Airpower & Community: A Historic Win for Knoxville’s Air Guard

Episode Summary

In this episode of From the Runway Up, Becky and Caitlin sit down with Colonel Ronald Selvidge Jr., Wing Commander of the 134th Air Refueling Wing at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base.

With 35 years of service—beginning as an aircraft maintainer in 1990—Col. Selvidge shares his personal journey through the Tennessee Air National Guard and offers an inside look at the Guard’s dual state and federal mission.

The 134th plays a vital role in rapid global mobility, flying the legendary KC-135 Stratotanker—a fleet that has served since the late 1950s and remains essential to U.S. air operations.

The Big Announcement: KC-46 Pegasus

The episode’s headline moment: The 134th has been selected as the sole winning wing to receive the new KC-46 Pegasus, built by Boeing.

After a 20+ year strategic effort—and competition with 19 other wings nationwide—Knoxville secured this next-generation tanker aircraft.

Why This Matters:

Ensures long-term mission viability for the base

Brings brand-new aircraft straight from the assembly line

Modernizes infrastructure, including runway upgrades

Strengthens economic and military impact in East Tennessee