Home Ideas Government & Politics Air Refueling Wing in Milwaukee is a finalist to house KC-46 Pegasus...

Air Refueling Wing in Milwaukee is a finalist to house KC-46 Pegasus aircraft

A U.S. Air Force KC-46 Pegasus assigned to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base refuels an F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 309th Fighter Squadron, Nov. 3, 2023, over the Barry M. Goldwater in Range, Arizona. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mason Hargrove)

The 128th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) of the Wisconsin Air National Guard, which is based at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, is one of 15 military installations across the country being considered to house the United States Air Force’s KC-46A Pegasus aircraft. The 128th ARW has housed KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft since 1977. The difference between the

Already a subscriber? Log in

To continue reading this article ...

Subscribe to BizTimes today and get immediate access to our Insider-only content and much more.

Learn More and Subscribe Now
Ashley covers startups, technology and manufacturing for BizTimes. She was previously the managing editor of the News Graphic and Washington County Daily News. In past reporting roles, covering education at The Waukesha Freeman, she received several WNA awards. She is a UWM graduate. In her free time, Ashley enjoys watching independent films, tackling a new recipe in the kitchen and reading a good book.
The 128th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) of the Wisconsin Air National Guard, which is based at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, is one of 15 military installations across the country being considered to house the United States Air Force’s KC-46A Pegasus aircraft. The 128th ARW has housed KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft since 1977. The difference between the two types of aircraft is the KC-46 provides greater refueling, cargo and aeromedical evacuation capabilities, according to a Tuesday announcement. The KC-46 has both boom and drogue refueling capability built into the aircraft, providing aerial refueling support to the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and partner-nation receivers. The KC-46 can hold more than 212,000 pounds of fuel, 65,000 pounds of cargo and up to 58 passengers. It is also equipped with several self-protection, defensive and communication features. “The arrival of the KC-46 would sustain the mission of the 128th, not only strengthening local economies but also providing more guardsmen and their families with the exceptional quality of life that Wisconsin offers,” said former wing commander Col. Ted Metzgar. “With outstanding schools, a thriving job market, and world-class amenities, Milwaukee and its surrounding areas provide an ideal environment for our servicemembers to work, learn and live.” Housing the KC-46 Pegasus would “bolster the wing’s role as an economic engine,” according to Tuesday’s announcement. The 128th ARW has an estimated annual economic impact of $84 million to the region and has created 1,650 jobs, according to the organization. Established in 1947, the 128th ARW has assisted during both natural disasters and international conflicts, including the Korean War, Operation Desert Storm (Gulf War) in Iraq, Operation Restore Hope in Somalia and more.

Stay up-to-date with our free email newsletter

Keep up with the issues, companies and people that matter most to business in the Milwaukee metro area.

By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy.

No, thank you.
Exit mobile version