Hoosier State Today

U.S. Senators Todd Young and Mike Crapo have introduced the Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act. This legislation aims to maintain the U.S. Air Force's fighter force structure and prioritize updating 39 combat-coded fighter squadrons available to the Secretary of Defense for global responses. Currently, 15 out of 25 Air National Guard Squadrons in the U.S. lack recapitalization plans. The bill mandates that the USAF develop such plans for these units, including Indiana's 122nd Air Wing, to ensure their operational readiness.

Senator Young emphasized the importance of maintaining highly-trained forces for global threat response: "Our military’s readiness and ability to respond to global threats depend on maintaining highly-trained and capable forces," he stated. He added that this bill would secure the future of units like Ft. Wayne's 122nd Fighter Wing.

Senator Crapo highlighted the need to protect experienced personnel: "Highly-trained, experienced and prepared forces are a key component of our country’s national defense," he said. He warned against closures within the Air Force Reserve component that could result in losing skilled pilots and maintainers, stressing protection for squadrons like Idaho's 190th Fighter Squadron from reductions.

The act has garnered support from several other senators, including John Hickenlooper, Jim Risch, Mark Kelly, Jim Banks, Elissa Slotkin, Rick Scott, Gary Peters, Angela Alsobrooks, Ted Cruz, Chris Van Hollen, Amy Klobuchar, Michael Bennet, Alex Padilla, Tina Smith, and Ruben Gallego.

The full text of the legislation is available online.