In the News
Ellmers Continues Fight for the 440th Airlift Wing
Fighting to save Fort Bragg's 440th Airlift Wing hasn't always looked good, but Rep. Renee Ellmers is confident it will end in victory. She shared that optimism to a group of Fort Bragg leaders and retired military officers on Wednesday, speaking at a luncheon hosted by the Cape Fear Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America. Ellmers called saving the 440th the "most important issue" for her office.
"I just have to believe the Air Force is going to make the right decision," she said.
Ellmers Continues Fight for the 440th Airlift Wing
The Fayetteville Observer Fighting to save Fort Bragg's 440th Airlift Wing hasn't always looked good, but Rep. Renee Ellmers is confident it will end in victory. She shared that optimism to a group of Fort Bragg leaders and retired military officers on Wednesday, speaking at a luncheon hosted by the Cape Fear Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America. Ellmers called saving the 440th the "most important issue" for her office. "I just have to believe the Air Force is going to make the right decision," she said. But Ellmers admitted the fight wasn't earning her any friends within Air Force leadership. She said she understood officials' reasoning behind the inactivation, which is driven by a need to cut costs. But, she said, the inactivation doesn't make sense given the uniqueness of Fort Bragg. The 440th Airlift Wing's C-130s are the only Air Force planes permanently based at Fort Bragg. And local leaders have said they are an important training resource. "To me this is common sense," Ellmers said, calling the inactivation "detrimental and short-sighted." Fort Bragg leaders have expressed concern over the inactivation and doubt that the Air Force could fully support training with outside air crews. Ellmers said North Carolina congressional leaders were united in their efforts to save the unit and said amendments added to the National Defense Authorization Act by herself and Sen. Thom Tillis could help keep the unit at Fort Bragg, even as the unit continues to prepare for inactivation. "It is still playing out," she said. "It has not finished." "We're not giving up," Ellmers added. "It's not impossible. I just simply have to believe the right thing will happen and we will be victorious." Ellmers addressed her efforts with the 440th along with several other initiatives related to military or veterans issues. She said helping service members transitioning from active duty, particularly in the realm of mental health, was a priority for her office. After her speech, Ellmers became the newest member of the Cape Fear Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, receiving an honorary membership from the chapter president, retired Col. Juan Chavez. Chavez said the chapter hoped to work closely with Ellmers on veteran issues. "Welcome to the best MOAA chapter in North Carolina," he said.
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Congresswoman Renee Ellmers serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and is She represents the Second District of North Carolina which includes all of Fort Bragg.
ellmers.house.gov | 202.225.4531 |