Capitol News

Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) has led a bipartisan initiative to prevent the early retirement of A-10 fighter jets stationed at Michigan’s Selfridge Air National Guard Base. Barrett, along with 13 of his 14 colleagues from Michigan’s congressional delegation and all members of Idaho’s congressional delegation, sent a letter to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees. The letter urges lawmakers to maintain the A-10 mission at both Selfridge in Michigan and Gowen Field in Idaho.

“At Selfridge, the men and women of Michigan's Air National Guard stand ready to defend our nation with the fleet of A-10 Warthog fighters," said Barrett. "The base not only plays a strategic role in our national defense; it also drives our state’s economy forward. Until we transition to the new mission at Selfridge, we must maintain the A-10 fleet at a high state of readiness."

The letter states: “Early retirement of the A-10 Thunderbolt II Aircraft fleet could negatively impact Air National Guard Bases like Selfridge in Michigan and Gowen Field in Idaho. While both bases have planned for the divestment of the A-10s prior to receiving the F-15EXs and the F-16s, an expedited retirement of the A-10s would have negative consequences on their workforce, including pilots losing currency and certification, as well as maintaining proficiency due to the lack of airframes on which to work.”

The correspondence was signed by Senators Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin, as well as Representatives Jack Bergman (MI-01), John Moolenaar (MI-02), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Tim Walberg (MI-05), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Lisa McClain (MI-09), John James (MI-10), Haley Stevens (MI-11), and Shri Thanedar (MI-13). Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and James Risch, Representatives Russ Fulcher (ID-01) and Michael Simpson (ID-02), along with Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) also signed.

Earlier this year, President Donald J. Trump announced that Selfridge will receive a new squadron of F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets as replacements for its current A-10 aircraft. Lawmakers are seeking to ensure that personnel and operational readiness are maintained during this transition period by keeping the existing A-10 squadron active until arrival of the new jets.

Both chambers of Congress have passed versions of this year’s National Defense Authorization Act containing provisions aimed at preventing premature retirement of the A-10 fleet. However, final language is still being negotiated between House and Senate versions.

The effort has received endorsements from several organizations representing military personnel, including the National Guard Association of Michigan, National Guard Association of the United States, Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, and Air and Space Forces Association.