Image Credit: 134arw.ang.af.mil
The Tennessee Conservative [By David Seal] –
For decades, Tennessee’s Air Refueling Wing used the staple aircraft, the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, a military version of the Boeing 707 civilian airliner. That is about to change. The 134th Air Refueling Wing will be getting 8 new Boeing KC-46A Pegasus refuelers.
The KC-46 Pegasus is a variant of the Boeing 767 civilian airliner.
In February 2011, the Air Force announced the bid award to Boeing for the new refueling aircraft and its development contract. The result of that development is about to arrive in Knoxville.
According to a November 19, 2025, report by WBIR TV News in Knoxville,
“The 134th Air Refueling Wing at McGhee Tyson has been chosen to fly the Air Force’s new KC-46 Pegasus refueling aircraft, after being one of seven units under consideration.
Based at McGhee Tyson since 1957, the 134th ARW started as a fighter-interceptor unit protecting Oak Ridge and Alcoa. In the 1960s, it converted to tankers and now flies KC-135R Stratotankers around the world. The unit supports U.S. and NATO missions from Desert Storm to today’s operations — all while delivering roughly a quarter-billion dollars a year in economic impact to East Tennessee.”
U.S. Representative Tim Burchett (R-Knoxville, District 2) stated as follows concerning the acquisition of the new aircraft by the 134th Air Refueling Wing.
“Today, the Department of the Air Force announced that McGhee-Tyson Air National Guard Base will be home to eight new KC-46A “Pegasus” and will be utilized by the 134th Air Refueling Wing. This announcement adds another major event to the state’s rich military history and continues to strengthen the arsenal of aircraft already stationed in Knoxville.
“There is no better place for these aircraft to call home than East Tennessee.” Said Congressman Burchett, “Thank you to Secretary Meink and Major General Pirak for trusting the men and women of the 134th Air Refueling Wing of the Tennessee Air National Guard to carry on their remarkable work.”
About the Author: David Seal is a retired Jefferson County educator, recognized artist, local businessman, 917 Society Volunteer, and past Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. He has also served Jefferson County as a County Commissioner and is a citizen lobbyist for the people on issues such as eminent domain, property rights, education, and broadband accessibility on the state level. David is also a 2024 winner of The Tennessee Conservative Flame Award & has received an accolade from the Institute For Justice for successfully lobbing the TN legislature to protect property rights. David can be reached at david@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
