Joni Ernst Presses Air Force on 20-Year Delay for Sioux City Air National Guard Runway Project

Air National Guard Runway Project Delay

• ⚠️ Senator Joni Ernst is confronting top Air Force officials regarding a 20-year delay in constructing a new runway at the 185th Refueling Wing in Sioux City, Iowa.
• 📌 The project was promised in 2003 when the unit's F-16s were replaced with KC-135s, with the commitment of a runway upgrade to support the heavier aircraft.
• 🎯 The fear in Sioux City is that without the necessary infrastructure, the unit will never upgrade to the KC-46 and may ultimately be lost.

Historical Context and Unit Pride

• 🎖️ The airfield is named Colonel Bud Day Airfield, honoring a Medal of Honor and Air Force Cross recipient and Sioux City native.
• 🎬 The area also has historical connections to notable figures like actor Jimmy Stewart and POW Louis Zamperini (from "Unbroken").
• ✈️ Ernst emphasizes the proud history of the units that have occupied the airfield and the importance of maintaining its capabilities.

Air Force Response and Next Steps

• 📊 General Alvin stated that the design phase is now 65% complete, which is a prerequisite for competing for Military Construction (Milcon) funding.
• 🔑 The project can now be ranked for Milcon prioritization or placed on an unfunded priority list if it doesn't win.
• ✅ Secretary Mink committed to reviewing the project's ranking for Milcon and discussing it with Senator Ernst.
• 💬 Ernst expressed appreciation for the public commitment and looks forward to the project's completion.