McCaskill at 139th Airlift Wing in St. Joseph to Discuss Needs and Successes as Security & Defense Tour Across Missouri Continues

U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, a senior member of the Armed Services and Homeland Security Committees, today visited the 139th Airlift Wing in St. Joseph as she continued her Security & Defense Tour across the state. McCaskill received a classified briefing from the effort at Rosecrans responsible for providing in-depth analysis of our adversaries’ advancements to emerging tactics and technologies that threaten U.S. missions. She heard directly from intelligence analysts examining the actions of America’s adversaries and how such actions will affect the safety and security of pilots and aircrews operating in combat. Because the 139th Airlift Wing has tactics development experts working in the same facility as intelligence analysts, changes to policy can be quickly assembled and disseminated to elements in the Active Duty, Air Force Reserve, and National Guard—a capability that is unique to the 139th. McCaskill was then joined by the 139th commander and staff, as well as key community leaders, for a roundtable briefing about focused on the installation’s needs and successes. “When it comes to keeping our state and our communities safe and secure, I learn more hearing directly from the men and women here on the ground than I do the four-star generals who I meet with in the Senate,” said McCaskill, daughter of a World War II veteran. “And it makes me a more effective advocate when I fight to maintain Missouri’s leadership role in providing for our nation’s defense.” The 139th Airlift Wing is responsible for several unique functions that are not found elsewhere in the Air Force. Among those capabilities is the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center, which is responsible for a number of missions including developing new Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for military cargo planes. The 139th is also home to the Weapons Instructor Course, where pilots and aircrews from the National Guard, Air Force Reserve, Active Duty, and Coalition Partner Nations are trained on the most advanced tactics on Mobility Air Force weapons systems, including the C-130. McCaskill is a longtime advocate for the Missouri National Guard’s 139th Airlift Wing. She previously teamed up with fellow Missouri Senator Roy Blunt at the Air National Guard Base for a roundtable discussion with 30 community leaders and leadership from the 139th Airlift Wing to talk about the C-130, the role of Missouri's military bases in national defense and the impact of possible Pentagon budget cuts. McCaskill also previously urged the Air Force to provide the 139th Airlift Wing with C-130J model aircraft, as well as a full motion simulator training facility that would save taxpayer dollars and enhance the mission’s training capabilities, touting the base's personnel, expertise, and exceptional training facilities.