On 19 November 2025, as expected, the Department of the Air Force (DAF) announced that McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, situated near Knoxville (TN), will be home to eight new Boeing KC-46A Pegasus tanker/ transport aircraft.

 

The 151st Air Refueling Squadron, part of the 134th Air Refueling Wing has been selected to receive the KC-46A, marking a major milestone in the future of aerial refueling and operational capability for the Tennessee ANG.

 

The Pegasus will replace the wing’s eight legacy Boeing KC-135R Stratotankers and will represent a generational leap forward in refueling, cargo, aeromedical evacuation, and communications capabilities.

 

DAF's decision underscores the 151st ARS's/ 134th ARW's proven track record of excellence, strategic location, and readiness to support national defense priorities. Over the past few years, the 134th ARW has undertaken significant upgrades to accommodate the KC-46A. A newly 10,000-foot runway, completed at a cost of USD 134 million, has been constructed. Also recently, a USD 32,4 million maintenance hangar, designed specifically to house and service the Pegasus, was provided to McGhee Tyson's maintenance unit.

The KC-46A is a multirole tanker with advanced refueling systems, defensive countermeasures, and secure communications capabilities. Its selection will bring infrastructure modernisation and new career opportunities to McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, further solidifying the unit’s role in the Air Force’s global mission. The transition from  the KC-46 is expected to take place over the next several years, with construction and training milestones occurring in phases. The 134th ARW will work closely with USAF's Air Mobility Command (AMC) and the National Guard Bureau to ensure an easy and successful transition.