TOMS RIVER, N.J. — The United States Air Force’s decision to send two dozen KC-46 tankers to South Jersey’s Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst is big news for one of New Jersey’s biggest employers.
“This is great news for South Jersey and the men and women at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. 24 KC-46 tankers are officially coming to the Joint Base, a decision that will secure JB MDL’s status as our nation’s premier air mobility installation and will protect thousands of local jobs for years to come,” said Congressman Tom MacArthur (R, NJ-03).
“42,000 New Jersey residents employed at the Base and the tens of thousands who depend on its survival can rest assured that JB MDL will continue to be of vital importance to our national security and air power. Since day one in Washington, now nearly four years ago, I’ve worked with the Department of Defense, secretaries of the Air Force, local and state officials, and my New Jersey colleagues to get this done. I look forward to welcoming these tankers to their new home in South Jersey,” he added.
MacArthur worked long and hard to seure funding in the FY18 budget for new hangars capable of serving as the KC-46 tankers’ new home at the Joint Base. Tuesday’s announcement further solidifies and shores-up the once-endangered base’s future.
The ground breaking ceremony at the Joint Base is scheduled for November 2018.
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