Emmer, Stauber seek justification for reducing USAF C-130 fleet

U.S. Reps. Tom Emmer (R-MN) and Pete Stauber (R-MN) joined a bipartisan, bicameral contingent of Minnesota lawmakers to express concerns about potential reductions in the U.S. Air Force’s C-130 fleet of military transport aircraft, a move that could impact the 133rd Airlift Wing in their home state. 

“We are concerned that the Air Force is considering reductions in the size of the fleet in ways that could impact readiness and mission capability — particularly for the Air National Guard,” the congressmen wrote in an Oct. 19 letter sent to U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett.

In fiscal year 2021, for instance, the Air Force proposed reducing the fleet from 300 to 287, with the reduction of 13 aircraft all coming from the Air National Guard, according to their letter. 

“Furthermore, it is our understanding that the Air Force, using a future Mobility Capabilities Requirement Study, is planning to reduce the C-130 fleet to 255 aircraft,” wrote Reps. Emmer, Stauber and their colleagues, who included U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN), and U.S. Rep. Jim Hagedorn (R-MN).

The 133rd Airlift Wing — stationed at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport and serving the entire state including the Duluth Air National Guard Base — could be affected by the potential reductions, the lawmakers wrote, noting that the unit provides airlift to support humanitarian and disaster relief missions, such as the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The lawmakers also are concerned about the current criteria for making decisions regarding recapitalization, writing that it could have a disproportionately negative impact for high-performing units like the Minnesota Air National Guard. 

“We believe recapitalization decisions must be decided using updated criteria that are based on the best solution for operational needs and the most efficient use of taxpayer dollars,” they wrote. “It is important that any reduction in these crucial capabilities be made as part of a thorough decision making process and assessment of future needs.”

The lawmakers requested that the Air Force provide Congress with answers to several questions, including the justification and the level of risk being taken by the Air Force to reduce the C-130 fleet, as well as a breakdown and explanation of the criteria that will be used for recapitalization of the fleet under a long-term management plan.