Hinds Today

The U.S. Air Force has informed the Mississippi congressional delegation that Key Field in Meridian is now officially a candidate to host the new KC-46 aircraft. This decision comes as part of a nationwide down-selection process, narrowing the field to seven potential sites.

The Mississippi congressional delegation has long advocated for Key Field, an Air National Guard Base, to be considered a strong contender for this selection. U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) highlighted the significance of this development: "Making it this far in the down-selection process is an accomplishment. If Key Field is ultimately chosen, it would cement and extend the base’s role in our country’s national security infrastructure for decades to come." He added that such a decision would also benefit the Meridian community by bringing more service members and families, as well as creating direct and indirect jobs.

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) expressed optimism about the future prospects: "We welcome this positive development for the future of Key Field and Lauderdale County. As the process moves forward, we will continue to forcefully make the case that Key Field will be the best place for this important mission."

U.S. Representative Michael Guest (R-Miss.) also emphasized Key Field's capabilities: "The 186th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) in Meridian is a leader in aerial refueling, and I am pleased that Key Field Air National Guard Base is one of seven sites that is advancing in the KC-46A basing decision process." He acknowledged the unified efforts of Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith, Representatives Bennie Thompson, Trent Kelly, Mike Ezell, and state and local leadership in supporting this initiative.

Key factors contributing to Key Field's candidacy include its established role in military refueling operations and strategic transport capabilities.