WICHITA — The Pentagon announced today that McConnell Air Base in Wichita will be the site for some of the air force’s new KC-46A air refueling tankers. The new tanker, being developed by Boeing, is planned as a replacement for the KC-135 tanker. Gov. Sam Brownback and the Kansas Congressional delegation have hailed the decision, calling McConnell’s selection great news for the state. The 190th Air Refueling Wing based at Forbes Field in Topeka was also considered as one of five Air National Guard units to fly the new tanker, but will go to a New Hampshire unit, Kansas Adjutant General Lee Tafanelli said. He said he’s optimistic the Kansas unit will be selected later.
Wednesday, May 22, 4 p.m.
