MacArthur leads NJ delegation in calling for expansion of Air Force’s hurricane response unit

U.S. Rep. Tom MacArthur (R-NJ) led New Jersey’s delegation in calling for the Air Force’s 621 Contingency Response Wing (CRW) at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in Trenton, New Jersey, to be fully manned at authorized levels.

In a bipartisan and bicameral Oct. 26 letter to Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson, MacArthur noted that the highly specialized unit recently deployed to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands following Hurricane Maria. The CRW also has often been among the first to respond to both humanitarian disasters and military operations.

“The airmen of the 621 Contingency Response Wing bravely serve our country and always perform their duties when called upon,” MacArthur said. “However, they are currently responding to multiple simultaneous humanitarian disasters and need our help. It’s important that the Air Force fully man this unit and ensure these brave men and women can respond to any wartime activities without abandoning their current humanitarian missions.”

The 621 CRW is currently manned with approximately 1,350 airmen — but it’s authorized for 1,500. The letter said simultaneous operations have stretched the unit thin and could potentially compromise its war-time activities.

“We encourage you to increase the manning of the Wing to its authorized level, if possible,” stated the letter, which was also signed by U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance (R-NJ).

“If that is not possible at this time, please inform us as to what measures Congress can take to fully man the Wing. We would also encourage you to reassess authorized manning level of the Wing and notify Congress if you believe the total authorized manning level should change,” the lawmakers wrote.