Rep. Joe Donnelly, D-2nd, is asking the Air Force to reconsider its decision to remove A-10 jet fighters from Fort Wayne's Air National Guard base.
Donnelly announced Wednesday that he has sent to a letter to Gen. Norton Schwartz, chief of staff for the Air Force, about plans announced Feb. 3. Those plans would replace 20 A-10s at the 122nd Fighter Wing with half as many MC-12W Liberty propeller planes used for surveillance and gathering intelligence.
"Depletion of Air Force support in the form of aircraft transfers will gravely impact the base and the surrounding community and the resulting economic impact the base provides," Donnelly wrote in the letter.
Donnelly, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat held by Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., asks Schwartz about the possibility of expanding the A-10 presence in Fort Wayne or increasing the number of MC-12 planes the base receives if the switch is made.
"Any reduction or elimination of capacity at the base could have a severe impact on the community," Donnelly wrote.
Donnelly wants A-10s saved
Brian Francisco
Washington editor
Rep. Joe Donnelly, D-2nd, is asking the Air Force to reconsider its decision to remove A-10 jet fighters from Fort Wayne's Air National Guard base.
Donnelly announced Wednesday that he has sent to a letter to Gen. Norton Schwartz, chief of staff for the Air Force, about plans announced Feb. 3 to replace 20 A-10s at the 122nd Fighter Wing with half as many MC-12W Liberty propeller planes used for surveillance and gathering intelligence.
"Depletion of Air Force support in the form of aircraft transfers will gravely impact the base and the surrounding community and the resulting economic impact the base provides," Donnelly wrote in the letter.
Donnelly, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat held by Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., asks Schwartz about the possibility of expanding the A-10 presence in Fort Wayne or increasing the number of MC-12 planes the base receives if the switch is made.
"Any reduction or elimination of capacity at the base could have a severe impact on the community," Donnelly wrote.
Donnelly becomes at least the eighth member of the Hoosier congressional delegation to publicly express support for the air base since the Air Force announced a nationwide re-alignment proposal. Others include Lugar; Sen. Dan Coats, R-Ind.; Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-3rd; Rep. Dan Burton, R-5th; Rep. Mike Pence, R-6th, who is running for governor; Rep. Larry Bucshon, R-8th; and Rep. Todd Young, R-9th.