U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines urged Senate and House Armed Services Committee Leadership to maintain a minimum inventory of 292 C-130 aircraft, which includes those used by the Montana Air National Guard, in the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
“Our Air National Guard C-130 flying wings provide nearly half of the Air Force’s tactical airlift capability. For more than 50 years, we have brought Americans into combat, provided humanitarian relief around the globe, and supported domestic response throughout the nation,” Daines wrote. “As the Air Force proposes changes to align our force structure with the National Defense Strategy (NDS), it is vitally important we do not trade experience and knowhow in pursuit of expensive, less defined capabilities.”
To read Daines’ letter to Senate and House Armed Services Committee Leadership, click HERE.
Ensuring that the minimum number of C-130 aircraft remains at 292 is critical so that squadrons, including the Montana Air National Guard, can conduct flight training, allow for more backup aircraft, and give America more flexibility for critical maintenance and depot periods that meet the requirements set by the National Defense Strategy (NDS).