2023 House Resolution 33

Whereas, Selfridge Air National Guard Base (ANGB) is intrinsically designed to meet the priorities of the 2022 National Defense Strategy. Selfridge ANGB 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 ANGB complements Michigan’s 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 over 100 years. Selfridge ANGB 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 in the Middle East in recent years; and

Whereas, Selfridge ANGB derives significant value from its location in proximity to both military and civilian assets. Selfridge ANGB is a joint military community with existing infrastructure, efficient flight times to the largest overland airspace complex east of the Mississippi, significant overwater and littoral training opportunities, and easy access to northern Michigan training facilities in Alpena and Grayling. The base is located north of Detroit on the shore of Lake Saint Clair, in close proximity to the Detroit metropolitan area and a major airline hub, offering a focal point for gaining and retaining the highest-quality pilots and maintenance personnel; and

Whereas, Divestment of the A-10s in fiscal year 2027, as the Air Force plans, would be a great loss to our state. There are currently 21 A-10s at Selfridge ANGB. The operation of these aircraft is supported by 611 personnel, including 246 full-time employees, with an economic impact of $44,520,000 annually to the state of Michigan; and

Whereas, Selfridge ANGB is a multifaceted asset to Michigan and the nation. The base is a source of community pride and jobs, with a local economic benefit worth more than $700 million to residents and businesses in several surrounding cities and townships. In addition, Selfridge ANGB 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 House of Representatives, That we express our commitment, in partnership with the United States Air Force, to accelerating change in order to compete with, deter, and, if necessary, defeat a peer adversary; and be it further

Resolved, That we strongly urge the United States Air Force to replace the A-10s with an advanced generation fighter mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the members of the Michigan congressional delegation and the Secretary of the Air Force.