Statement by Rep. McMorris Rodgers on the Air Force KC-46A Refueling Tanker Decision

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 12, 2017) — U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) today released the following statement in response to the announcement by the United States Air Force that the next round of KC-46A Pegasus Aerial Refueling Tankers will not be coming to Eastern Washington’s Fairchild Air Force Base:

“I am disappointed that Fairchild was not selected to receive these new tankers, and I continue to have questions about whether changes to the basing process unfairly disadvantaged Fairchild,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers.

“I’ve met personally with numerous Air Force leaders and they have assured me that Fairchild is positioned to be a preeminent aerial refueling tanker base well into the future because of its strategic location, infrastructure and capacity, strong community support, and years of mission experience. I am going to hold them to their word and ensure that Fairchild retains and expands its critical role in assuring the Air Force’s global mobility and reach. I remain confident and excited about Fairchild’s future and will continue to work with our community partners and the entire Washington congressional delegation to expand Fairchild’s missions, operations, and strategic importance for decades to come.”

Note: Representative McMorris Rodgers has championed Fairchild and its personnel both in Congress and with the Air Force during her tenure in Congress. In April of 2016, she hosted Greater Spokane Incorporated in Washington, D.C. for meetings with senior Air Force officials at the Pentagon. In July, Rep. McMorris Rodgers spearheaded a  Washington congressional delegation letter to the Secretary of the Air Force supporting the selection of Fairchild as the main location for the new round of KC46A refueling tankers (letter can be found here and below).

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