Peters Statement on Air Force Secretary’s Visit to Selfridge Air National Guard Base

DETROIT, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall’s visit to Selfridge Air National Guard Base today:

“Selfridge is home to cutting-edge defense capabilities that showcase the best of what our state has to offer and play a critical role in our national defense,” said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “To advance Michigan’s vital defense footprint, I have long highlighted our state’s military installations, innovation and strategic positioning to the Department of Defense, and I’m pleased Secretary Kendall will have the opportunity to see these capabilities following a renewed commitment to Michigan for the long-term. I’ll continue working to position Michigan as a vital part of future military operations and hold the Department of Defense accountable to their commitments that they made to our state.”

The visit from Secretary Kendall follows a recent Senate Armed Services Committee hearing where Peters secured a renewed commitment from the Air Force Secretary that Selfridge will continue to play an important role in the U.S. Air Force’s long-term plans. In December, Peters hosted Deputy Defense Secretary Hicks, along with U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, to observe the current operational capabilities of the base, review key research and development initiatives taking place through the Kelly Johnson All-Domain Innovation Center, and discuss how Michigan’s military facilities are critical to our nation’s defense.

These visits build upon Peters strong advocacy in Congress for Michigan’s robust and growing defense sector. Peters and Stabenow worked to secure significant commitments from the Department of Defense (DoD) including a pledge that Selfridge will continue to play a “critical and ongoing role for our national security.” Peters also helped pass into law the 2021 national defense bill, which included nearly $144 million in investments for military facilities across Michigan that Peters secured, including $28 million in funding for a new A-10 hangar and maintenance facility at Selfridge. Peters recently helped advance the 2022 national defense bill to the full Senate.

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