McCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE – U.S. Representative Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) today helped dedicate a building that was made possible by federal funds he secured in the Fiscal Year 2004 Military Construction Appropriations Bill. Shortly after the Kansas Air National Guard (KANG) received an intelligence mission as a result of negotiations between the U.S. Air Force, Tiahrt, U.S. Senator Pat Roberts and U.S. Senator Sam Brownback, there was a need for a building to house the mission. Although it was late in the appropriations process, Tiahrt was able to secure $7.4 million for building construction.

“We needed to act quickly to improve McConnell’s infrastructure, and I was honored to have the opportunity to direct military spending to make this facility a reality,” said Tiahrt. “I also appreciated Chairman Roberts’ strong support in ensuring this building has the right equipment to provide the very best intelligence for our commanders.”

Tiahrt, Roberts and Brownback were on hand with KANG and Air Force leaders as well as state and local officials to dedicate the new building that houses the 161st Intelligence Squadron. The new Intelligence facility, called a Distributive Ground System (DGS), will allow Kansas Guardsmen to analyze Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) data collection and provide vital intelligence to war fighters around the world. The 161st Intelligence Squadron will support every phase of operations by providing extremely versatile intelligence information that can be used for a variety of military applications: planning air strikes, reducing and assessing collateral damage and enhancing force protection. 

“Although technology has allowed this facility to exist, the men and women of McConnell will make it successful. The men and women of McConnell’s Air National Guard have the right experience, knowledge, and training to support these vital new missions,” Tiahrt said.