Refueling issues cause military jets to change route

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.