Pilots from 20 countries train in Tampa on aerial refueling simulator

TAMPA, Fla. - Aerial refueling is a game of precision that happens thousands of feet in the air at unbelievable speeds.

Warplanes rely on the practice so they can go anywhere in the world. 

MacDill A.F.B. recently got eight new KC-135 tankers, bringing its total to 24, with the possibility of more to come.  

"We want America to be ready for any contingency possible and you can't do that today unless you put the tools in the hands of our military service members," said U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa).

Castor announced that more than $3 million is coming to MacDill for a new hi-tech flight simulator. It was built in Tampa at CAE USA Inc., one of the nation's largest builders of flight simulation technology. 

One simulator already resides on the base. MacDill doesn't have the room to add the new one right now, so MacDill pilots are coming to CAE to train.

"It's not that far away, so we're supporting that," said Raymond Duquette, CEO of UAE USA. 

Pilots from MacDill join international military pilots from more than 20 countries who come to CAE to train on simulators. 

The new simulator is scheduled to be moved from CAE to MacDill in 2020.