U.S. Special Operations Command and U.S Central Command headquarters will be making room for a group of 24 active-duty KC-46 Pegasus tanker planes. The Pegasus is a new premiere refueling jet that is set to replace older models around the force.
The Tampa airbase beat out other bidders like Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington after the Air Force compared the two locations’ missions and cost. MacDill is fortunate to not have the encroachment issues that other airbases suffer from as well as space in its hangars and refueling areas suitable for the KC-46. Tampa is known for being a “tanker town” and officials intend to keep things that way.
The KC-46 is a Boeing production and even though it has a few design problems with the fuel boom viewing system and cargo restraints it received limited permission to refuel aircraft and can now service over 70% of the planes in the Air Force that are equipped for aerial refueling.
