Ground has been broken for the start of construction on a new training unit at Altus Air Force Base in southwestern Oklahoma.
The base will be the Formal Training Unit for the KC-46A Pegasus — which will replace the KC-135 as an air refueling tanker. The new aircraft is expected to arrive at the base starting in May 2016.
The Lawton-Constitution reports the mission is expected to bring about 570 people to Jackson County, including military and their dependents. Air Force officials say the project will cost about $56 million.
Military officials including 97th Air Mobility Wing Commander Col. Bill Spangenthal joined state and local officials for Thursday's groundbreaking ceremony.
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