(Hartford) – On Saturday, October 5th, Congressman John B. Larson joined Governor Dannel P. Malloy and the Connecticut Air National Guard to mark the new mission for the Flying Yankees, the 103rd Airlift Wing now charged with operating C-130H aircraft. With eight C-130H cargo airplanes permanently assigned to the base at Bradley, Saturday's ceremony highlighted the importance of the Connecticut Flying Yankees to the Air National Guard.

"The Connecticut Air National Guard and the Flying Yankees have for years played an integral role in achieving our military goals," said Larson. "In the face of a government shutdown, this new mission represents a lasting investment in our Flying Yankees. I am honored to have aided efforts to expand their operations and applaud the work of Major General Thaddeus Martin, Congressman Joe Courtney and the Connecticut Delegation to help the Flying Yankees continue their brave work for our nation."

Larson Speaking at C-130H Roll-Out Ceremony, Saturday

Congressman Larson has worked with Congressman Joe Courtney and the Connecticut Delegation since 2007 to strengthen the viability of the Flying Yankees' mission. In 2008, Larson hosted former Congressman John Murtha in Connecticut for a briefing on the importance of the Flying Yankee's mission with Major General Thaddeus Martin.

Later, Larson joined the delegation in securing over $7 million in federal funding for the expansion of the base at Bradley International Airport, putting Connecticut in position to expand its flying mission to the C-130H aircraft. This year, Larson joined Courtney in announcing $12 million in federal funding to improve the Air National Guard hanger in preparation for the C-130H mission.

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