Letter to the Hon. Joseph Lengyel, Chief of the National Guard Bureau - Schumer announces Stewart Air National Guard base named finalist for new state-of-the-art aeromedical evacuation squadron; senator calls Stewart the ideal home for essential new mission

Letter

Dear General Lengyel,

As you know, in late 2018, the Air Force announced a list of 17 installations to be considered for the new Air National Guard (ANG) Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (AES). We write to strongly encourage you to select Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, NY. We believe that Stewart would be an ideal location due to the operational, manpower, capacity and cost benefits provided by the base and wing.

Operationally, Stewart ANG Base would be an excellent location for the AES. Not only does the 105th Airlift Wing operate the C-17, which provides global projection with this Strategic Airlift capability, and which is co-located on the installation is a United States Marine Corps KC-130 squadron. In addition to all of this vital capability, the personnel on the installation have more than six years of experience training with other AES units and the nearest squadron is over 130 miles away. Stewart is also located in one of the best recruiting locations in the State, and several of these recruits already serve as medical professionals and flight crew candidates in our communities.

Furthermore, as one of the largest ANG bases in the nation, there is enough existing infrastructure needed to cost-effectively stand up, as well as perform, the AES mission. This will significantly reduce the costs needed to stand up the mission at the base.

For all of these reasons, we ask that you closely consider Stewart ANG Base as the preferred location for the AES. We will be closely monitoring this process and look forward to your response. Please follow up with our staff with any questions.

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