The fight for the KC-46 to come to Key Field continues, Meridian officially in the running

MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) - According to Senator Roger Wicker, the US Air Force has said Meridian is officially in the running to be the future home of the new KC-46 aircraft. The USAF says the field of contenders is now down to seven cities.

Members of Mississippi’s delegation have now released statements about this next step.

“Making it this far in the down-selection process is an accomplishment. If Key Field is ultimately chosen, it would cement and extend the base’s role in our country’s national security infrastructure for decades to come. For the Meridian community, this would be a significant investment. It would bring more service members and families, as well as direct and indirect jobs, to the area. This is one of my top priorities.”

U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss.

“We welcome this positive development for the future of Key Field and Lauderdale County. As the process moves forward, we will continue to forcefully make the case that Key Field will be the best place for this important mission.”

Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss.

“The 186th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) in Meridian is a leader in aerial refueling, and I am pleased that Key Field Air National Guard Base is one of seven sites that is advancing in the KC-46A basing decision process. I am grateful for the unity of our entire Mississippi Congressional Delegation—Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith and Representatives Bennie Thompson, Trent Kelly, and Mike Ezell—as well as the support of our State and local leadership for this effort. I appreciate the Air Force’s consideration of Key Field and look forward to the opportunity to showcase the 186th ARW’s capabilities as we move into the next phase of this decision.”

Congressman Michael Guest (MS-03)

Key Field is already home to the KC-135 fleet. Meridian is also the home of the air refueling system. This new addition of the KC-46 would bring in dozens of families and provide a major economic boost for East Mississippi.

The current 186th Air Refueling Wing is also already able to house the new much larger plane, making the move much cheaper than many other bases across the country.