Refueling Mission Returns to Meridian

MERIDIAN, Miss. (AP) – The Mississippi Air National Guard is back in the air refueling business at Meridian’s Key Field. The last of C-27 J aircraft left Key Field on Tuesday.

WTOK-TV in Meridian reports that four C-27 J aircraft were brought to the Air Guard Base in Meridian after changes were made in 2005 during base realignment efforts. Those planes were used to transport cargo and personnel.

Before the 2005 action, the mission for the base was air refueling, which its members had done for 13 years. That mission is now being restored at Key Field.

So far, two of the K-C 135 tankers have been brought to the base. By September, officials hope to have eight of the tankers, which they feel will help further secure the future of the base.