Washington, D.C. —After Grissom Air Reserve Base was not selected Thursday as the Air Force’s preferred location for the third KC-46A Main Operating Base, U.S. Senator Donnelly expressed optimism about the base’s future. He also invited Air Force Secretary Deborah L. James to visit Grissom ARB in the coming months.
Donnelly said, “While I was disappointed by today’s (10-29-15) announcement, the fact that Grissom was among the final four bases considered for the KC-46A mission in this round is cause for real optimism about what the future holds for Grissom and the 434th Air Refueling Wing. It is confirmation of what Hoosiers already know – that the men and women of the 434th Refueling Wing are among the best in the country. This process shone a light on the 434th Refueling Wing’s experience, expertise and record of excellence.
“I know from multiple conversations with the Air Force leadership that they have a strong appreciation for our Hoosier Airmen and for the factors that continue to make Grissom an ideal home for the KC-46A in the future, including our exceptional infrastructure, strategic location, and unparalleled community support. This is only the third KC-46A main operating base to be announced. There are many more to follow in the years to come. To ensure we are well positioned for the next opportunity, I’ve invited Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James to visit Grissom in the months ahead.”
In June 2015, Donnelly met with Secretary James to discuss the possibility of Grissom ARB becoming the new home for the KC-46A mission and followed up with a letter inviting James to visit the base before the Air Force made a final decision on the site for the next KC-46A base.
In February 2015, Donnelly joined members of the Indiana congressional delegation in sending a letter to Secretary of the Air Force Deborah James urging the Air Force to give strong consideration to Grissom to host the KC-46A.
Full text of the letter to Secretary James follows. To see a PDF of the signed copy, click here.
Representative Jackie Walorski (IN-02), a member of the House Armed Service Committee, issued the following statement after the United States Air Force decided not to award the KC-46A tanker to the 434th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) at Grissom Air Reserve Base:
“I am deeply disappointed by the decision of the Air Force to not base the KC-46A tanker aircraft at Grissom Air Reserve Base,” Walorski said. “The service members at Grissom go above and beyond the call of duty and I commend them for their continued service, along with the dedicated members of the community who worked tirelessly to try and secure this project. I also want to thank Col. Douglas Schwartz on his continued outstanding leadership over the 434th ARW and Grissom, he remains the best our Air Force has to offer.”
In June, Walorski spoke with Secretary of the Air Force, Deborah L. James regarding the many benefits of Grissom and invited the secretary to visit Grissom in person. In July, Walorski met with Maj. Gen. Maryanne Miller, deputy to the chief of the Air Force Reserve to discuss possibility of the U.S. Air Force selecting Grissom Air Reserve Base to house and operate the KC-46A tanker aircraft.
