ANSWER THE CALL TO ACTION TODAY!
Recapitalization of all Air National Guard Fighter Squadrons
Please answer this Call to Action as soon as possible and join us in pushing to ensure the recapitalization of all Air National Guard Fighter Squadrons to include the 162nd Wing in Tucson.
We are asking you to contact your Members of Congress and ask them to support H.R. 3392 and S. 2307, the Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act of 2023, which would provide for the modernization and recapitalization of the Air National Guard fighter fleet, including aircraft at the 162nd Wing.
The Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act of 2023 would maintain the existing 25 ANG fighter squadrons with a minimum of 18 primary aircraft each. Additionally, it would require the Secretary of the Air Force to develop a fighter recapitalization plan that would replace and modernize ANG aircraft at a rate of 1:1 and field the Next Generation Air Dominance family of systems in the ANG.
The ANG fighter fleet plays a critical role in our national defense, representing 30 percent of total Air Force combat power and 94 percent of the homeland defense mission. Unfortunately, 19 ANG squadrons are currently operating aging legacy aircraft. Without replacement, 12 squadrons are at risk of losing their flying missions in the next five years. The remaining seven are also at risk of divestment in subsequent years as the Air Force continues to divest legacy aircraft. Despite this reality, the Air Force has yet to provide a reliable recapitalization plan to replace ANG aircraft, which will ultimately create a loss in Air Force combat power and put our national security at risk.
There is supporting language in the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fighter recapitalization and we’re trying to get the same language in the Senate version. The Senate is debating the NDAA this week and next, so your IMMEDIATE ACTION is requested. Writing to your elected representatives is easy using the link below — a prepared email letter on this subject is available, so all you have to do is fill in your name and contact information.
We urge you to ask your Members of Congress to support this legislation! We also ask that you share this Call to Action with unit members, retirees, family, co-workers, and other supporters of the 162nd Wing, and the Air National Guard. Click on the link below and lend your voice to our efforts to ensure the Air National Guard can continue to play its critical role in our national defense both at home and abroad. |
