Rep. Mark Takano Statement on the Air Force KC-46A Basing Decision Impact on March Air Reserve Base
Washington DC – Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement after it was announced that March Air Reserve Base was not selected as a candidate to receive the KC-46A Pegasus aerial tanker:
“I am extremely disappointed that March Air Reserve Base was not selected as a candidate for KC-46A MOB 3. I will be asking the Air Force for detailed information about the factors contributing to this decision, in particular, exactly how March ARB was evaluated. I would also like to know why, when both President Obama and Secretary of Defense Carter have emphasized the strategic importance of rebalancing our forces to the Pacific, none of the final candidates for this basing decision are located in the Pacific region. March ARB continues to serve an essential role in our nation’s defense infrastructure, even more so since the 163rd Reconnaissance Wing at March received the MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle last year. The addition of KC-46As will only serve to strengthen that role. As I did with the MQ-9s, I am going to continue to work with my colleagues in Congress, the Air Force, and Base leadership to ensure the March receives the aircraft it needs to support its mission and bolster our nation’s defense.”