Congressman John R. Moolenaar | Rep. John R. Moolenaar Official U.S House Headshot
Congressman John R. Moolenaar | Rep. John R. Moolenaar Official U.S House Headshot
Congressman John Moolenaar, along with several Michigan officials, including Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow and Governor Gretchen Whitmer, announced that the U.S. Air Force has chosen Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County to host a new squadron of twelve KC-46A refueling tankers.
In a joint statement, the officials expressed their excitement about the decision, stating, "We welcome this exciting news that will help to secure the future of Selfridge Air National Guard Base for decades to come." They emphasized that the addition of the KC-46A tankers, which are next-generation aircraft, will strengthen American defense operations and capabilities, particularly in preparation for potential conflicts in the Indo-Pacific.
The officials also highlighted the significance of operating these tankers out of Selfridge, as it ensures that the base and Michigan remain essential to U.S. military strategy while supporting local jobs and the state's defense sector. They mentioned their bipartisan efforts to advocate for basing KC-46s and a future fighter mission at Selfridge, including holding meetings and calls with senior Air Force officials and hosting them in Michigan.
The decision to base twelve KC-46As at Selfridge Air National Guard Base is expected to take effect in 2029, prior to the divestment of the current KC-135s. The new tankers bring enhanced capabilities, including the ability to refuel multiple aircraft types on the same mission and versatile cargo capacity. They also possess advanced self-protection, defensive, and communication capabilities, improving their operational effectiveness in future conflicts.
The selection of Selfridge Air National Guard Base as the host for the KC-46A tankers follows a recent effort by Moolenaar, other lawmakers, and the governor to urge U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall to choose Selfridge. The officials' letter to Secretary Kendall emphasized Selfridge's unique capability to host the tankers and reiterated their commitment to ensuring that Selfridge is also selected for a new, long-term fighter jet mission.
The tanker mission is expected to bring over 1,000 military personnel to Selfridge, further boosting the base's workforce, which currently includes over 1,400 Michigan Air National Guard jobs. Selfridge's role as an ideal Air Force training space, its access to a large military airspace complex, its joint integration with the National All-Domain Warfighting Center, and its location on an international border made it a compelling choice for the Air Force.
Economically, Selfridge Air National Guard Base has an estimated $850 million impact statewide, supporting approximately 5,000 military and civilian personnel. The base also benefits from a strong Base Community Council, which strengthens the relationship between the civilian and military communities in Southeast Michigan.
The announcement of Selfridge Air National Guard Base being selected to host the KC-46A tankers is a significant achievement for Michigan and ensures the base's continued importance in national security efforts. The officials remain committed to their goal of securing a future fighter mission for Selfridge, and they express their gratitude to the Air Force for their professionalism throughout the process.
For additional details, please follow this link: https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-michigan-officials-announce-air-force-decision-base-kc-46a
Alerts Sign-up