Ayotte Joins Refueling Mission with New Hampshire Air National Guard

Press Release

After joining a refueling mission today with crew members of the New Hampshire Air National Guard's 157th Air Refueling Wing, U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) said the flight was evidence of the 157th's professionalism and demonstrated why Pease is deserving of the next generation of tanker aircraft, the KC-46A.

"I couldn't have been more impressed with the crew members of the 157th. At a time when we need to make the most of every defense dollar, the Air National Guard is conducting critical refueling missions at a fraction of the cost of their active duty counterparts," said Senator Ayotte, a member of the Armed Services Committee. "With a strategically significant location, an active duty association, and with the 157th having achieved the highest KC-135 utilization rate in the entire Air National Guard last year, Pease is an irreplaceable national defense asset."

She continued: "I will continue to use my position on the Armed Services Committee to highlight the capabilities and accomplishments of the 157th Air Refueling Wing and Pease Air National Guard Base."

Senator Ayotte's visit to Pease comes as the Air Force is making future basing decisions about the KC-46A, the next generation stratotanker. During Armed Services Committee hearings and in private meetings with Air Force leaders, she has encouraged the Air Force to conduct an objective and transparent basing process.

Pease is strategically located only a few minutes flight time to the most important refueling tracks for U.S. based aircraft bound for Europe and the Middle East, which helps save both time and money. It's also located near major East Coast metropolitan centers. In addition, Pease's proximity to the Portsmouth seaport would provide unique advantages for the cargo mission of the KC-46A.

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