Aging tankers in need of replacement

MOBILE, Alabama (WALA) - While not everyone agrees on who should win the $35 billion tanker contract, there is one thing that is undeniable. The tankers that are currently being used by the military are very, very old and must be replaced.

1956 was the year when the first KC-135 flew. Back then most TVs were still in black and white and Dwight D. Eisenhower was President.

In 1965, the last KC-135 tanker came off the assembly line and was delivered to the military. That was 46-years ago and a new one hasn't been built since.

Three-years ago a writer for Business Week talked about his experience on board a KC 135.

"The floor is plywood, windows are busted and the landing gear doesn't work," said Keith Epstein said.

JP Van Hook saw the planes in their prime. He flew them for 10-years.

"Needs to be replaced, long over due. Particularly what using for today," Van Hook said.

Several years ago Van Hook spoke out about the need to speed up the process and build new ones.

"I think it's ridiculous. I think people are just trying to make a political case out of it, instead of going for best plane," said Van Hook.

And here we are today, still with no new planes built yet.

Mobile County Commissioner Mike Dean says the announcement is expected to be made around 4 p.m. Thursday.