Guadagno Applauds Air Forces’s Choice of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst For Refueling Jets

Trenton, NJ – Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno today applauded the Air Force’s decision to begin basing new KC-46A Pegasus air-refueling tankers at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in the 2021 fiscal year. This decision will accelerate an infusion of military construction at the Joint Base and prioritizes Joint Base receipt of the aircraft at a time when the Administration is requesting a new base closure round in 2021.

“The Air Force decision is good news for the State of New Jersey and for our national security,” said Lt. Governor Guadagno. “It is a tribute to the outstanding Air Force and Air National Guard airmen and the important missions they perform.”

During the selection process for the fourth KC-46A Main Operating Base, both Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and Travis Air Force Base, California were selected to receive the new tankers. However, the new sequencing plan means that the Joint Base will receive its new tankers in the 2021, 2022, and 2023 fiscal years, while Travis AFB will not start receiving tankers until fiscal year 2023.

Lt. Governor Guadagno said the decision will have a direct positive impact on New Jersey’s economy.

“This decision means that Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst will receive $146.5 in new military construction spending to accommodate the KC-46A aircraft,” she stated. “Design work will be completed in time for several new construction projects to begin in the spring of 2018.”

The Joint Base is due to receive at least 24 new tankers, which will allow for the retirement of its KC-10 aircraft. Tankers manned by Joint Base airmen play a vital role in supporting heavy transatlantic military flights to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Southwest Asia.