Bipartisan letter to the Administration expresses concern over potential reductions in the Air Force’s C-130 fleet 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, and Representatives Jim Hagedorn (MN-01), Angie Craig (MN-02), Dean Phillips (MN-03), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Tom Emmer (MN-06), Collin Peterson (MN-07), and Pete Stauber (MN-08) sent a letter to Secretary of the Air Force, Barbara Barrett, urging the Administration to maintain the size of the C-130 fleet while making the most efficient use of taxpayer dollars. 

As the 133rd Airlift Wing, stationed at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport and serving the entire state including the Duluth Air National Guard Base, could be affected by the potential reductions, the delegation is coming together in a bipartisan manner to ensure that the Minnesota Air National Guard will be able to continue its critical C-130 mission, including supporting humanitarian and disaster relief missions, such as assisting in the coronavirus (COVID-19) response.

“We are concerned that the Air Force is considering reductions in the size of the fleet in ways that could impact readiness and mission capability—particularly for the Air National Guard. For Fiscal Year 2021, the Air Force proposed to reduce the fleet from 300 to 287, with the reduction of 13 aircraft all coming from the Air National Guard. Furthermore, it is our understanding that the Air Force, using a future Mobility Capabilities Requirement Study, is planning to reduce the C-130 fleet to 255 aircraft,” the lawmakers wrote.

“We are also concerned that the current criteria for making decisions regarding recapitalization could have a disproportionately negative impact for high performing units like the Minnesota Air National Guard. We believe recapitalization decisions must be decided using updated criteria that are based on the best solution for operational needs and the most efficient use of taxpayer dollars—and should include consideration not only of factors like military construction, the need for spare parts and ground equipment, but also, effective manning, pilot recruitment and retention, mission capability and readiness, and ancillary mission sets such as the Aeromedical Evacuation and Contingency Response.”

Full text of the letter can be found HERE and below.

Dear Secretary Barrett:

We write regarding the United States Air Force’s plan for the C-130 fleet, including decisions on recapitalization of aircraft operated by the Air National Guard and the size of the overall fleet.

The Air National Guard performs approximately half of the Air Force’s tactical airlift mission, and the C-130 is a critical part of that effort. The tactical airlift mission ensures safe and effective transportation of service members, equipment, and supplies both within the United States and overseas, including in support of combat operations. The 133rd Airlift Wing, stationed at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport and serving the entire state including the Duluth Air National Guard Base, provides airlift to support humanitarian and disaster relief missions, such as the coronavirus (COVID-19) response. The 133rd Airlift Wing has also repeatedly deployed overseas in support of U.S. operations around the globe.

We are concerned that the Air Force is considering reductions in the size of the fleet in ways that could impact readiness and mission capability—particularly for the Air National Guard. For Fiscal Year 2021, the Air Force proposed to reduce the fleet from 300 to 287, with the reduction of 13 aircraft all coming from the Air National Guard. Furthermore, it is our understanding that the Air Force, using a future Mobility Capabilities Requirement Study, is planning to reduce the C-130 fleet to 255 aircraft.

We are also concerned that the current criteria for making decisions regarding recapitalization could have a disproportionately negative impact for high performing units like the Minnesota Air National Guard. We believe recapitalization decisions must be decided using updated criteria that are based on the best solution for operational needs and the most efficient use of taxpayer dollars—and should include consideration not only of factors like military construction, the need for spare parts and ground equipment, but also, effective manning, pilot recruitment and retention, mission capability and readiness, and ancillary mission sets such as the Aeromedical Evacuation and Contingency Response. 

It is important that any reduction in these crucial capabilities be made as part of a thorough decision making process and assessment of future needs. We therefore request that the Air Force provide Congress the following information:

1. Please provide justification, including the level of risk the Air Force is taking and where they are taking it, for reducing the C-130 fleet to 255 aircraft.
2. Please provide a breakdown and explanation of the criteria that will be used for recapitalization of the C-130 fleet under a long-term management plan.
3. Please describe how the Air Force considers the Air National Guard’s unique Domestic Operations mission when evaluating target fleet strength.
4. We understand there will be a reconsideration of the criteria for the decision of which units will convert from the C-130H to the C-130J. Please describe the process that will be used to ensure a fair and transparent reevaluation of all C-130 units.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to working with you on this important issue.

Sincerely, 

###