Contact Information

  • Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gregoire�s statement on the release of the final RFP for a new Air Force refueling tanker

For Immediate Release: February 24, 2010

OLYMPIA - Gov. Chris Gregoire today issued the following statement on the release of the final RFP for the Air Force�s refueling tanker contract:
�We�ve been waiting for this RFP for a long time. Our current fleet of refueling tankers is aging and our military needs new planes now.

�I am confident that Boeing, with its experienced workforce and capacity to build the tanker immediately, will compete effectively and ultimately, win the order.

�This is why I have joined a bipartisan group of governors from eight other states in forming the U.S. Tanker 2010 coalition. We are making the case for a fair, competitive and efficient process that will select the tanker that is essential to both our national security and good for our economy.

�Secretary Gates has exhibited great leadership in this process date. I encourage him and his department to act judiciously and expeditiously to evaluate the proposals and select the winner.�