WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY—Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Congressman Tim Bishop today visited Gabreski Air National Guard Base, home of the 106th Air Rescue Wing. During an event with Wing Commander Colonel Michael F. Canders, Senator Clinton and Congressman Bishop praised the 106th and pledged their continued support for Gabreski as construction is slated to begin on the new Pararescue Facility.

“The brave men and women of the 106th Air Rescue Wing stationed at Gabreski make New York and America proud. Whether defending our nation overseas or assisting when disasters strike at home, the 106th has carried out its mission with skill and distinction at the most critical times. As development of the new Pararescue Facility goes forward, I will continue to work for Gabreski and the 106th so they have the support and resources they need,” said Senator Clinton

"The 106th Air Rescue Wing's core mission is to save lives and this Pararescue Facility is vital to training and planning of lifesaving operations," Congressman Tim Bishop said. "I am proud to work together with Senator Clinton to make sure this unit has the resources it needs to carry out its mission."

Senator Clinton has worked aggressively to secure support for Gabreski Air National Guard Base. Last year, she and Senator Charles E. Schumer secured $8.4 million as part of the Fiscal Year 2008 Veterans Affairs and Military Construction Appropriations bill for Phase I construction of the new Pararescue Facility. Senators Clinton and Schumer have worked to secure an additional $7.5 million for Phase II of the project, which the Senate Appropriations Committee recently approved.

The 106th Air Rescue Wing is home to the oldest flying unit in the Air National Guard, the 102nd Rescue Squadron, which traces its roots to members of New York’s National Guard who formed an aeronautical corps in 1908. The 106th operates HC-130 Hercules and MH-60G Black Hawk helicopters to provide aerial rescue services.

Construction will soon begin on a new Pararescue Facility at Gabreski Air National Guard Base. In April 2004 as a result of unit reorganization, the 106th Air Rescue Wing more than doubled in size. Special requirements that could not be accommodated under the old organization were severely strained. Additional space is required to perform pre-mission planning and training so that missions can continue to be successfully executed without endangering crew members during challenging and high-risk missions.

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