A military air base in western Massachusetts is in the running to become home to the next generation of Air Force refueling tanker planes. Along with the new aircraft would come new jobs.
Westover Air Force Reserve Base in Chicopee is one of four bases under consideration by the Pentagon to become home to the KC-46A, which is designed to provide aerial refueling to U.S. military and allied aircraft. The first of the new planes, which are being built by Boeing, is scheduled for delivery in 2019.
If Westover is chosen to host the new tanker planes, it would mean more pilots, maintenance, and support personal would be assigned to the base, according to Lt. Col. James Bishop, the head of public affairs at Westover.
" I have to underscore it is a proposal, but it is certainly potentially good news for us," he said.
The news that Westover is among the finalists for the new aircraft comes as the base is about to lose half its fleet of 16 C-5 cargo planes which are being transferred to another facility. The move will eliminate 334 jobs at Westover.
Bishop said Air Force officials will visit each of the bases that are candidates for the new tanker plane this summer and a final decision is expected during the summer of 2016. The other bases in the running are in North Carolina, Indiana, and Oklahoma.
" What this would mean for the base is more people and a duel mission as far as heavy airlift and now air refueling, which is a great step," said Bishop.
One edge Westover could have in the competition is that it is the closest U.S. air base to Europe. Another is a new $24 million fueling system that is under construction on the base.
" The infrastructure we have makes this is a base that could accommodate other aircraft," said Bishop.
In addition to the Pentagon downsizing that will cost Westover half its C-5 fleet, base personal had to take unpaid time off during the federal budget sequestration. So, just the possibility of new planes and a new mission for the base has provided a morale boost, according to Master Sgt. Andrew Biscoe.
" As a fulltime technician here I know a lot of people who live in the local area, and we see stuff in the news about the cuts and we are all concerned about each other and our families. So, while this is not a done deal it certainly has the potential to bring hope to people and jobs," said Biscoe.
Massachusetts Congressman Richard Neal and Chicopee Mayor Richard Kos both issued statements saying they were pleased with the announcement.
William Sheehan, a member of the Galaxy Community Council, a group of civilian advocates for the Westover base, said he was thrilled to hear new planes might be coming.
" You have to think of the economy and the amount of money it will bring in. It is a plus," he said.
A study commissioned by Westover estimated the base had a $221 million impact on the local economy last year. The base has almost 4,700 workers, making it one of the largest employers in western Massachusetts.
