WASHINGTON, DC - Lieutenant General Robert Schmidle, Deputy Commandant for Aviation for the U.S. Marine Corps, informed Congresswoman Granger that the Marine Corps would be replacing the C-130s flown by Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234 (VMGR-234), which are stationed at the Naval Air Station - Joint Reserve Base (NAS JRB) in Fort Worth, with a newer model.
“This is great news for Fort Worth and the Marine Corps,” said Congresswoman Granger. “NAS JRB Fort Worth is a world-class facility with the very best soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, and the community support for our military is second to none. I want to thank General Amos and General Schmidle for recognizing the importance of this squadron to our national security. I am also grateful to the Marine Corps for their commitment to the vitally important mission of the Marine Corps Reserves.”
Currently, VMGR-234 flies C-130T models, but starting next summer the squadron will begin receiving a total of 13 C-130J models, allowing for seamless integration and improved interoperability between the Marine Corps Reserve and Active Duty Forces. The squadron provides aerial refueling capabilities as well as transport of personnel, equipment and supplies. The first three planes will arrive in the summer of 2014 and the squadron will be fully operational in 2015.
Operated by the Marine Corps, this fleet is separate from the Air National Guard’s 136th Air Wing C-130 squadron, which Congresswoman Granger along with Governor Perry, Senator Cornyn and the Texas Delegation fought to keep in Fort Worth in 2012.