OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Senator Collins Calls for Proportional Fielding of New Aircraft to National Guard and Reserves

Hearing

Date: June 5, 2023
Location: Washington, D.C.
Issues: Defense

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

General Healy, I understand that more than three-quarters of the 25 Air Guard fighter squadrons operate legacy F-15 fighter aircraft. That obviously reduces interoperability and compatibility with active duty units. The disproportionate fielding of aircraft affects other units as well, such as the air refueling wing in my home state of Maine.

My understanding is that the current KC-46A basing plan places 71% of the new KC-46 with active units, 14% with reserve units, and 15% with guard units, even though the Guard flies almost 38% of all Air Force tankers.

So, it seems disproportionate to me, if only 15% of the new aircraft is going to the Guard, if the Guard is flying 38% of all Air Force tankers. Should new aircraft be fielded in a manner that is proportional to the Guard's operational contributions?

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT


Source
arrow_upward