Politicians urge Spokane for new tankers

Washington politicians have launched a campaign to bring the Air Force’s next generation of aerial refueling tankers to Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane. The state’s congressional delegation, along with Gov. Chris Gregoire, has sent a letter to the Air Force secretary describing the base’s strengths. They say Fairchild has long been a base for aerial tankers, and that Spokane provides an exceptional quality of life for airmen. The new KC-46A is intended to replace the U.S. Air Force’s aging fleet of KC-135s that have been flying for more than 50 years.