NOVEMBER 21, 2025 – The U.S. Air Force announced McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base near Knoxville, Tennessee, as the preferred location to host the KC-46A Pegasus Main Operating Base 7 as part of the Department of the Air Force’s overarching aircraft recapitalization efforts.
In September 2024, the Air Force named McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base as one of seven Air National Guard candidate locations for potential upgrade, which would replace all of the 134th Air Refueling Wing’s aging KC-135 Stratotankers with eight of the next-generation in-flight refuelers.
“As the global environment evolves, so must we,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Duke Pirak, acting director, Air National Guard. “The KC-46’s advanced capabilities, increased reliability and enhanced operational reach make us better able to meet this critical moment and the demands of tomorrow. The 134th ARW is a great fit for this responsibility.”…