December 3, 2007 - Today Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02) issued the following statement supporting the Boeing Company and the Air Force’s new Advanced Tanker.

Franks stated, “During this time of conflict when our armed services are strained, we must ensure our military remains robust and that the United States remains strategically dominant. Accordingly, Congress must provide our military with an overall increase to our defense budget so that our armed services have the resources for procurement. Our services must choose the contractors who have the best products to meet those requirements, and we all must ensure those who are building our platforms have America’s security as their first priority. This is the foundation for discussions about procuring any new military platform, including the Air Force’s new tanker aircraft fleet. I believe that Boeing and the men and women in Arizona would serve their country and its security well if tasked with building America’s new tanker.”

Beside Honeywell facilities located in Phoenix, Tempe and Tucson, AZ, which will provide avionics and other aerospace components for the KC-767 Advanced Tanker, other Arizona industry will provide electrical and hydro-mechanical systems for the new tanker.  According to the Boeing Company, Arizona will benefit from an estimated 1,100 jobs being created directly or indirectly if selected to build the U.S. Air Force's new tanker aircraft fleet.

“Boeing has shown this country again and again that it knows tankers. Its legacy includes the KC-135 and KC-10, and it has logged over 1,000 hours on the new 5th generation tanker. The patriotic and brilliant men and women in Arizona would be a perfect fit for the KC-767.”