Columns
December Column
Dec 18 2007
In the Marine Corps, all recruits are taught the three Corps values of “Honor, Courage, and Commitment.” As a former Marine, I hold these values dear. In my daily life, and in my time in Congress, I have tried to honor our men and women in uniform, and always keep my commitment to the Kansans I serve.
However, in recent years, there is one area I believe the Department of Defense and the Congress should do – and can do – a better job for the nation’s military: we must replace the aging tanker fleet.
All Kansans should know the history. The tankers in use today were built in the 1950s during the time of President Eisenhower! We have tried for many years to acquire a new tanker for the Air Force. That effort has been lengthy, complicated, controversial and too often political. However, regardless of the past, the fact that our greatest national security strength is our ability to project our force world wide is undeniable.
Right now, the Air Force is considering two separate bids for new tankers, including one from Boeing. I am unwaveringly proud of the men and women of Boeing Wichita, who contributed to the 2,000 plus aircraft Boeing has constructed for our military. Boeing is truly an indispensable part of our nation’s industrial base. They manufacture quality aircraft.
Should Boeing’s KC-767 platform win out in the current competition, hundreds of Boeing Wichita employees and hundreds more direct suppliers in the area will contribute to the next generation of tanker aircraft. These individuals would be part of over 44,000 American jobs necessary to support this aircraft. I firmly believe that the talent and dedication to quality of these men and women is what makes the Boeing 767 the right platform for our country’s new tanker.
Look at the facts: The KC-767 is the world’s most technologically advanced tanker in the air today. Compared to its competition, it has 24 percent, or $10 billion, better fuel economy and 22 percent, or $4 billion, lower maintenance cost. As a result, it is capable of providing the American warfighter with unprecedented capability and flexibility, and it strengthens the U.S. industrial base. By far, the KC-767 is the lowest risk tanker for the Air Force, and Boeing is the absolutely industry expert at making it.
Replacing America’s tanker fleet is the Air Force’s number one acquisition priority, and for good reason. After so many years of speaking without doing, it is time the DOD provide our military with the ability to maintain our national security capabilities over the long term. I urge the Air Force to maintain its current schedule and select a winner early next year. It has been almost seven years since we began looking at a new tanker. Our military cannot wait seven more.
However, in recent years, there is one area I believe the Department of Defense and the Congress should do – and can do – a better job for the nation’s military: we must replace the aging tanker fleet.
All Kansans should know the history. The tankers in use today were built in the 1950s during the time of President Eisenhower! We have tried for many years to acquire a new tanker for the Air Force. That effort has been lengthy, complicated, controversial and too often political. However, regardless of the past, the fact that our greatest national security strength is our ability to project our force world wide is undeniable.
Right now, the Air Force is considering two separate bids for new tankers, including one from Boeing. I am unwaveringly proud of the men and women of Boeing Wichita, who contributed to the 2,000 plus aircraft Boeing has constructed for our military. Boeing is truly an indispensable part of our nation’s industrial base. They manufacture quality aircraft.
Should Boeing’s KC-767 platform win out in the current competition, hundreds of Boeing Wichita employees and hundreds more direct suppliers in the area will contribute to the next generation of tanker aircraft. These individuals would be part of over 44,000 American jobs necessary to support this aircraft. I firmly believe that the talent and dedication to quality of these men and women is what makes the Boeing 767 the right platform for our country’s new tanker.
Look at the facts: The KC-767 is the world’s most technologically advanced tanker in the air today. Compared to its competition, it has 24 percent, or $10 billion, better fuel economy and 22 percent, or $4 billion, lower maintenance cost. As a result, it is capable of providing the American warfighter with unprecedented capability and flexibility, and it strengthens the U.S. industrial base. By far, the KC-767 is the lowest risk tanker for the Air Force, and Boeing is the absolutely industry expert at making it.
Replacing America’s tanker fleet is the Air Force’s number one acquisition priority, and for good reason. After so many years of speaking without doing, it is time the DOD provide our military with the ability to maintain our national security capabilities over the long term. I urge the Air Force to maintain its current schedule and select a winner early next year. It has been almost seven years since we began looking at a new tanker. Our military cannot wait seven more.
