WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today applauded news that the 819th RED HORSE squadron will remain stationed at Montana’s Malmstrom Air Force Base.
“This is great news for Malmstrom, the Great Falls community and the state of Montana,” Daines stated. “The 819th RED HORSE unit at Malmstrom Air Force Base holds an important role in our national security and is a critical partner for the Montana Air National Guard’s 219th RED HORSE unit. I’m thankful that the Air Force has recognized the importance of maintaining an active RED HORSE unit at Malmstrom, but our work to protect this critical mission isn’t over. I will continue working tirelessly to ensure Montana’s RED HORSE squadrons have the resources and support they need to complete their missions and maintain their critical role in protecting the United States.”
Daines has actively pushed the Air Force to maintain an active duty RED HORSE presence at Malmstrom Air Force base.
Last month, Daines helped secure language in the Senate Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2016 that worked to prevent the Air Force from arbitrarily moving the 819th RED HORSE squadron from Great Falls. The bill was successfully passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee, with Daines’ support, but has been blocked from full Senate consideration by Senate Democrats.
During a Senate Appropriations hearing on the President’s request FY16 Defense budget, Daines stressed the successful partnership between the Malmstrom and MANG RED HORSE missions and urged Air Force Secretary Deborah James to consider the importance of that relationship when making a final determination about the relocation of RED HORSE personnel.
Daines also wrote to Secretary James and General Mark Welsh last year urging for the Air Force to maintain the 819th RED HORSE squadron at Malmstrom.
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