[ST. PAUL, MN] – Today, Governor Tim Walz and governors from thirteen other states sent a bipartisan letter to the Chairs and Ranking Members of the United States House and Senate Armed Services Committees in support of ensuring that states’ National Guard units have the aircraft needed to support missions abroad, as well as domestic missions at home.

“It is an honor to partner with other governors on a bipartisan basis to support our Air National Guard in ensuring they have the aircraft needed to protect us here at home and across the globe,” said Governor Walz. “C-130 aircraft are critical assets that our Minnesota Air National Guard use to transport cargo and passengers, whether it is in support of the National Defense Strategy or offering support here at home during times of floods, hurricanes, and other emergencies.”

The 133^rd Airlift Wing at the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport is the hub for eight C-130H aircraft that are used to transport cargo and passengers in support global, domestic, and humanitarian missions.

The United States Air Force has indicated they plan to reduce C-130 aircraft in their total aircraft inventory in the coming years, which would have a detrimental impact on the Air National Guard’s ability to maintain its readiness and capability to meet the needs of the states and nation. The letter from the governors to armed services leaders in Congress supports a position in the United States House of Representatives version of the National Defense Authorization Act that would ensure the Air National Guard has the C-130 aircraft it needs to serve the interests of the United States at home and abroad. Negotiations on the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act are anticipated to begin in coming days.