Ernst Presses Air Force on Iowa National Guard’s Runway in Sioux City

WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), who served in the Iowa National Guard, questioned Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall about the National Guard’s 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City, Iowa.

In 2003, when the wing was converted from F-16 fighters to KC-135 tankers, the Air Force promised to upgrade the airfield at the Iowa National Guard facility. Now, the 185th Air Refueling Wing might lose its mission because the runway, which has yet to be upgraded, is insufficient for KC-46s which are set to replace KC-135s.

Ernst secured Kendall’s commitment that the 185th's mission remains unchanged and will hold the Air Force accountable to a timeline for the runway project.

Click here or the image above to watch.

Background:

Ernst is dedicated to supporting servicemembers and their families in Iowa. Since 2023, she has pushed the Air Force to honor its promises to Siouxlanders.

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