Rep. Calvert Praises Selection of March Air Reserve Base as a KC-46A Pegasus Future Operating Base Candidate

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) praised the Air Force for selecting March Air Reserve Base 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.

"This announcement by the Air Force is welcome news for March Air Reserve Base and another confirmation of the important role the Inland Empire has to play in the future of our national security," said Rep. Calvert. "We have and continue to make significant investments at March in support of the critical missions fulfilled at the base. I believe March is well positioned, especially as the only Reserve candidate location with a current Active Association, to have its fleet of KC-135s replaced with the newer KC-46A Pegasus."

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.