WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran, and U.S Representatives Lynn Jenkins and Mike Pompeo today sent a letter to Air Force Secretary Michael Donley, declaring their support for McConnell Air Force Base and Forbes Field as finalists in the Air Force’s competition to determine which bases will be the home to the new KC-46A aerial refueling tanker.

The following is the text of the letter, dated today and sent to Secretary Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff General Mark A. Welsh, III and General Paul Selva Commander, Air Mobility Command:

“We write today in appreciation of the recent Site Selection Survey Team’s visit to McConnell Air Force Base.  By all accounts, the visit was a success and Kansans on the base—military and civilian—were very proud to host such a distinguished group in our state.  We hope the Team found their visit mutually successful.

“As you are aware, McConnell is the nation’s largest “supertanker” base. Boasting 63 KC-135s, the airmen of McConnell are second to none in their mission to provide global reach for the United States Air Force.  We were extremely pleased to learn McConnell was one of five active-duty bases across the country to be considered for the first Main Operating Base of the next generation tanker, KC-46A.  McConnell’s merits speak for themselves. From location to base operations, McConnell makes an excellent and sensible choice.  Wichita, Derby and the surrounding community continue to play an active, supportive role in the success of the installation.

“Additionally, we would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude in advance of the Air Force’s visit to Forbes Field Air National Guard Base at the end of the month.  From exemplary personnel, capable facilities, and a strong, supportive surrounding community in Topeka, the 190th Air Refueling Wing at Forbes Field has a proud, distinguished history providing Global Reach to the Air Force since 1978. As a finalist for the National Guard’s first Main Operating Base, we know the Site Selection Team will encounter the same, genuine Kansas hospitality in Topeka as in Wichita, along with wide-open spaces, extra runway, and deep enthusiasm intrinsic to the Kansas National Guard.

“We, the Kansas Congressional Delegation, stand firmly behind McConnell and Forbes and strongly support the continuation of an open and fair competition pertaining to these future basing decisions.

“Thank you for your time and consideration. We hope the Site Selection Team enjoyed their visit to Kansas, and we look forward to hosting our United States Air Force again.”

The letter can be found below.