While the Air Force transitions from the KC-10 midair refueling craft to the new KC-46, shore Representative Tom MacArthur (R-3) works behind the scenes to ensure that the line of succession remains at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL).

The Defense Department has placed the installation among the finalists as they consider where to house the new workhorse of the fleet.

Also in contention are Dover Air Force Base, Delaware; Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington State; Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota; and Travis Air Force Base, California.

"I can't think of a better installation to host the new KC-46 aerial refueling tanker than Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst," MacArthur said in prepared comments.. "The Joint Base is one of our nation's premier air mobility installations, and a great option for housing the KC-46."

The House Armed Services Committee member, winding down his inaugural term, prolonged the KC-10's active role through insertions in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 2016 and the government funding bill approved in December.

He has been coordinating efforts in New Jersey and at the Pentagon to keep JBMDL's profile high for the next generation of refueling craft.

Rep. Tom MacArthur at JBMDL (courtesy Kate Pudiwill)
Rep. Tom MacArthur at JBMDL (courtesy Kate Pudiwill)
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"These protections were critical to the survival of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and the 42,000 New Jersey residents employed there, as well as the tens of thousands of additional jobs that rely on the base," MacArthur said.

"I look forward to using my position on the House Armed Services Committee to continue fighting for basing the KC-46 right here in South Jersey as we approach the upcoming decision deadline."

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