CHICOPEE – Westover Air Reserve Base is one of four bases in the country being considered to host the KC-46A aircraft.
An open house is being held to allow residents to speak with U.S. Air Force personnel about the mission and environmental impact of the aircraft, which is used for aerial refueling, according to a release.
The meeting will be help on April 12 at the Castle of Knights at 1599 Memorial Drive in Chicopee from 5 to 8 p.m.
Westover is one of four sites being considered for the aircraft. The others are Grissom Air Reserve Base in Indiana, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina and Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma.
According to the release, public input from community members who live near the bases will help inform their decision.
The Chicopee meeting will have an informal format to allow the public to offer their comments.
Written comments will also be accepted.
The new plane will replace an aging tanker fleet. The KC-46A has a greater fuel capacity and is more efficient.
It will provide aerial refueling support to the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps.
More information can be seen on the project’s website at www.kc-46a-beddown.com.