Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.) and Rep. John Hall (D-N.Y.) announced inclusion of $3.75 million in the Fiscal 2011 defense authorization bill to cover an aircraft conversion facility at Stewart Air National Guard Base to position the base to receive C-17 airlifters. The Air Force last month named Stewart as one of the potential beddown locations for C-17s. And, shortly before that announcement, New York’s Senators, Charles Schumer (D) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D) reportedly were working on similar funding in the Senate version of the bill. In a joint statement with Hall, Hinchey said, “The replacement of the aging fleet of C-5A transport planes is essential to the base’s future. … Upgrading to the more efficient and reliable C-17 has been one of my top priorities.” Hall said that gaining C-17s would “secure the future of the 105th Airlift Wing and potentially affect the lives of thousands who live in the area.”
The incoming head of the 7th Air Force will face an intense mission while relying on 4th-generation fighters to stave off looming threats from North Korea and China.