About the KC-46A Main Operating Base #6 Beddown

Background

In April 2006, the U.S. Department of the Air Force (DAF) completed an Analysis of Alternatives to determine the most appropriate strategy for modernizing the existing aerial refueling tanker aircraft fleet. Based on that analysis, the DAF concluded that a tanker derived from a commercial aircraft, specifically the KC-46A Pegasus (KC-46A), would result in the best value. Since then, Congressional authority funded the purchase of 179 KC-46A aircraft to be phased into the DAF operation by 2028 to modernize the fleet, enhance operations, and increase mission effectiveness. To date, the DAF has completed Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) for the KC-46A Formal Training Unit (FTU) and First Main Operating Base (MOB 1), MOB 2, MOB 3, and MOB 4 missions addressing basing of KC-46A aircraft at CONUS Air Force Bases (AFB) in Oklahoma, New Hampshire, California, and New Jersey. An EIS to address the MOB 5 mission is currently being developed. The MOB 6 EIS addresses the proposal to recapitalize the KC-135 aircraft and base the KC-46A aircraft at either MacDill AFB, Florida (Preferred Alternative) or Fairchild AFB, Washington.

Proposed Action

The DAF is proposing to beddown KC-46A tanker aircraft, personnel, and associated infrastructure in support of the MOB 6 mission at either MacDill Air Force Base (AFB), Florida, or Fairchild AFB in Washington State. The basing action would require infrastructure, facilities, airfield operations, training activities, and personnel to support the KC-46A mission. All flight operations would take place within existing airspace and additions to, or alterations of, airspace are not proposed. Under either installation alternative, the 24 KC-46A would replace 24 KC-135 aircraft when those aircraft are relocated or retired from the selected installation. The associated KC-46A training mission would result in an increase in overall tanker operations at that installation.

Implementation of the Proposed Action would occur in two stages: a beddown stage and an operational stage. The beddown stage involves construction/retrofit of required facilities, infrastructure, and prepared surfaces, which includes renovation, alteration, and demolition. The beddown stage also includes preparing support facilities for new personnel and students to support the mission. The operational stage involves conducting day-to-day activities (operational missions, maintenance, etc.) of squadrons at the base, including base flight operations, training in the regional airspace, and use of auxiliary airfields.

Alternatives

The Proposed Action would occur either at MacDill AFB, Florida, or Fairchild AFB, Washington. MacDill AFB and Fairchild AFB are active duty installations with existing KC-135 aerial refueling missions and, as such, are reasonable alternatives for implementing the KC-46A MOB 6 Beddown. Upon completion of the Final EIS, the DAF decision maker will consider the EIS analysis to support selection of the MacDill AFB alternative (Preferred Alternative), Fairchild AFB alternative, or any potential alternatives identified by the public during the NEPA process that best satisfies the stated purpose and need within mission constraints. The final decision will be documented in the Record of Decision.