Senator Peters Statement on Air Force’s Proposal to Retire A-10 Aircraft Fleet
Selfridge Air National Guard Base Home to Over 20 A-10 Aircraft
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today expressed his disappointment following the U.S. Air Force’s announcement of its intent to retire the A-10 aircraft from Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Fiscal Year 2017. The A-10 is currently conducting operations against ISIS, and over 20 A-10s are based at Selfridge in Macomb County.
“With threats from ISIS and instability in other parts of the world, the A-10 fleet is needed now more than ever. I have serious concerns about the effect of the Air Force’s proposal to remove the A-10 on our national security and overseas combat operations,” Sen. Peters said. “Members in Congress from both parties have repeatedly expressed their support for the A-10 and rejected efforts to retire the fleet on a bipartisan basis. The A-10 has proven essential throughout numerous conflicts, including the fight against ISIS, and I oppose any decision that would remove it from service without a viable long-term replacement.”
There are currently over 20 stationed A-10 aircrafts with the 127th Wing at Selfridge. That unit employs 450 Guardsmen and 180 active-duty personnel. A-10 aircrafts are deployed in the Middle East with the mission of destroying ISIS tanks and vehicles.
Senator Peters has been a strong supporter of the A-10 fleet. He repeatedly voted for efforts to maintain the A-10, including an amendment to defense funding legislation last year to prohibit use of funds to retire any A-10 aircraft.
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