VIDEO: Senator Peters Raises Michigan Defense Priorities with Intended Air Force Secretary Nominee Troy Meink During Confirmation Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Armed Services Committee, raised issues important to Michigan’s defense footprint with Troy Meink, President Trump’s intended nominee for Secretary of the Air Force, during his confirmation hearing. Peters pressed Dr. Meink to work with him to support the recapitalization of Air National Guard fighter missions, including at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County. Peters recently introduced bipartisan legislation that would support this goal by preserving the Air Force’s fighter force structure.  

“As you know, without recapitalization, the DOD risks losing hundreds of skilled service members at a time when we are already short over 1,000 fighter pilots and over 4,500 maintainers. Of the 25 Air National Guard fighter squadrons in existence today, 15 do not have a recapitalization plan. And being from a National Guard state, Air National Guard state, that concerns me a great deal,” said Senator Peters. “And so, my question for you, sir, is how can we ensure we are taking full advantage of the expertise of our current National Guard aviators and the crews that they have to address this personnel shortfall that the Air Force has?”

Dr. Meink responded, “One of the things I will be looking at across the board is the procurement plan of fighters to meet the overall requirements that the Department has been given… and Senator, if confirmed, I promise to work directly with you on where we think we’re going to land and have that discussion for sure.”

During the hearing, Dr. Meink also reiterated the commitment he made to Peters during their meeting prior to the hearing that Selfridge Air National Guard Base will receive a full squadron of new, next-generation KC-46A aircraft tankers, a decision Peters announced last year.  

Peters also underscored the critical role that Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) will play in U.S. national security efforts moving forward given their versatile capabilities. Dr. Meink agreed with Peters that CCAs will “have to be a focus” and are required to “deter any aggressor” in the Indo-Pacific and other regions around the world.

Peters has pushed for and secured language to support the development and integration of CCAs, including during a hearing last year with the former Secretary of Defense and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Peters has also secured language to help position Selfridge Air National Guard Base as a potential location for testing CCAs. He led a provision included in recent government funding legislation requiring a report regarding basing criteria of CCAs. This report will include an evaluation of whether existing Air National Guard bases with legacy fighter missions, such as Selfridge, may be appropriate locations for the basing of CCAs.

Watch Peters’ full line of questioning HERE.

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