Press Releases

WASHINGTON—Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) announced today that the U.S. Air Force has accepted the first KC-46A refueling tankers from Boeing. McConnell Air Force Base will receive the first four KC-46 aircraft, which are now ready for delivery in the coming weeks. Rep. Estes discussed the acceptance today with Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Donovan.

“Today’s acceptance of the KC-46 aircraft is a major milestone in the long process to ensure the men and women of the Air Force at McConnell have the best equipment available that they deserve,” said Rep. Estes. “The Airmen at McConnell have worked tirelessly to prepare for this delivery and I know will make our country proud in becoming the first to receive the KC-46. This is a big win for our community and country and I look forward to providing even more aircraft and equipment to maintain our efforts to rebuild the military.”

The KC-46A revolutionizes aerial refueling capabilities to support military missions and personnel around the world. The new aircraft will replace KC-135 tankers, which were first delivered in 1957 during the administration of President Dwight Eisenhower.

Since entering office, Rep. Estes has helped mediate the relationship between the U.S. Air Force and Boeing to ensure delivery of the KC-46. In addition, throughout the budget process to secure the KC-46, Rep. Estes led a bipartisan letter with 47 signatures of Members representing 20 different states that helped secure three additional KC-46 aircraft than what was originally proposed for the FY19 defense bills. Rep. Estes has also voted for the NDAA numerous times that not only funded the procurement of the airframe, but the training of the crews at McConnell AFB waiting to receive the KC-46.

Ron Estes is a 5th generation Kansan and represents Kansas’ 4th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and the House Committee on Homeland Security.