Tag: Air Force

Daines Opens First Congressional Office in Sidney

U.S. SENATE —Senator Steve Daines opened the first ever Congressional office in Sidney, Montana. Yesterday, Daines held a grand opening of his new office. Daines’ office is located at 609 S. Central Ave. Suite #4 (Central Plaza Building), Sidney, MT, 59270. “I’m excited to announce the opening of our Sidney, Montana office,” Daines stated. “This office will help us better serve all of eastern Montana and fight everyday on behalf of Montanans. If you ever have a concern with a federal agency or need help getting the benefits you deserve our office is here to help.”  Daines’ office will be staffed by Nate

Daines Calls on Air Force to Decide on UH-1N Helicopter Replacement

Leads Eight Senators in Letter to Air Force Secretary  U.S. SENATE —Senator Steve Daines today led eight Senators in calling on the Air Force to expedite their decision on the course of action to replace Vietnam–era UH-1N helicopters that provide security for our nuclear weapons.  Daines letter was signed by Senators Jon Tester (D-MT), John Hoeven (R-ND), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Mike Enzi (R-WY) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Barrasso (R-WY) and Deb Fischer (R-NE).  In a letter to Secretary of the Air Force Deborah James, the Senators press the Air Force to decide between a sole source acquisition process

Montana Congressional Delegation Congratulates Caitlin Gillespie on U.S. Air Force Academy Appointment

U.S. CONGRESS – Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Representative Ryan Zinke congratulated Hamilton High School student Caitlin Gillespie on her appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Gillespie was nominated to the academy by the entire Montana Congressional delegation. Gillespie is a senior at Hamilton High School and was captain of both her Track & Field and Basketball teams, and is a proud member of her State Champion Class A Basketball Team. She is on the Honor Roll, homecoming royalty and is a delegate for the American Legion’s Girl’s All State. Gillespie has also accomplished her first solo

Daines Statement on Reported Surface-to-Air Missiles on Man-Made Islands in South China Sea

U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines today issued the following statement on reports that surface-to-air missiles have been deployed on man-made islands in the South China Sea:  “The new reports of surface-to-air missiles being deployed on man-made islands in the South China Sea are deeply concerning. The deployment of these missiles could have serious adverse impacts not only on the stability of the region, but on global commerce. With over five trillion dollars of global trade passing through the South China Sea, maintaining the integrity of international waters and airspace in the region is critically important.” After last week’s Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense hearing on

Daines Fights to Ensure Readiness of Montana Military Missions

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today called on the U.S. Air Force to prioritize the readiness of Montana’s military missions by ensuring the modernization of aircraft at Montana’s Malmstrom Air Force Base. During this morning’s Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense hearing on the proposed FY 2017 U.S. Air Force budget, Daines pressed Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James and Chief of Staff General Mark A. Welsh about the Air Force’s plan to ensure top security for the transport of nuclear weapons by replacing Vietnam-era Huey helicopters.  “Malmstrom Air Force Base is currently using Vietnam-era Huey helicopters to provide security for the

Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Bruce Bramlette of Fort Benton

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today recognized former Brigadier General Bruce Bramlette of Fort Benton, Montana, on behalf of his lifetime of dedication to the United States and his selfless service on Congressional U.S. Military Academy nomination boards.  Bruce has tirelessly served on nomination boards for 25 years, both as a member and board chairman, and has interviewed more than 1,000 young Montana students seeking a nomination to one of our nation’s service academies. Through his “Montanan of the Week” initiative, Daines each week will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that

Malmstrom Officer Joins Daines DC Office as Air Force Fellow

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today announced Air Force Major Benji L. Johnson has been selected to serve as a Military Fellow in Daines’ Washington, D.C. office through 2016. Johnson was most recently the Assistant Director of Operations, Codes, for the 341st Operations Support Squadron at Malmstrom AFB in Great Falls, Montana. “I am excited to welcome Major Johnson to support our work on the military and national defense issues facing Montana and our nation,” Daines stated. “Major Johnson’s extensive experience will be an asset to our office’s efforts to best serve Montana’s military members and our continued work to support our nation’s

Daines Announces Montana Student U.S. Military Academy Nominations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Steve Daines today announced his nominations of 19 Montana students who are applying for enrollment into U.S. military academies. A congressional nomination is a critical step in the process for Montanans seeking admission to one of the nation’s four military academies: the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. “It’s an honor and a privilege to nominate these outstanding young Montanans to compete for an appointment to one of our nation’s military academies,” Daines said. “I commend

Daines Calls for Passage of National Defense Authorization Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today took to the Senate floor to call on the Senate to swiftly pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes critical support for Montana’s military missions. Daines also called on Senate Democrats to stop blocking the Department of Defense Appropriations Act and fund the military.   Click here to watch Daines’ remarks. Click here to download Daines’ remarks. Daines made the following remarks on the Senate floor this afternoon: “Montana has a rich legacy of service to our country— from maintaining our nation’s ‘peace through strength’ strategy at Montana’s Malmstrom Air Force Base, where we oversee one-third of

Daines Applauds Air Force Decision to Maintain RED HORSE Unit at Malmstrom

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