Walberg Requests Support for Battle Creek National Guard Base

Press Release

WALBERG REQUESTS SUPPORT FOR BATTLE CREEK NATIONAL GUARD BASE

Washington, Oct 22 - U.S. Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI) sent a letter to the chairmen and ranking members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees requesting full authorization of the Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) in the 2008 National Defense Authorization.

JCA will assist National Guard units across the country replace missions lost due to the Base Realignment and Closure of 2005. JCA also will allow bases to retain personnel with needed skills and recruit new members. The JCA program is strongly supported by governors and adjutants generals across the country.

"It is critical to keep JCA on track and on schedule so the Air Force, Army and National Guard can continue to support their intra-theater lift and homeland security missions," Walberg said. "I will do all I can to work with military officials and Michigan's Congressional delegation to ensure the Joint Cargo Aircraft and a bridge mission, along with the jobs these operations bring, come to Battle Creek's Air National Guard Base."

Major General Thomas G. Cutler, Adjutant General of the Michigan National Guard, had this to say, "The Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) is an excellent fit for Battle Creek. The mission of the aircraft is critical to the needs of both the Army and the Air Force. It will also serve a very important role in providing for our homeland security needs. We are confident that together we will find the right flying mission to bridge the gap between the departure of the A-10's and the arrival of the JCA. The Michigan National Guard appreciates the Congressman Walberg's efforts on the JCA mission."

BACKGROUND:
Unfortunately, Section 132 of the House bill and Section 1030 of the Senate bill would delay fielding of the JCA to the National Guard, Army and Air Force. Of particular concern is Senate language that would shift the program responsibility to the Air Force, which would ultimately delay the program at least two years and cause the Army to lose its ability to provide direct support to the warfighter. We simply cannot afford a delay in the program as our current intra-theater lift fleet continues to age, and Air National Guard units across the country lose their flying missions.

Source