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Letter to the Honorable Michael B. Donley and General Norton A. Schwartz, USAF

Letter

Date: March 17, 2011
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Military Personnel

Dear Secretary Donley and General Schwartz:

We write to congratulate the U.S. Air Force on its final decision to award the KC-46A aerial refueling tanker. The fact that EADS has decided to not contest the decision is a testament to the thorough and transparent selection process you managed. As we move forward with the program and formulate the basing criteria for the KC-46A, we have confidence that the Air Force will again conduct a comprehensive and open process.

Many states are closely following the Air Force's decision-making process in terms of strategic basing, including our own state of New Hampshire, where the 157th Air Refueling Wing based out of the Pease Air National Guard Base has been providing persistent air refueling coverage to critical combatant commands overseas since September 11, 2001. The 157th currently flies 8 KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft and nearly 1,000 personnel support this mission on a continuing basis with a history of excellence and pride.

We believe that Pease ANGB is the preeminent location for basing of the KC-46A, based on its experienced personnel, open airspace, close partnership with an active associate unit, modern facilities, significant ramp space, long runway, cost effectiveness, and strategic location to support current and future requirements for the military. No other unit in the northeast can provide the level of aircraft utilization more cost effectively than the 157th Air Refueling Wing at Pease.

We applaud the Air Force's determination to undertake an objective and comprehensive process in determining the most effective and efficient location for the basing of these critical aircraft. We are confident that Pease ANGB will compete successfully in such a process. We look forward to working closely with you as the Air Force begins its strategic basing process in the months ahead.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

United States Senator Jeanne Shaheen
United States Senator Kelly Ayotte


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