Bill Text: MI SR0162 | 2021-2022 | 101st Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to strongly urge the United States Air Force to replace the fleet of A-10 Thunderbolt Attack Fighters at Selfridge Air National Guard Base with an advanced generation fighter mission.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)
Status: (Passed) 2022-06-30 - Adopted [SR0162 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2021-SR0162-Enrolled.html
senate resolution no.162
Senators Hollier and Wojno offered the following resolution:
Whereas, Selfridge Air National Guard Base (ANGB) is intrinsically designed to meet the priorities of the 2022 National Defense Strategy. Selfridge offers an immediate fighter aircraft basing solution with existing infrastructure, manpower, and unconstrained access to advanced multi-domain training ranges. A fighter mission at Selfridge complements Michigan’s National All Domain Warfighting Center which prepares warfighters for future conflicts against peer adversaries, and is strategically located between 42 and 48 degrees latitude. Michigan is the backstop for Defense of the Homeland and is capable of projecting power in all domains through a combat-credible force, in cooperation with allies and partners; and
Whereas, Selfridge ANGB has a long and proud history of flying fighter aircraft dating back almost 100 years. The base is home to the 127th Wing, a highly respected warfighting unit currently flying A-10s and KC-135s. The 127th Wing has been essential in providing combat air support to the Middle East in recent years; and
Whereas, Selfridge ANGB is a joint military community with existing infrastructure; efficient flight times to the largest overland airspace complex east of the Mississippi River; significant overwater and littoral training opportunities, and easy access to northern Michigan training facilities in Alpena and Grayling; and
Whereas, Selfridge ANGB is located north of Detroit on the shore of Lake Saint Clair and is in close proximity to the Detroit metropolitan area and a major airline hub. The base offers a focal point for gaining and retaining the highest quality pilots and maintenance personnel; and
Whereas, Divestment of the A-10 fleet in fiscal year 2027 will result in a loss of 21 aircraft and 611 personnel, including 246 full-time employees. This will result in a negative economic impact of about $44,520,000 annually to the State of Michigan; and
Whereas, Selfridge ANGB is a source of community pride and jobs, with a local economic benefit worth hundreds of millions of dollars to residents and businesses in several surrounding cities and townships. In addition, the base is a key component of disaster response for the entire state and a vital base for our nation's homeland defense; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we strongly urge the United States Air Force to replace the fleet of A-10 Thunderbolt Attack Fighters at Selfridge Air National Guard Base with an advanced generation fighter mission; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan congressional delegation and the Secretary of the Air Force.
