DORGAN ISSUES STATEMENT ON LATEST DELAY ON AIR REFUELING TANKER PROJECT
Senator says he'll keep pushing to bring new tanker mission to Grand Forks Air Force Base
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
CONTACT: Justin Kitsch
or Brenden Timpe
PHONE: 202-224-2551
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) said Wednesday he is disappointed at the latest delay in the bidding process for the Air Force’s new air refueling tanker, but said he’ll continue pushing to bring the next-generation tankers to Grand Forks Air Force Base.
BY SENATOR BYRON DORGAN
September 10, 2008
“The solicitation of bids for our next generation of air refueling tankers has followed a long and tortured trail. The Department of Defense’s decision to punt this decision to the next Administration is disappointing and ultimately means our military will have to wait longer for their new aircraft.
“What this does not change is the fact that Grand Forks Air Force Base is uniquely positioned to be home to the new tanker mission. Its top-notch infrastructure, personnel, and location in the center of the country and near Minot Air Force base – which will soon receive an additional fleet of B-52s – make it an ideal location for the KC-X.
“I’ve had many conversations with top Air Force officials about this issue, and I’ll continue to stay in close contact and encourage them to bring these new tankers to Grand Forks.”
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