Effort to bring KC-46 tanker to 128th Air Refueling Wing; 'overwhelming support'

MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee could be the home of the military's next generation of air refueling tankers.

The hope is to house the aircraft right in Wisconsin.

The U.S. military's newest tanker, the KC-46, needs a home. It aircraft allows the military to refuel in flight.

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"It’s bigger, stronger and faster," said Congressman Bryan Steil.

The previous generation includes KC-135 tankers.

Congressman Steil held a press conference Monday, Aug. 5, urging the Air National Guard to choose Milwaukee to house the new KC-46 tanker, specifically, at the 128th Refueling Wing.

"To really cement its legacy and spend its future with the air refueling," added Steil.

It's a bipartisan effort. In a letter to the Air National Guard director, the full Wisconsin Congressional Delegation backs the push.

"Showing that united force to the decision makers who will ultimately make the decision is an important piece of the puzzle," said Steil.

Lawmakers say the operational capabilities, amentities, and community support make the 128th a good home for the KC-46 tanker. 

And the refueling wing already employs 900 people who can support the mission.

"If we receive the KC-46, it is an opportunity to bring in more high-skilled technical jobs into the Milwaukee region," said Steil.

Steil says there are 15 other locations under consideration. But lawmakers hope the Air National Guard will pick Milwaukee.

Steil also says the National Guard will make that decision on where the aircraft will be placed in the coming weeks.