SCHUMER ANNOUNCES STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE NAMED FINALIST FOR NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART AEROMEDICAL EVACUATION SQUADRON; SENATOR CALLS STEWART THE IDEAL HOME FOR ESSENTIAL NEW MISSION
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today released the following statement, after Stewart Air National Guard Base (ANGB) in Newburgh was announced as a finalist to host the Air National Guard’s (ANG) new Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (AES):
“Stewart Air National Guard Base is entirely worthy of being named a finalist for the Air National Guard’s Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, and when all is said and done, deserves to be selected. The existing infrastructure at this first-rate ANG installation, combined with the C-17s that the 105th Airlift Wing already operate, 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,” said Senator Schumer.
Schumer explained that in late 2018, the Air Force announced a list of 17 installations to be considered for the new AES, and that Stewart ANG Base was one of the listed installations. Schumer stated that operationally, Stewart ANG Base would be an excellent location for the AES. According to Schumer, the 105th Airlift Wing operates the C-17 military transport aircraft, which provides global projection with this strategic airlift capability, and which is co-located on the installation as a United States Marine Corps KC-130 squadron, boosting the viability of Stewart as home to the AES. Schumer added that the personnel on the installation currently have more than six years of experience training with other AES units. Schumer explained that Stewart is also located in one of the best recruiting locations in New York, and that several of these recruits already serve as medical professionals and flight crew candidates.
Schumer also argued that, as one of the largest ANG bases in the nation, there is enough existing infrastructure at Stewart ANG Base needed to cost-effectively stand up, as well as perform, the critical AES mission. Schumer explained that this will significantly reduce the costs needed to establish the AES mission at Stewart, making it an even more appealing destination. For all these reasons, Schumer said the National Guard Bureau should closely consider Stewart ANG Base as the preferred location for the AES.
A copy of Schumer’s letter to the National Guard Bureau appears below.
Dear General Lengyel,
As you know, in late 2018, the Air Force announced a list of 17 installations to be considered for the new Air National Guard (ANG) Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (AES). We write to strongly encourage you to select Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, NY. We believe that Stewart would be an ideal location due to the operational, manpower, capacity and cost benefits provided by the base and wing.
Operationally, Stewart ANG Base would be an excellent location for the AES. Not only does the 105th Airlift Wing operate the C-17, which provides global projection with this Strategic Airlift capability, and which is co-located on the installation is a United States Marine Corps KC-130 squadron. In addition to all of this vital capability, the personnel on the installation have more than six years of experience training with other AES units and the nearest squadron is over 130 miles away. Stewart is also located in one of the best recruiting locations in the State, and several of these recruits already serve as medical professionals and flight crew candidates in our communities.
Furthermore, as one of the largest ANG bases in the nation, there is enough existing infrastructure needed to cost-effectively stand up, as well as perform, the AES mission. This will significantly reduce the costs needed to stand up the mission at the base.
For all of these reasons, we ask that you closely consider Stewart ANG Base as the preferred location for the AES. We will be closely monitoring this process and look forward to your response. Please follow up with our staff with any questions.
Sincerely,
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