PEASE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.H. –
The 157th Air Refueling Wing will spearhead the modernization of the KC-46A Pegasus after its selection as a combined test force in September at Pease Air National Base in Newington.
Backed by New Hampshire’s governor and congressional leadership, the first-ever KC-46A CTF will operate under the authority of the Air National Guard’s Air Force Reserve Test Center or AATC. The partnership with the Tucson, Arizona-based testing facility establishes the New Hampshire Air National Guard wing as a critical player in the development of advanced capabilities for the U.S. Air Force next-generation refueler.
“There is no better unit suited to accelerate the aircraft’s capabilities,” Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said. “In the Senate, I pushed to make Pease the Air National Guard’s main operating base for the KC-46A. Since then, I’ve had the privilege to speak with the men and women who fly and maintain the KC-46A about the innovative ways they have advanced their missions and tactics. I continue to be impressed by their creativity and dedication.”
The newly created CTF will be a separate unit of the AATC hosted and staffed by the 157th ARW, said Col. Daniel Wittmer, AATC commander. The CTF will explore capability gaps on the KC-46A to develop, test, and make fielding recommendations for potential solutions.
“The 157th Air Refueling Wing plays a pivotal role in our national defense, and this new KC-46A Combined Test Force will help keep our military the greatest fighting force in the world,” Gov. Kelly Ayotte said. “I’m proud that our New Hampshire Air National Guard continues to lead the way in defending our country.”
The 157th ARW was the first Air National Guard wing to field the KC-46A refueler, which replaced the Eisenhower-era KC-135.