LaHood criticizes Air Force proposal to reduce C-130H fleet; requests management plan

U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL) denounced a plan by the U.S. Air Force to reduce from 300 to 287 the C-130 Hercules fleet, a multipurpose military transport aircraft.

Such a reduction of the fleet would put the Peoria, Ill., 182nd Airlift Wing’s mission readiness at risk and negatively impact the Air Force’s combat efficiency, according to a July 7 letter Rep. LaHood and U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL) sent to leaders on the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, which is working on the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2021.

“We urge caution, as the Air Force appears to continue its reduction of Air National Guard (ANG) units before adequately explaining its long-term plan for the C-130H fleet,” wrote Rep. LaHood and his colleague to House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith (D-WA) and Ranking Member Mac Thornberry (R-TX).

Additionally, the most recent Mobility Capabilities and Requirements Study found a need to maintain 300 theater airlift aircraft to meet requirements, according to their letter.

“Nevertheless, the Air Force proposes to assume the risk of a smaller theater airlift fleet and has not provided sufficient justification,” wrote the lawmakers. “Any reduction in crucial capabilities should be the result of informed decision making.”

The lawmakers called for the Air Force to provide a long-term fleet management plan of C-130H aircraft.

“We ask that the committee continue to require the Air Force to provide its data-driven reasoning for a smaller C-130 fleet, and to provide a sustainable, long-term fleet management plan,” according to their letter. “The hardworking men and women of our ANG units deserve consistency.”