Effort seeks to build on Michigan’s military presence, manufacturing infrastructure and geography to land lucrative contract
LANSING, Mich. (Feb. 8, 2023) — Today, the Michigan Senate voted to pass Senate Resolution 9, legislation introduced by Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores) that urges the United States Air Force to award an advanced generation fighter mission to Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
“I am proud to join our federal delegation in calling for a permanent F-35 mission to be located at Selfridge,” said Sen. Hertel. “Michigan has an incredible wealth of defense manufacturers, and moving a mission close to their home is a benefit for both our military and our local businesses. It’s time to capitalize on all the wonderful things Selfridge offers.”
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also called for funding for Selfridge to support the pursuit of a new mission in her executive budget presented today. She proposed allocating $11.5 million for the Selfridge Air National Guard Base to “improve and maintain infrastructure at the base to continue to position Michigan to compete for next generation aircraft and future fighter missions.”
Selfridge Air National Guard Base has been in operation for over 100 years, serving as a strategic defense location and site of countless training missions over both land and water. With the military planning to phase out the currently used 21 A-10 “Warthog” fighter jets, Sen. Hertel is working to secure a new mission using F-35 jets. In addition to being a strategic location for training, Michigan also manufactures many of the parts used in F-35 jets.
Selfridge is a source of community pride and jobs, employing more than 600 workers on the base and providing a local economic benefit worth more than $700 million to residents and businesses in several surrounding cities and townships. Awarding the base a new mission had bipartisan support in the Michigan Legislature’s action today, and it has nearly universal support from Michigan’s congressional delegation and members from both sides of the aisle.
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