Rep. Calvert Leads Effort to Support March Air Reserve Base in KC-46 Basing Decision

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) announced that he spearheaded a bipartisan letter along with members of the Southern California House Delegation to Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall in support of March Air Reserve Base being selected as an operating base for the KC-46 tanker.

"Thanks to significant investments in on-site infrastructure throughout March Air Reserve Base, the installation is an optimal location for basing the KC-46 and its important mission," said Rep. Calvert. "There is widespread support among the Southern California House Delegation for selecting March as a home for KC-46 aircraft because of its strategic location and the fact it is the only Reserve candidate location with a current Active Association. The Inland Empire has a proud and rich history of contributing to our national security, and I'm hopeful that will soon include a vital KC-46 mission."

The following House members signed the letter along with Rep. Calvert: Rep. Mark Takano (CA-41), Rep. Darrell Issa (CA-50), Rep. Raul Ruiz (CA-36), Rep. Mike Garcia (CA-25), Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-31), Rep. Michelle Steel (CA-48), Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Rep. Young Kim (CA-39), Rep. Julia Brownley (CA-26), and Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51).

Earlier this year, March Air Reserve Base was included as one of six candidate locations to continue in the selection process for future assignment as a main operating base for the KC-46A Pegasus aircraft. According to the Air Force, a total of 12 KC-46As will replace Air Force Reserve Command KC-135 Stratotankers at one of the six candidate locations. The preferred locations are expected to be selected in fall 2021. In addition to receiving new aircraft, the force structure of the new operating base would experience a manpower increase from the current level of 511 personnel up to a proposed level of 701 personnel.

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