Bill Text: MI SR0113 | 2011-2012 | 96th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to express support for the 2012 United States Air Force Re-Missioning Plan to locate an MQ-1/9 RSO element at the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 20-1)
Status: (Passed) 2012-02-09 - Adopted As Substituted S-1 [SR0113 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2011-SR0113-Enrolled.html
SR-113, As Adopted by Senate, February 9, 2012
Substitute for Senate Resolution No. 113.
A resolution to express support for the 2012 United States Air Force Re-Missioning Plan to locate an MQ-1/9 RSO element at the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Whereas, The 110th Airlift Wing has been one of the most decorated Air National Guard units in the nation, receiving the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award in 1992, 1998, 2000, 2004, and 2011, an honor bestowed on fewer than 10 percent of Air Force units annually; and
Whereas, More than $22 million in taxpayer funding has been invested in the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base from 2001 to 2011, $16.7 million of which represents the federal share and $5.2 million of which was invested by the state of Michigan. The 110th Airlift Wing has been the recipient of $477 million in operational funding from 2001 to 2011, including military construction, personnel, and operations and maintenance; and
Whereas, The existing infrastructure, trained personnel, uncongested skies, and investment at the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base make it second to no other location in the nation for critical air mission support. In addition, the base's location adjacent to the expansive Michigan Army Reserve and National Guard Fort Custer Training Center provides valuable joint force and interagency training capabilities; and
Whereas, The placement of an MQ-1/9 RSO element in Battle Creek will complement the current mission of the 110th Air Operations Group, also located at the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, which serves as a vital part of the 17th Air Force, the air component to the U.S. Africa Command and the newest unified combatant command; and
Whereas, The Battle Creek Air National Guard Base is integral to the economy of Southwest Michigan, providing $22.2 million in total wages and salaries and $26 million in gross regional product to Calhoun County; and
Whereas, The Air Force has been an important partner in the Battle Creek community since 1947. During this same time period, the greater Battle Creek/Calhoun County region has been a staunch supporter and defender of the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, as well as its other defense and military installations; and
Whereas, Failure to provide a follow-on mission to replace the previously committed C-27J aircraft would cause significant harm to the economies of Battle Creek and the state of Michigan and jeopardize the significant investments made by the citizens of Michigan and the United States; and
Whereas, The creation of an MQ-1/9 RSO element in Battle Creek has been recommended as part of the 2012 United States Air Force Structure Change Report; and
Whereas, It is understood that the MQ-1/9 RSO would be a replacement mission for the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, replacing the C-27J aircraft previously committed to the base; and
Whereas, Infrastructure at the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base remains available to support the C-27J or its successor aircraft, should further analysis determine that it is an aircraft essential to the national defense, homeland security, and emergency needs of our nation; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we urge the United States Department of Defense and the Department of the Air Force to fulfill their commitment to designate an enduring mission for the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base by locating either an MQ-1/9 RSO element or the C-27J, or its successor aircraft, at the base; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the United States Secretary of the Air Force, the United States Secretary of Defense, and the members of Michigan’s congressional delegation.
