Mississippi Delegation Applauds Key Field Selection as a Kc-46 Finalist

Tuesday, September 29, 2026 MISSISSIPPI DELEGATION APPLAUDS KEY FIELD SELECTION AS A KC-46 FINALIST WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), Michael Guest (R-Miss.), and Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) today welcomed notification from the U.S. Air Force that Key Field in Meridian has been selected as one of four preferred locations to be the future home of the new KC-46 aircraft. The congressional delegation issued the following statement in response: “We applaud the U.S. Air Force for selecting Key Field Air National Guard Base in Meridian, Mississippi, as a finalist to host the KC-46 refueling aircraft. “Key Field is the home of the 186th Air Refueling Wing, hosting more than 1,000 Airmen and Air Force personnel servicing the KC-135.  The 186th is the primary National Guard tanker unit devoted to U.S. military operations in the Middle East—a vital mission for a consequential region of the world. “Meridian presents a strategic location for the KC-46 and is the prime candidate to undertake this mission.  The city sits near important refueling tracks, and Mississippi’s vast open spaces enable large-scale exercises.  This allows the 186th not only to service fleets flying along local routes but also to support the global refueling mission.  Over the past few years, Key Field leadership has invested in the infrastructure upgrades that facilitate this mission.  The City of Meridian also has a long record of welcoming service members and meeting the unique needs of military families. “As the Air Force moves into its final evaluations, we will keep making the case that Key Field is the right home for the next generation of air refueling.” The Mississippi delegation has consistently made the case that Key Field is well equipped to host the KC-46 aircraft.  This month, the Mississippi delegation sent a letter to Air Force Secretary Troy Meink in support of Meridian.  Over the past few years, Mississippi’s federal officials have supported additional efforts to modernize Key Field infrastructure, paving the way for the installation to continue its contributions toward America’s national security posture. ### Issues Foreign Affairs Infrastructure & Public Works Jobs and Economy National Security Region East Central