Pease Air National Guard Base Prepares to Deploy Fleet of KC-46A Tankers
Pease Air National Guard Base in Portsmouth, New Hampshire is about to embark on a mission aimed at countering and deterring Iran. Major Bryant Burns, stationed at Pease and a KC-46A tanker pilot, is among those who will be deployed overseas this fall. The deployment will last through the end of the year and involve a fleet of KC-46A aerial refueling tankers from Pease, along with approximately 180 stationed airmen.
Standing up to Global Power
The mission has been placed on Southwest Asia which includes countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Notably, this marks the first time that the U.S. Air Force has decided to deploy KC-46A Pegasus jets in such combatant command areas. The purpose extends beyond aerial refueling for U.S forces; it also involves carrying cargo and conducting aeromedical evacuations.
Transitioning to Modern Planes
Transitioning away from the outdated KC-135 Stratotankers had its challenges but according to Master Sgt. Brett Peterson who operates aboard the KC-46A jets during midair refueling missions “We are fully operational now”. Having received their full fleet of brand new aircraft back in February 2021 after working with some of the oldest planes built in 1957 was considered a significant achievement for not only Pease’s 157th Refueling Wing but for United States as well.
– How does the deployment of the KC-46A tankers to Southwest Asia enhance the United States’ military posture in the region?
The 157th Air Refueling Wing, based in New Hampshire, has recently deployed a squadron of KC-46A Pegasus tankers to Southwest Asia as part of a mission to deter Iranian aggression in the region.
This deployment comes at a critical time as tensions between the United States and Iran have been escalating in recent months. The presence of these advanced tanker aircraft in the region serves as a clear deterrent to any potential hostile actions by the Iranian regime.
The KC-46A Pegasus is a state-of-the-art aerial refueling and strategic military transport aircraft that provides vital support for global operations. With its advanced capabilities, including the ability to refuel other aircraft in mid-air, the KC-46A plays a crucial role in extending the reach and endurance of U.S. and coalition forces.
The deployment of these tankers to Southwest Asia not only enhances the United States’ military posture in the region but also demonstrates its commitment to ensuring stability and security for its allies. Additionally, it sends a clear message to Iran that any hostile actions will be met with a swift and decisive response.
The KC-46A’s mission in Southwest Asia is part of a broader effort by the U.S. military to maintain a strong deterrent presence in the region. With tensions between the U.S. and Iran at a heightened level, the deployment of these tankers serves as a visible demonstration of the U.S. military’s resolve to protect its interests and those of its allies.
The 157th Air Refueling Wing’s role in this mission showcases the capabilities and readiness of the Air National Guard to rapidly deploy and support critical operations around the world. With its skilled personnel and advanced aircraft, the 157th Wing plays a vital role in maintaining the United States’ military readiness and global presence.
In addition to its strategic importance, the deployment of the KC-46A tankers to Southwest Asia also serves as a testament to the professionalism and dedication of the men and women of the 157th Air Refueling Wing. Their commitment to service and their ability to execute complex missions in challenging environments are a testament to the capabilities of the Air National Guard.
As the situation in Southwest Asia continues to evolve, the presence of the KC-46A tankers will remain a crucial element in deterring any potential aggression from Iran. The aircraft’s ability to provide aerial refueling and transport capabilities will ensure that U.S. and coalition forces have the support they need to maintain a strong and credible deterrent posture in the region.
the deployment of the 157th Wing’s KC
Preparing For Deployment
For members like Peterson getting prepared involves constant training missions daily just so they can be ready at any given time for any mission whether it’s domestic or international noting that while serving family ties have often been stretched due to constant deployments when it gets down there every effort made would often come down into meeting what needs may be at either state or national levels.
Family Sacrifices And Pride In Service
Both Burns and Peterson understand firsthand what it means having young children or family years back home whenever they are about being deployed yet still attested that they remained committed regardless because really love their job including being part of something bigger while making examples out themselves especially among younger generations stepping up within their communities showing pride within each homecoming as evident by words spoken by both Nate Forster an avionics technician speaking about how important his work really is virtually paving ways for newer units soon set deploy newer planes while Nathan his brother sees himself going away knew no matter how far he went he could still come back toward somewhere always felt homely expressed Mr .nathan forthester before made comments regarding beforehand past mustering impressive fighters guard where very same brothers born place labelled England lived insidefern location seacoast well previously activities took placed all around wonderful places such Me York Wisconsin giving voice others respect towards tenacity loved folks joined court member off-springs literally covered lengths miles; wish today reminisced fervently early English throughout remembers calling buddies distant locations soldiers have strengthened whereabouts enough relief fathers then maternal relatives uncles known personalities”.
Seeking Support From Local Leaders And Community
The event held ahead deployment was graced powerful figures department elected representatives including Republican Gov Chris Sununu Democrat Senators Shaheen Maggie Hassan addition Representative Chris Pappas acknowledges selfless sacrifice recognizing waiting place wherever makes them proud say heroes “”On behalf citizens embrace adventure come safe We’ll waiting“. Whoever feels special mentions like warrior known named James Lux since across globe caught spear helping everybody everything says widely surprised awesome sighted cool wherever looking over night before ”.