Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm has declared victory in securing the new Joint Cargo Aircraft for the state’s 110th Fighter Wing at Battle Creek. A letter from National Guard Bureau chief Army Lt. Gen. Stephen Blum posted on the governor’s Web site says he concurs and will “instruct my staff to include the JCA mission for Michigan.” The letter formally confirms an earlier report from Rep. Joe Schwarz (R-Mich.) that Battle Creek had dibs on a JCA mission.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
