Congressman Michael Guest held roundtable meeting at the 186th Air Refueling Wing.

Meridian, MS - Congressman Michael Guest visited Key Field Air National Guard Base today in Meridian Mississippi.

He held a meeting at the 186th Air Refueling Wing to discuss ongoing efforts to bring the KC-46 Pegasus to the base.

Commander Cynthia Smith enlightened Twin States News of the importance of this aircraft coming to Key Field.

“The men and women here at Key Field are passionate about this air refueling mission. We’ve been doing it for decades, and we’d like to continue doing it for many decades to come. The aircraft we fly now were built in the late 50’s early 60’s. They are phenomenal aircraft, but obviously aging. By securing the KC-46, we can basically secure that mission for East Mississippi and the men and women at Key Field for another generation to come.”

Key Field Air National Guard Base is the birthplace and home of aerial refueling.

It also possesses one of the few hangars in the Air National Guard that can hold two KC-135s or house the KC-46, which is considered the next generation of aerial refueling.

Commander Smith also explains why Key Field is the perfect place for the Air Force to house this modernized tanker.

“We think Meridian is a fantastic place for that bed down to occur because we’ve got infrastructure already in place and available to make it a cost-effective move. Our aircrew out here are well-versed in transitioning between mission sets. We've got a rich history of air refueling here at Key Field. Also, we are strategically located and close to many receiver units.”

Major General Barry Blanchard mentioned that securing the KC-46 mission to the 186th is a key initiative and one of the highest priorities for our state leadership.