State of the Art Tanker Presents New Opportunities for Local Air National Guard Base
[MILWAUKEE, WI] – The 128th Air Refueling Wing is gearing up to highlight the future possibilities for Southeast Wisconsin with the KC-46A Pegasus at this year’s WaterStone Bank Air & Water Show. The annual event, which attracts spectators from across Wisconsin and surrounding states, will serve as a pivotal platform for the 128 ARW to demonstrate the significant advancements and capabilities the KC-46 could bring to the region.
Earlier this summer, it was announced that the KC-46 would make its first visit to Milwaukee in the annual Air & Water Show, providing an opportunity to highlight the Wing's candidacy as part of the Department of Defense’s Main Operating Base decision process. The 128th, commonly known as “Milwaukee’s Hometown Air Force,” is one of 15 military installations across the United States under consideration to replace their fleet of KC-135 Stratotankers with the new KC-46. The 128th is a critical piece of the community’s economic strength, and the addition of the KC-46 would further its long-term support to the City and Wisconsin as a whole.
As part of the basing decision process, the 128th Air Refueling Wing Community Council – the outside support organization that works to advocate for the Wing – is leading an advocacy campaign to educate the community and make the case for why Milwaukee is perfectly suited to house the KC-46 at General Mitchell Air National Guard Base.
The Air & Water Show kicks off at 10:00 am on July 27th and 28th and is staged off the coast of Lake Michigan near McKinley and Bradford Beaches in Milwaukee. Local business and community leaders from across Southeast Wisconsin are coming together at the Wing’s hangar for the WaterStone Bank Air & Water Show to support the 128th Air Refueling Wing in their effort to obtain the KC-46. The next-generation air refueling tanker promises enhanced operational capabilities and economic benefits for the region. Its presence underscores Milwaukee’s strategic role in national defense and aerospace innovation.
The 128 ARW is a major jobs generator, supporting 900 state and military jobs and sustaining the area with subcontractor projects for regional businesses, while providing advanced technical skills to the surrounding community workforce through training in over 50 career areas. Bringing the KC-46 to General Mitchell Air National Guard Base would bolster the Wing’s role as an economic engine, boosting its annual impact of more than $84 million to the region and its contribution of over $1 million in benefits and college tuition to local universities.
Speaking about the upcoming Air & Water Show, former commander of the 128th, Col. Ted Metzgar (Ret.) said, “This year’s Air and Water Show holds a special importance as we showcase the KC-46A Pegasus. This new tanker represents a possible new era for our Wing and our community, offering advanced capabilities that will bolster our mission readiness and supercharge our economic impact in Milwaukee and beyond.”
About the 128th Air Refueling Wing
The 128th has proudly served the people of Wisconsin and the United States since its establishment in 1947, helping with natural disasters as well as during times of conflict, including the Korean War and Operations: Desert Storm, Restore Hope, and Deny Flight. Located at General Mitchell ANG, the Wing sits within the Northern Tier, allowing it to support Homeland Defense missions. Its proximity to the 115th Fighter Wing 5th Gen fighters from Truax Field in Madison and Volk Training Center also reinforces the 128 ARW’s position in joint missions across Wisconsin.
About the KC-46 Pegasus Mission
The KC-46 is a military aerial refueling and strategic military transport aircraft that provides greater refueling, cargo, and aeromedical evacuation capabilities than the KC-135 Stratotankers, which the Wing has operated since 1977.
The KC-46 has both boom and drogue refueling capability built into the aircraft, providing aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and partner-nation receivers. The KC-46 can hold more than 212,000 pounds of fuel, 65,000 pounds of cargo, and up to 58 passengers. It is also equipped with several self-protection, defensive, and communication features making it a durable and survivable aircraft in contested environments.
The 128th is a premier destination for the KC-46, boasting updated infrastructure that greatly enhances mission capability and resiliency. The Wing’s new fuel storage facility, future pipeline tap, and microgrid project also significantly strengthen mission efficiency for the KC-46, while the 128th’s current land use agreement with Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport enables maximum cost efficiency.
To learn more or get involved, visit 128thcommunitycouncil.com.
2022 Charlotte Douglas International Airport Report of Achievement
Giving back to the community is central to what Charlotte Douglas International Airport and its operator, the City of Charlotte Aviation Department, is about, and last year was no different.
Throughout 2022, while recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, we continued our efforts to have a positive impact on the Charlotte community. Of particular note, we spent the year sharing stories of how Connections Don't Just Happen at the Terminal - from creating homeownership and employment opportunities to supporting economic growth through small-business development and offering outreach programs to help residents understand the Airport better.
This whitepaper highlights the construction projects, initiatives, programs and events that validate Charlotte Douglas as a premier airport.
Download the whitepaper: 2022 Charlotte Douglas International Airport Report of Achievement.