THE HIGHLAND COUNTY PRESS
The Ohio House of Representatives has passed House Concurrent Resolution 5 to urge the secretary and chief of staff of the United States Air Force to fully consider Rickenbacker Air Guard Station, in Columbus, as the location of the main operating base for the KC-46A tanker aircraft.
The United State Air Force is currently considering bases for the fielding of 12 KC-46A planes, which are capable of refueling fixed-wing receiver aircraft while in the air. HCR 5, sponsored by State Representatives Cliff Rosenberger (R-Clarksville) and Heather Bishoff (D-Blacklick), highlights the accomplishments of the Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing, based at Rickenbacker, and emphasizes the location and infrastructure of the base, as well as its strong support from the community.
“The 121st Air Refueling Wing has successfully served our nation for more than 70 years, including support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said State Representative Rosenberger, a veteran of the Air National Guard. “The facilities and benefits offered by Rickenbacker, along with its history of success, make it an ideal location to serve as the main operating base for the KC-46As. I’m pleased that the members of the Ohio House recognize this.”
The Rickenbacker Air Guard Station currently supports 18 KC-135R aircraft. Geographically, the base is capable of supporting the high demand for aerial refueling in the eastern and southeastern United States.