releases: https://www.donnelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press/donnelly-optimistic-about-grissoms-future-despite-not-being-selected-as-air-force-preferred-location-for-the-third-kc-46a-
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| url | title | date | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://www.donnelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press/donnelly-optimistic-about-grissoms-future-despite-not-being-selected-as-air-force-preferred-location-for-the-third-kc-46a- | Donnelly Optimistic about Grissom’s Future Despite Not Being Selected as Air Force Preferred Location for the Third KC-46A | 2015-10-29 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Democrat | House | IN | Joe Donnelly | D000607 | www.donnelly.senate.gov | legacy | Donnelly Optimistic about Grissoms Future Despite Not Being Selected as Air Force Preferred Location for the Third KC-46A Senator, who pushed for Grissoms selection, invites Secretary of the Air Force to visit the Air Reserve Base Thursday, October 29, 2015 Washington, D.C. After Grissom Air Reserve Base was not selected today as the Air Forces preferred location for the third KC-46A Main Operating Base, U.S. Senator Donnelly expressed optimism about the bases 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 todays 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, andunparalleled 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, Ive 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. October 29, 2015 The Honorable Deborah L. James Secretary of the Air Force 1670 Air Force Pentagon Washington, DC 20330-1670 Dear Secretary James: In light of todays KC-46A basing decision, I am writing to invite you to visit the 434th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) at Grissom Air Reserve Base (ARB) in the coming year. While I am disappointed that Grissom ARB was not selected as the Air Forces preferred location for the third KC-46A Main Operating Base (MOB 3) in todays decision, I appreciate your assessment that the 434th ARW was among the top candidates for this mission nationwide. As you have noted in our past conversations, Grissoms strong performance as a finalist in this round bodes well for the future. In 2011, the Air Force contracted with Boeing to acquire 179 KC-46A refueling tankers to recapitalize the aging tanker fleet. This remains a top Air Force acquisition priority, and there will be numerous KC-46A basing actions in the coming years. As you are the deciding authority on these basing actions, I believe it would be of significant value for you visit Grissom ARB in person, given the likelihood that its strategic location, ample infrastructure, and outstanding Airmen will make it a top candidate again in future KC-46A basing rounds. The air refueling mission is critical to our nations defense, and Grissom ARB is home to one of the Air Forces best refueling wings. With proximity to refueling tracks and airspace availability, Grissom ARBs strategic location allows for superior mission effectiveness. The base has ample capacity to support additional aircraft, including hangar, runway and ramp space. Situated in a low-cost area with minimal environmental concerns, any infrastructure needs can be easily accommodated. What truly sets Grissom ARB apart, however, are the men and women of the 434th ARW whose experience, expertise, and commitment to excellence poise the base for a smooth transition to the KC-46A mission, given the opportunity. I appreciate your personal engagement throughout the assessment process for this basing decision, and I look forward to maintaining a strong partnership as the Air Force continues to meet our national security needs in an exceedingly difficult budget environment. In these difficult times, I hope you will continue looking to the Air Forces Reserve Component as a valuable tool to achieve savings while maintaining mission effectiveness across the Total Air Force. The 434th ARW is a prime example of how valuable a capability we have in the Air Force Reserve. Thank you for your service and leadership. I look forward to hosting you at Grissom ARB in the coming months. Sincerely, Joe Donnelly United States Senator ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |