Bill > HJR66

This joint resolution expresses strong support for upgrading the 117th Air Refueling Wing's aircraft from the aging KC-135 Stratotanker to the more advanced KC-46A Pegasus at the Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama. The resolution highlights the critical national defense role of the Air Refueling Wing, which provides essential air refueling capabilities for the United States Air Force and allied forces worldwide. The KC-46A Pegasus offers significant improvements over the current KC-135, including increased fuel capacity, better communications, and enhanced interoperability, which are crucial for maintaining the United States' strategic military advantage. The resolution emphasizes that this recapitalization effort will not only strengthen national security but also potentially create and sustain high-quality jobs in the Birmingham area. Furthermore, the Alabama Legislature urges the Secretary of the Air Force, the National Guard Bureau, and other federal entities to prioritize and approve the recapitalization, and directs that copies of the resolution be sent to key military and legislative leaders to demonstrate the state's unified support for this important military modernization initiative.