N E W S
| October 3, 2007 |
| WASHINGTON, DC - Montana's Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today contacted House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton and Ranking Member Duncan Hunter urging them to maintain Senate language in the National Defense Authorization Act requiring the Air Force to study the prospects of creating an active association between the Montana Air National Guard and Malmstrom Air Force Base. “Creating a partnership between MANG and Malmstrom would be a great way of bringing a new mission to Malmstrom,” said Rehberg, a member of the Appropriations Committee. “This amendment would require the Pentagon to explore some potential options for bolstering the role of Malmstrom and MANG and bringing new jobs and economic development to the Great Falls community.” The active association arrangement currently being discussed by MANG would increase the number of MANG F-15s in the 120th Fighter Wing from 18 to 24. The additional pilots and mechanics would work out of Malmstrom, bringing an estimated 100 new jobs to Great Falls. Also being discussed is the possibility of moving MANG to Malmstrom. The active associate unit could be based at either Great Falls International Airport or at Malmstrom Air Force Base, if the runway were reopened. “All ideas are on the table when we’re talking about ways to keep Malmstrom a key part of our nation’s security,” said Rehberg. “MANG, Malmstrom, the Montana delegation, and the Great Falls Community have been involved in discussions about this active association. This legislation is an important step in moving this idea forward.”
Letter:
October 3, 2007 The Honorable Ike Skelton Chairman House Armed Services Committee 2120 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 The Honorable Duncan Hunter Ranking Member House Armed Services Committee 2340 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Chairman Skelton and Ranking Member Hunter: As the House moves forward in conference with the Senate regarding the National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2008 (H.R. 1585), I would like to respectfully request the conference maintain the Senate language requiring the Air Force to study the prospects of creating an active association between the Montana Air National Guard and Malmstrom Air Force Base. Specifically, this language calls for the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to Congress regarding the feasibility of establishing an association between the 120th Fighter Wing of the Montana Air National Guard and active duty personnel stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base. As you may know, Malmstrom Air Force Base is home to the 341st Space Wing, Air Guard Red Horse Squadron, and the Army National Guard Bradley Company. The Space Wing is tasked with the operation of 200 land-based missiles housed throughout Central Montana. Currently, the Air Force is in the process of decommissioning 50 Minuteman III missiles in the 564th Missile Squadron. This study must be completed before the remaining 10 missiles of the 564th Missile Squadron can be removed. Thank you for your consideration of this important matter. Sincerely,
Member of Congress |
