Tester pushes Air National Guard for ‘planes and good jobs’ at MANG

Senator also calls on Defense Dept. to prioritize assessment of overseas bases

(U.S. SENATE) – U.S. Senator Jon Tester released the following statement after speaking today with Lt. General Harry Wyatt, the Director of the Air National Guard, regarding news that the Pentagon is dropping all C-27J missions nationwide:
 
“I am pushing to make sure MANG’s future includes a manned flying mission. My message to the Pentagon has been clear for two years: Any decision regarding the future of MANG must maintain a manned flying mission, and it shouldn’t result in fewer jobs in Great Falls. MANG must continue to play a critical role in defending this country and retain the outstanding airmen who serve there today.”

Tester also released the following statement in response to news that the U.S. Defense Department will reevaluate the nation’s military facilities:
 
“The first step in re-examining our nation’s bases and military facilities should be to take a close look at the hundreds of overseas military installations we no longer need. Our priority must be to strengthen our military at home, with a strong nuclear force, not to keep American taxpayers on the hook for Cold War-era bases that no longer serve our security needs.”

Tester last year sponsored bipartisan legislation with Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, to save taxpayers money by reassessing America’s overseas military bases.

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