McSally hosts Thornberry for tour of Southern Arizona defense installations

U.S. Rep Martha McSally (R-AZ) hosted Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX) for a tour of Fort Huachuca and the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base last week.

“I appreciate Martha’s invitation to come and see first-hand the military capability in Southern Arizona,” Thornberry said. “She has been a leader in Congress highlighting the importance of assets like the A-10 and the EC-130H as well as the many unique, critical missions housed at Fort Huachuca. I was very impressed with the great work being done by the military men and women stationed here and with the local communities that come together to support these bases.”

Thornberry and McSally met with members of the Huachuca 50, a group that promotes the economic welfare of the Sierra Valley and Fort Huachuca, and toured the fort where they received briefings about unmanned and manned ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) training. McSally and Thornberry also learned about testing capabilities, the Electronic Proving Ground, Signal Command and the Libby Army Airfield. Additionally, the House members toured Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson and spoke to members of the volunteer organization DM 50.

“I can talk about how important our defense assets are, but until you come out here and see the capabilities at Fort Huachuca, tour the Raytheon facilities, climb into a cockpit at DM, and talk with the men and women carrying out these missions, you don’t get the full effect,” McSally said. “That’s why this visit is so important. I extend my sincere thanks to Chairman Thornberry for taking the time to visit Southern Arizona and see first-hand the military treasures we have here.”