Protecting National Security and Michigan’s Economy

Michigan’s Selfridge Air National Guard Base plays a strategic role in securing our national defense and driving our state’s economy. Not only that, the men and women who serve there strengthen our entire region and deserve our support. That’s why I’m working across the aisle in Congress to make sure Selfridge has the resources it needs to defend our nation long into the future.

Since 2009, Selfridge has been home to a squadron of A-10 Thunderbolt II fighter jets — also known as Warthogs. Now, the Air Force is preparing to retire the entire aging Warthog fleet following an exciting announcement from President Donald Trump that Selfridge will be getting a brand-new squadron of F-15EX Eagle II fighters. This was great news that will have a tremendous impact across the state of Michigan when the new fighters arrive in 2028.

In the meantime, I am doing everything in my power to ensure Selfridge doesn’t skip a beat during this transition. The reality is that if the Warthogs are retired early, then pilots, mechanics, and many other essential personnel could be transferred, which would create a serious gap in our national security. This cannot happen, which is why I am leading a bipartisan effort with my colleagues from Michigan and across the country to make sure our Warthogs stay at Selfridge until the base completes its transition to the F-15EX squadron.

 In a letter to the House and Senate Committees responsible for setting the course for Selfridge’s future, we highlighted the importance of keeping this base at the forefront of our nation’s military preparedness and the need to maintain the Warthogs here in Michigan until the F-15EX squadron is ready to start its mission.

I’m proud to lead this fight in Congress and won’t stop until we get this done.

Read the letter here.