Capital District Times

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has announced the allocation of $5 million in engineering and design funding to enhance the LC-130H aircraft utilized by the New York Air National Guard. Stefanik emphasized the importance of this funding, stating, "These funds will be used to begin research, design, development, and testing to update the LC-130H 'Skibird' aircraft operated by the New York National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing." The aim is to ensure the United States maintains a strategic presence in the Arctic region to counter threats posed by foreign adversaries such as China and Russia.

Major General Ray Shields, New York National Guard Adjutant General, highlighted the significance of this investment, stating, "This very significant Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Appropriation provides the New York Air National Guard with the investment needed to start critical engineering designs for the next generation of LC-130 'Skibirds' assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing." He emphasized the importance of updating the aging fleet to support Air Guard members in their missions both domestically and internationally.

The LC-130H "Skibird" aircraft play a crucial role in providing strategic airlift capability in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. The allocated funds will facilitate the updating of the New York National Guard's LC-130Hs, which are essential to the operations of the 109th Airlift Wing based at Stratton Air National Guard Base.

Stefanik's efforts to secure this funding included leading a bipartisan letter with members of the New York congressional delegation urging the Department of Defense to prioritize the update of the LC-130H "Skibird" planes. Additionally, she questioned Commander of NORTHCOM General Guillot on the role of the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing in addressing challenges in the Arctic during a House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee hearing in March 2024.

The initiative to enhance the Arctic aircraft of the New York Air National Guard underscores the ongoing commitment to strengthening national defense capabilities in the polar regions. Further details can be found on the official announcement on Congresswoman Elise Stefanik's website.