A group of New York State Congress members recently urged the U.S. Air Force to select Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, N.Y., for the installation of a new Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (AES).
U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), along with U.S. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY) sent a letter to Barbara Barrett, secretary of the Air Force, and General Joseph Lengyel, chief of the National Guard Bureau, espousing the benefits of Stewart, which is among the finalists.
The lawmakers say Stewart is an ideal location due to its operational, manpower, capacity, and cost benefits. Stewart ANG’s 105 Airlift Wing currently operates the C-17. It is also the location of the United States Marine Corps KC-130 squadron.
“Stewart Air National Guard Base is ideally situated for the Air National Guard’s Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and undoubtedly deserves to be selected. The existing infrastructure at this first-rate ANG installation, combined with the C-17s and phenomenal aircrews of the 105th Airlift Wing, ensure that Stewart would be more than capable of hosting the Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. I’ll continue doing everything in my power to bring the AES to Stewart, to create new jobs at the base and ensure that our troops receive the best medical care possible when risking their lives to protect our freedom,” Schumer said.
Stewart is one of 17 bases on the shortlist.
“Stewart ANG is the best choice for the Air National Guard’s new Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. When I met with the 105th Airlift Wing in October, it was clear that they have the capabilities and resources to successfully complete this new mission,” Gillibrand said. “The 105th Airlift Wing at Stewart Air National Guard Base is a critical asset to our country’s national security. Placing this new mission at Stewart would greatly increase the military’s ability to respond to medical emergencies and support job creation and economic growth in the Hudson Valley. I was proud to fight to make sure that Stewart would be considered for this designation, and I will continue to advocate for the 105th Airlift Wing to be selected for this important mission.”