McCollum, Klobuchar, Smith, Minnesota Delegation Celebrate 133rd Airlift Wing Selection to Receive C-130J Super Hercules Fleet
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04), U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, and the Minnesota Congressional Delegation today announced that the Minneapolis-Saint Paul Air Station (133rd Airlift Wing) was chosen as one of four Air National Guard locations to receive the next C-130 aircraft upgrades. Minnesota elected officials worked in a bipartisan fashion on efforts to replace the decades-old C-130H aircraft with new C-130J aircraft. Upgrading the fleet will ensure that the 133rd Airlift Wing is able to continue carrying out critical missions to respond to challenges at home and abroad.
“The 133rd Airlift Wing is an integral part of our state, the Air National Guard, and our country's security, and it exceeds readiness and effectiveness in service to the nation’s air forces,” Congresswoman Betty McCollum said. “While serving as Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, I worked to secure federal funding to replace aging aircraft and maintain our world class facilities. Working together with Governor Walz and our bipartisan Minnesota delegation, we made the case for Minnesota to receive the new C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.”
In June, Senator Klobuchar led the Minnesota delegation in sending a bipartisan, bicameral letter to Director of the Air National Guard Lieutenant General Michael Loh highlighting the case for the Air National Guard and the U.S. Air Force to select Minnesota National Guard’s 133rd Airlift Wing to receive new C-130J transport planes based on the unit’s distinguished accomplishments and the state of Minnesota’s strong support for the Guard unit.
“By awarding these aircraft to the 133rd Airlift Wing, the Air Force has recognized the 133rd’s strong record of accomplishment and history of distinguished service,” said Senator Amy Klobuchar. “These new aircraft will enhance the 133rd Airlift Wing’s performance, readiness, and capabilities, improving our nation’s security.”
“Minnesota’s 133rd Airlift Wing is vital to our state and to our national defense,” said Senator Tina Smith. “I’m proud of our work to secure these new C-130J aircraft, which will help the 133rd Airlift Wing carry out critical missions at home and abroad.”
“With a longstanding reputation as a leader in our nation’s defense, Minnesota’s 133rd Airlift Wing is more than deserving of this decision,” said Congressman Brad Finstad. “I would like to thank Secretary Kendall and Air National Guard Director Loh for their decision to award these aircraft to the 133rd Airlift Wing. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I was proud to join my colleagues in advocating for these new transport planes for the 133rd, which will improve and modernize their fleet, and ensure that they have the best resources available to continue carrying out critical missions.”
“It’s our job in Congress to give American service members the equipment and resources they need to keep our country safe,” said Congresswoman Angie Craig. “I’m proud that the entire Minnesota delegation came together to successfully advocate for our state and the 133rd Airlift Wing, and I’ll keep pushing to secure bipartisan results that protect our national security.”
“Time and time again, Minnesota National Guard’s 133rd Airlift Wing has proven itself to be among the most capable Air National Guard units in the country,” said Congressman Dean Phillips. “I applaud the Air Force for recognizing this success and selecting the Minneapolis-Saint Paul Air Station as a possible location for the new C-130J aircraft. Our country is safer because of the dedication of the brave servicemembers of the 133rd, and a decision in favor of the 133rd Airlift Wing would ensure this remains the case for years to come.”
“The men and women who serve in the Minnesota Air National Guard work tirelessly to protect our communities and our country,” Congresswoman Ilhan Omar said. “Providing them with upgraded equipment and aircraft will allow them to continue delivering disaster relief and responding to challenges at home and abroad. This is something I have advocated for over the years because I recognize how essential these resources are. This bipartisan effort demonstrates our commitment to supporting the members of the 133rd Airlift Wing. The Minnesota Air National Guard has a proud history of excellence, and these new C-130Js will help ensure they can continue serving with distinction.”
“We are entering a new era for the 133rd Airlift Wing. There is no better home for the C-130J than right here in Minnesota. For years, we’ve worked with the congressional delegation and the Minnesota National Guard to secure these planes and I’m thrilled to have played a part in this effort. Thanks to the dedication and bravery of the Minnesota National Guard’s men and women, our state and the United States are safer. We thank the U.S. National Guard and Air Force leadership for their continued support of the 133rd Airlift Wing,” Congressman Tom Emmer said.
“Minnesota is deeply proud of the 133rd Airlift Wing,” said Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07). “Their performance and readiness capabilities are among the best in the nation, and they are an obvious choice to receive these new C-130Js. I am proud to be part of the delegation that supported this Wing in their efforts to receive the new planes, so they can continue to grow in their ability to serve and defend.”
“The 133rd Airlift Wing plays a critical role in our national security, which is why I am proud to have helped secure the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft for Minnesota,” said Congressman Pete Stauber. “It is important that we ensure Minnesota’s brave servicemembers remain mission-ready, and by delivering this state-of-the-art aircraft, we are doing just that. I am grateful to the entire Minnesota delegation for their efforts, and I look forward to continuing our support of the 133rd and the entire Minnesota National Guard.”
“This is a monumental step forward for Minnesota and the Minnesota National Guard,” said Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Minnesota National Guard’s Adjutant General. “This important announcement will modernize the 133rd Airlift Wing ensuring our Air Guard service members remain at the forefront of the future fight.”
Background:
Congresswoman McCollum, as Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense for the 117th Congress, secured Department of Defense funding to replace the aging C-130H aircraft with new C-130J aircraft. The Department of the Air Force also selected the 103rd Airlift Wing (Hartford, Connecticut), the 120th Airlift Wing (Great Falls, Montana), and the 182nd Airlift Wing (Peoria, Illinois). The decision is pending the outcome of environmental assessments, per the National Environmental Policy Act. A final decision is expected in Fiscal Year 2025.
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Background:
Congresswoman McCollum, as Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense for the 117th Congress, secured Department of Defense funding to replace the aging C-130H aircraft with new C-130J aircraft. The Department of the Air Force also selected the 103rd Airlift Wing (Hartford, Connecticut), the 120th Airlift Wing (Great Falls, Montana), and the 182nd Airlift Wing (Peoria, Illinois). The decision is pending the outcome of environmental assessments, per the National Environmental Policy Act. A final decision is expected in Fiscal Year 2025.