Fairchild listed as alternative for new tanker fleet

Last Wednesday, May 22, United States Air Force officials announced their recommendation that McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas was recommended to be the first base to receive the new KC-46A tanker fleet, listing Fairchild and Grand Forks as alternative locations.

The new tanker will eventually replace the KC-135 fleet, the aircraft currently used at Fairchild. Local cities and economic organizations rallied to support the base’s bid to be the main operating base for the first KC-46A fleet, built by Boeing.

“Our KC-135s are critical to fueling the fight and fueling freedom, now and for the fo...