Schumer Tours Stratton Air Nat'l Guard Base; Vows to Fight to Maintain Critical NSF Funds that Support Stratton's Fleet of Aircraft

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer toured the Stratton Air National Guard Base in Schenectady and vowed to fight to maintain or grow current levels of National Science Foundation (NSF) funding that support four of the ten primary assigned aircraft at Stratton Air Base during the upcoming Appropriations debate in the Senate. Aircraft from the 109th Airlift Wing at Stratton Air Base - that are uniquely capable of flying missions to polar destinations -- fly 2,600 hours of NSF research missions, and 2,200 hours of missions funded by the Air National Guard each year. Stratton Air Base directly supports 1,262 jobs and has an estimated economic impact of over $100 million based on their payroll, expenditures, and the secondary jobs the base supports.

"The Stratton Air National Guard Base is a vital local economic resource for the Schenectady community and the Capital Region, and it's a national resource for scientific research with their unique fleet of polar-capable aircraft. That's why I will be working to maintain the National Science Foundation funding levels that support Stratton Air Base's fleet in the upcoming Appropriations process," said Schumer. "With over 1,200 jobs and over $100 million in annual economic impact, Stratton Air Base is a key cog in the Capital Region's economy, and has provided numerous examples of their value to the community over the years. After September 11th and Hurricane's Sandy and Irene, the 109th Airlift Wing out of Stratton provided support to the National Guard and aided in relief efforts. Now, just as they flew in to support New York in times of need, it is time to fight for the funding that keep the wings of the 109th Air Wing in the skies and the Stratton Air Base fully-staffed and fully-operational."

Schumer was joined by Col. Shawn Clouthier, USAF ANG, Chuck Steiner, President of the Schenectady Chamber of Commerce, and a number of local elected officials.

The Stratton Air National Guard Base has ten primary aircraft assigned to it, four of which are supported by NSF funding. Air National Guard Wings regularly have at least eight primary assigned aircraft, so the NSF support is vital to the overall mission of the 109th Airlift Wing. Schumer emphasized that he will push to maintain or grow the NSF funding during the upcoming appropriations process to ensure that the Stratton Air Base can maintain its aircraft, facilities, and personnel levels.

Schumer highlighted that Stratton Air Base is a local economic resource and a national scientific resource worth maintaining. The 109th Airlift Wing, housed at the Stratton Air Base, has the Department of Defense's only ski-equipped LC-130 aircraft, which provides cargo lift capability to polar destinations, and has therefore played a vital role in the NSF's research expeditions to polar regions, specifically Antarctica. Throughout the year, the 109th Airlift Wing deploys to Antarctica, Greenland, and above the Arctic Circle to support NSF research missions. For Operation DEEP FREEZE, the 109th Airlift Wing sends up to eight aircraft, aircrews, and maintenance teams to Antarctica.

Schumer specifically outlined the massive economic benefit reaped by the Capital Region by having Stratton Air Base fully staffed and funded. The base generates over $100 million in economic activity for the region; annually paying over $60 million in payroll, over $24 million in expenditures, and over $20 million in secondary jobs that it supports. It also employs 1,262 people between the 109th Airlift Wing, New York State Counterdrug Headquarters, and 2nd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team. What's more, Schumer noted the 109th Airlift Wing has been vital during times of crisis in New York. The 109th Airlift Wing provided support during Hurricanes Irene and Sandy, and after the attack on September 11th.

The flexibility of the 109th Airlift Wing allows it to support missions both nationally and globally. It assists the National Command Authority on every continent with rapid runway repair, civil engineering, security forces, aeromedical evacuation, communication, transportation, and other important services. It has also aided in Federal Missions, such as Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn. The 109th assisted in relief efforts for Hurricane Ivan and the Mechanicville Tornado, and provided support for Hurricanes Irene, Katrina, and Sandy.

The Stratton Air Base's location in the Capital Region is ideal to house the 109th Airlift Wing and multiple security services because of its centrality and proximity to metropolitan areas. The base is adjacent to the Schenectady County Airport, which allows easy transit to major cities without competing with commercial airlines. Additionally, the New York Counterdrug Program Headquarters and the 2nd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team are found on the base, and benefit from the base's central location in the North East and proximity to the New York Division of Military and Naval Affairs.

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