Zinke Applauds Aircraft Upgrades for Great Falls National Guard Base
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) Western Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke today applauded the planned aircraft upgrades at the 120th Airlift Wing at Great Falls Air National Guard Base. The U.S. Air Force and Director of the Air National Guard (DANG) today announcedGreat Falls had been selected as a preferred location for new C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. “Montana’s strategic role in our national defense cannot be understated and our military footprint is one of the strongest in the country thanks in large part to the professionalism and dedication of the force,” Zinke said. “I commend General Hronek and his base for keeping Great Falls a priority investment location and a model of how to run an effective operation.” The complete list of preferred locations are 103rd Airlift Wing (Hartford, CT); 120th Airlift Wing (Great Falls, MT); 133rd Airlift Wing (Minneapolis, MN); and 182nd Airlift Wing (Peoria, IL). |
A total of eight C-130J aircraft will be used to recapitalize the aging C-130H fleet at each location. This significant series upgrade will require new flight qualification for pilots and loadmasters transitioning airframes. Any excess in manpower due to this shift will be repurposed through the Air National Guard corporate process and will vary by location. The Air National Guard will analyze each unit to determine the bed down sequencing timelines. The Department of the Air Force will now conduct an environmental impact analysis at each location, which are expected to be completed in fiscal year 2025 before a final decision is made. ###
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