HJR66ENROLLED
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HJR66
46LXIR3-2
By Representatives Oliver, Paschal, Rehm, Wood (R), Treadaway,
Pettus, Robertson, Harrison, Hassell, McClammy
RFD: Rules
First Read: 13-Feb-25
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First Read: 13-Feb-25
Enrolled, An Act,
EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE RECAPITALIZATION OF THE KC-135 TO
THE KC-46A FOR THE 117TH AIR REFUELING WING.
WHEREAS, the 117th Air Refueling Wing of the Alabama
Air National Guard, based at Sumpter Smith Joint National
Guard Base in Birmingham, plays a critical role in national
defense, providing essential air refueling capabilities for
the United States Air Force and allied forces worldwide; and
WHEREAS, the KC-135 Stratotanker, currently operated
by the 117th Air Refueling Wing, has been a reliable
platform for decades but is increasingly challenged by
operational and maintenance limitations due to its age; and
WHEREAS, the recapitalization of the KC-135 to the
KC-46A Pegasus represents a vital modernization effort to
ensure the 117th Air Refueling Wing maintains its
operational readiness and ability to meet current and future
mission demands; and
WHEREAS, the KC-46A Pegasus offers advanced
capabilities, including increased fuel capacity, improved
communications, and enhanced interoperability, all of which
are critical for maintaining the United States' strategic
advantage and supporting global defense operations; and
WHEREAS, the 117th Air Refueling Wing's
recapitalization aligns with Alabama's commitment to
supporting national defense initiatives and highlights the
state's strategic contributions to military readiness and
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state's strategic contributions to military readiness and
homeland security; and
WHEREAS, the recapitalization effort will not only
strengthen national security but also sustain and create
high-quality jobs in the Birmingham area, contributing to
the local and state economy; and
WHEREAS, the Alabama National Guard and members of
the Alabama congressional delegation have already
demonstrated strong support for this recapitalization,
including direct engagement with the Secretary of the Air
Force and the National Guard Bureau; and
WHEREAS, a formal joint resolution from the Alabama
Legislature will amplify the state's unified voice in
advocating for the recapitalization and underscore its
strategic importance to the Department of Defense; now
therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH
HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That the Alabama Legislature
hereby expresses its full and unequivocal support for the
recapitalization of the KC-135 Stratotanker to the KC-46A
Pegasus for the 117th Air Refueling Wing at Sumpter Smith
Joint National Guard Base.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Alabama Legislature
urges the United States Secretary of the Air Force, the
National Guard Bureau, and all other relevant federal
entities to prioritize and approve the recapitalization
effort.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this
resolution be provided to the Alabama congressional
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resolution be provided to the Alabama congressional
delegation, the Secretary of the Air Force, the Chief of the
National Guard Bureau, the Alabama National Guard, and the
leadership of the 117th Air Refueling Wing to convey the
Legislature's steadfast support for this critical
initiative.
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initiative.
________________________________________________
Speaker of the House of Representatives
________________________________________________
President and Presiding Officer of the Senate
House of Representatives
I hereby certify that the within Act originated in
and was passed by the House 20-Feb-25.
John Treadwell
Clerk
Senate 04-Mar-25 Adopted
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