Ricketts Leads Delegation Letter in Support of Nebraska Air National Guard Hosting KC-46s

On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) led a letter to the Secretary of the Air Force requesting that the Nebraska Air National Guard’s (ANG) 155th Air Refueling Wing at Lincoln Municipal Airport be selected to host the KC-46 aircraft. This letter was signed by the Nebraska congressional delegation. “The 155th Air Refueling Wing is uniquely positioned to excel in all of these areas through its central U.S. location, unmatched infrastructure capacity, proven recruiting success, and rapidly expanding operational partnerships,” the delegation wrote. “The 155th Air Refueling Wing is mission-ready today and ideally positioned for tomorrow. As a Congressional delegation, we are confident that Lincoln is an ideal candidate for the KC-46A. We look forward to working closely with you and your team as you consider how Nebraska can play a crucial role in the Air Force’s new era of aerial refueling.” In May, the Secretary of the Air Force approved the enterprise definition and basing criteria for the ANG KC-46A Main Operating Base (MOB) 9. The ANG has 14 KC-135 locations, including Lincoln, operating aging aircraft. One of these locations will be selected to base 8 KC-46A aircraft. The letter was signed by Senators Ricketts and Fischer and Representatives Mike Flood, Don Bacon, and Adrian Smith. Full text of the letter can be found here and below. Dear Secretary Meink, As the Air Force considers sites for the Air National Guard (ANG) KC-46A Main Operating Base (MOB) 9, we respectfully request your full consideration of the Nebraska Air National Guard’s 155th Air Refueling Wing at Lincoln Municipal Airport as a top candidate to fulfill basing criteria. The May 2026 approval of the enterprise definition and criteria emphasizes the operational, manpower, and capacity requirements to support future KC-46 missions. The 155th Air Refueling Wing is uniquely positioned to excel in all of these areas through its central U.S. location, unmatched infrastructure capacity, proven recruiting success, and rapidly expanding operational partnerships. The 155th Air Refueling Wing has demonstrated success operating the KC-135R Stratotanker since 1993, having participated in several major combat missions, including Operations Allied Force, Noble Eagle, and Enduring Freedom. Located in the heart of the United States, the Lincoln Air National Guard Base ensures access to every geographic combatant command within a single flight. Additionally, Lincoln boasts significant infrastructure capacity, with one of the longest runways in the Air National Guard at 12,901 feet by 150 feet, and a 6,400 feet by 1,700 feet parking apron on the west side of the flightline. Not only is the entire runway being reconstructed with completion expected by fall 2027, but a land use feasibility study has also been completed for an 80-acre expansion. In terms of personnel, the Nebraska Air National Guard has an end strength of 104.74%, ranking fifth in the nation. Nebraska has long demonstrated proven recruiting success, including through its recent expansion of the 170th Group and Critical Care Air Transport Team at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). This partnership with UNMC, which serves as one of two Regional Disaster Health Response System sites in the United States, creates natural synergy with the KC-46 Aeromedical Evacuation mission. Nebraska’s strategic relationships also span the globe. In recent years, the Nebraska National Guard has expanded its partnerships through the National Guard’s State Partnership Program to four countries: Czechia, Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Marshall Islands. This has created robust access in three geographic combatant commands. These partnerships also provide unmatched opportunities to improve cooperation with our allies and partners, strengthening the Air Force’s operational readiness. The 155th Air Refueling Wing is mission-ready today and ideally positioned for tomorrow. As a Congressional delegation, we are confident that Lincoln is an ideal candidate for the KC-46A. We look forward to working closely with you and your team as you consider how Nebraska can play a crucial role in the Air Force’s new era of aerial refueling.