The U.S. Air Force has named Bangor as one of four finalists for a new air refueling squadron.
U.S. Sens. Susan Collins, a Republican, and Angus King, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, learned about that Tuesday from Michael Saunders, the Air Force’s principal deputy assistant secretary for energy, installations and environment, and Maj. Gen. Bryony Terrell, deputy director of the Air National Guard.
Bangor was among 14 Air National Guard bases under consideration. The other three finalists are: Forbes Field Air National Guard Base in Topeka, Kansas; Key Field Air National Guard Base in Meridian, Mississippi; and Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base near Columbus, Ohio; according to a spokesperson for King’s office.
“This announcement from the Air Force is an important step toward equipping the MAINEiacs with the advanced aircraft they need to carry out their critical mission,” Collins and King said in a statement. “Bangor’s strategic location and the proven excellence of the 101st Air Refueling Wing make a compelling case for bringing the KC-46 to Maine. We will continue to press for Bangor’s selection as the selection process continues.”
A decision will be made early next year, and if Bangor is selected, new military aircraft will begin moving here in 2030.
The 101st Air Refueling Wing, which calls Bangor home, is assigned the aging KC-135 Stratotankers, which could be replaced by the KC-46A, if the 101st makes the cut.
In making the announcement Tuesday afternoon, Collins touted tens of millions of dollars that she’s secured for air guard bases in Bangor and Saco, including $50 million for a universal fuel cell hanger in Bangor capable of accommodating the KC-46A.
BDN writer Marie Weidmayer contributed to this report.