Dear Friend, 

Thanks to years of advocacy from the Minnesota delegation, the Minnesota Air National Guard is entering a new era.  

Watch: Kare11 Coverage of Minnesota Air National Guard Press Conference

Last week, the Minnesota National Guard was awarded eight new C-130J ‘Super Hercules’ cargo planes. This is a major victory for our state and our nation and is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the 133rd Airlift Wing.

The C-130J is a state-of-the-art aircraft that will provide the 133rd Airlift Wing with the capabilities they need to carry out their missions more safely and effectively. It is more fuel-efficient, has a longer flight range, and can carry more cargo and troops than the C-130H aircraft that the 133rd Airlift Wing currently operates.

The 133rd Airlift Wing C-130 mission is an important piece of our national defense. They have a long and distinguished history of supporting combat missions and providing disaster and humanitarian relief here at home and around the world.

This was a team effort, years in the making, and serves as an example of what we can accomplish when we work together as Minnesotans.

I want to thank the men and women of the 133rd Airlift Wing for their dedication and service to our state and our nation. We would also like to thank the Minnesota Congressional delegation and the U.S. Air Force for their support and advocacy in this tremendous achievement.  

Sincerely,