LANSING, Mich. (January 11, 2024) — Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores) issued the following statement on the news today that the United States Air Force has selected Selfridge Air National Guard Base to host a new squadron of KC-46A refueling tankers:
“As Chair of the Michigan Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military, Veterans and State Police, securing the future of Selfridge Air National Guard Base has been my top priority. The base is not only essential to our national security; it also helps fuel our regional economy and is a source of community pride. I’m incredibly grateful that the Air Force has awarded Selfridge this new opportunity — it is truly a win for the state of Michigan. I also look forward to continuing working with other state and federal leaders to secure a future fighter mission, and fully cement Selfridge’s standing as a premier base for years to come.”
Sen. Hertel has been a staunch advocate of Selfridge Air Nation Guard Base and the brave men and women who serve there. Last year, the Michigan Senate passed Senate Resolution 9, introduced by Sen. Hertel, that urged the United States Air Force to award an advanced generation fighter mission to Selfridge. In Michigan’s 2024 state budget, Sen. Hertel secured $13 million for the base to expand the runway and make other updates necessary to compete for a future mission.
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