippi site. According to the Air Force, the KC-46A is a next-generation tanker that provides aerial refueling support while also transporting cargo, passengers, and patients for aeromedical evacuation.
Mississippi’s congressional members argue there are several reasons Key Field is an ideal location, including its proximity to refueling tracks, recent infrastructure investments, and the city of Meridian’s commitment to supporting military members and their families.
“Meridian presents a strategic location for the KC-46 and is the prime candidate to undertake the mission,” the statement continued. “The city sits near important refueling tracks, and Mississippi’s vast open spaces enable large-scale exercises. This allows the 186th not only to service fleets but also to support the global refueling mission. Over the past few years, Key Field leadership has invested in the infrastructure upgrades that facilitate this mission. The City of Meridian also has a long track record of welcoming service members and meeting the unique needs of military families.
“As the Air Force moves into its final evaluations, we will keep making the case that Key Field is the right home for the next generation of air refueling.”
The other preferred locations selected for the KC-46A air refueling squadron are Bangor Air National Guard Base in Maine, Forbes Field Air National Guard Base in Kansas, and McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in Tennessee.