KC-46A Pegasus tanker scheduled to arrive at McConnell AFB next week

McConnell Air Force Base Tuesday announced the first KC-46A Pegasus tanker should arrive next week. McConnell says the Air Force will accept the first tanker during a ceremony next Friday (Jan. 25) at the base.

“The extensive planning and preparation efforts of our Airmen and the local community have been a long time coming," says Col. Josh Olson, 22nd Air Refueling Commander. We are pioneering KC-46 integration and are now more than ready to deliver on rapid global mobility for our nation."

McConnell says the KC-46 will serve alongside the KC-135 Stratotanker "supplying critical aerial refueling, airlift, and aeromedical evacuation capabilities for America’s military and its allies around the world at a moment’s notice."

"The KC-46A is a proven, safe, multi-mission aircraft that will transform aerial refueling and mobility operations for decades to come. We look forward to working with the Air Force, and the Navy, during their initial operational test and evaluation of the KC-46, as we further demonstrate the operational capabilities of this next-generation aircraft across refueling, mobility and combat weapons systems missions,” said Leanne Caret, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security earlier this month.