WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-TX), Lead Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement after the Department of the Air Force selected the 136th Airlift Wing at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth as the future home of new Lockheed Martin C-130J aircraft.

“Today we celebrate as the Citizen Airmen of Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth’s 136th Airlift Wing were selected to receive modernized C-130J aircraft to replace their aging fleet of C-130H aircraft. The Air Force’s decision comes after years of competition and evaluation of dozens of military bases. Following my visit to the base earlier this year and seeing firsthand how the Texas Air National Guard and Texas Military Department were prepared to utilize these cutting-edge aircraft, I knew the 136th was the right choice,” said Congresswoman Granger.

“While Chairwoman of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I provided the funding needed to modernize the Air National Guard’s aging fleet of C-130H aircraft. Our Air National Guard plays a critical role in natural disaster response throughout the country and conducts countless missions in support of our national security overseas. Today, the Air Force made the right decision to bring these high tech aircraft to Fort Worth so they can continue their important work both here at home and abroad.

“My personal relationship with the base goes back to my days as the Mayor of Fort Worth when I led the fight to preserve the installation through the establishment of our nation’s first-ever Joint Reserve Base. The 136th’s selection highlights the importance of NAS JRB Fort Worth to both our national and homeland security. As their motto Nulli Secondus states, the 136th Airlift Wing is truly second-to-none, and these new aircraft will ensure decades of continued dominance.”