[ST. PAUL, MN] – After years urging Congress to protect Minnesota’s critical Air National Guard C-130 fleet, Governor Tim Walz today celebrated the news that Minnesota’s 133rd Airlift Wing was selected to receive eight new C-130J Super Hercules aircraft to replace their aging C-130Hs as part of the Air National Guard’s C-130J Recapitalization and Basing program.

“As Governor, I’ve always fought to ensure the Minnesota National Guard has the resources they need to protect our homeland and support missions abroad and at home,” 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 missions abroad or offering support here at home during times of floods, hurricanes, and other emergencies. These upgrades will help ensure our Minnesota Air National Guard is equipped to answer the call to serve our state and country.”

The 133rd 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 of global, domestic, and humanitarian missions.

Since 2020, Governor Walz has urged Congress to protect and upgrade this critical C-130 fleet in Minnesota. In 2020 and 2021, Governor Walz and governors from thirteen other states sent bipartisan letters 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.

Governor Walz has championed additional efforts to support the Minnesota National Guard. In May, Governor Walz signed a comprehensive veterans and military affairs bill into law that will move the state closer to its goal of becoming the fourth state to end veteran homelessness, expand service bonuses for veterans, fund veterans homes, and invest in the readiness of the Minnesota National Guard.