Refueling issues cause military jets to change route

By

The Associated Press

F-16CM Fighting Falcons assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing prepare to be fueled during a surge at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., June 21, 2016. The surge is used to help pilots catch up on flying-hours lost due to weather conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado)

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — A New Hampshire National Guard spokesman says six F-16 fighter jets from South Carolina on their way to Italy have been diverted to the Pease Air National Guard Base in Portsmouth due to refueling issues.

Lt. Col Greg Heilshorn tells WMUR-TV the jets’ refueling tanker encountered mechanical issues, and so the jets were unable to refuel over the ocean. They were diverted to Pease early Wednesday.

The jets, which took off from Shaw Air Force Base, will remain in New Hampshire until Friday.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.