MacDill AFB titled preferred location for next KC-46A Pegasus base

The US Department of the Air Force selected MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, for the preferred location to host the next active-duty KC-46A Pegasus unit on December 21.

This verdict comes after the conduction of multiple site surveys which assessed locations based on factors relating to mission, infrastructure, community support, environmental considerations, and cost. A total of 24 KC-46As will replace KC-135 Stratotankers at MacDill AFB.

KC-46A
A USAF Boeing KC-46A running air to air refuelling operations with a USAF F-15. USAF/ Master Sgt Michael Jackson

A final decision on where to base the KC-46As will be made after an environmental impact analysis, which is expected in Fall 2023.

Fairchild AFB, Washington, is also being considered a reasonable alternative and will undergo an environmental impact analysis like MacDill AFB.