Latest news with #KC-46A
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Michiganders can do hard things Whitmer emphasizes, calling for action on education, roads, chips
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer gives keynote address at Mackinac Policy Conference on May 29, 2025 | Photo from Whitmer's office MACKINAC ISLAND – Delivering her seventh address to attendees of the annual Mackinac Policy Conference, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recounted hard fought victories and future challenges, assuring Michiganders that they can do hard things. First on her list of hard things she'd accomplished in office, Whitmer pointed to her efforts to secure a new fighter mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, which culminated in President Donald Trump announcing 21 new F-15EX fighter aircraft to base there alongside previously promised KC-46A refueling tankers that had been previously announced. 'Oh we didn't put a picture of me and my new bestie up there did we?' Whitmer joked, as she switched to a slide of photos of her at Selfridge, absent Trump. She also pointed to her work to expand Michigan's Medicaid program during her time as minority leader of the then GOP-led State Senate, with Republicans also controlling the House and the governor's seat. 'I knew we had to seize the chance to expand health care to hundreds of thousands more Michiganders. And you know what? Governor [Rick] Snyder supported it, too, and our only chance of getting it done was working together,' Whitmer said. The governor also touted her administration's goal of 60% of Michigan adults to hold a degree or certificate by 2030, supported by programs to provide Michiganders access to college and trade certificate programs for free, or at a reduced rate. Michigan lawmakers were also able to reach a deal to preserve Michigan's tipped minimum wage and trim back new sick time requirements, Whitmer noted, as business groups raised concerns that court-ordered changes would cause mass restaurant closures and widespread layoffs. 'We can do hard things. To succeed you gotta be willing to work with people you disagree with about most things,' Whitmer said. 'It's the harder path in the moment, but it's always the right path. Success requires thinking about ways to help the whole team instead of just having your own staff,' Whitmer said. However there are still hard things to do, Whitmer said, pointing to the state's literacy crisis with just a quarter of Fourth graders able to read proficiently. While this crisis is affecting all Michigan children, Whitmer noted that boys were falling behind, with girls reading at a higher level. 'The next hard thing we must do is make sure that every kid in Michigan can read. We must focus every education policy to meet this high-level goal until we hit it. As the State Board of Education hires their new superintendent, I urge them to pick a candidate with a proven record on literacy,' Whitmer said. The state has already built momentum on this goal, Whitmer noted, as she'd signed legislation last year to move schools back to the science of reading strategies, and require schools to screen for dyslexia. The state also needs a long-term sustainable plan for road funding, Whitmer said. In 2019, she failed to secure a long-term funding solution for road repairs as her proposal to raise the gas tax didn't play with the GOP-Controlled Legislature. In its place, Whitmer received approval for a $3.5 billion road bonding plan. However as bond funding dries up, the state will need to compromise on a plan with both cuts and new streams of revenue to support repairs and infrastructure, Whitmer said. The governor also set a goal to secure a semiconductor chip manufacturing plant and begin construction by the end of next year, telling conference attendees that she's been directly advocating to the Trump Administration on this front 'This is an intergenerational investment that makes an entire region an economic magnet, inspiring families to move here and put down roots. For a long time, the United States made 0% of the world's advanced chips. We heeded too much ground to foreign competition, and now, thanks to plants being built nationwide, we're growing fast. Michigan should get in on the game,' Whitmer said. 'It won't be easy, but it's okay, because we can do hard things,' Whitmer said. Looking to the future, the only thing that's certain is uncertainty Whitmer noted, assuring conference attendees that she's been tracking every twist on tariff policies and efforts to strip billions from Medicaid and SNAP benefits. 'These are serious issues with huge stakes for Michigan, from workers in the auto supply chain to parents figuring out next month's budget. We can do hard things in Michigan, but we're also living through hard times. We have to acknowledge what's within our control and what's not,' Whitmer said. However, Whitmer looked to Detroit's population growth for the second year in a row as a source of inspiration. 'I remember sitting in that audience and watching [former Gov.] Bill Milliken give a speech from this podium, talking about as Detroit grows, so goes the state of Michigan. This was during some of those hardest times, and here we are now. We should all feel pride of our flagship city, a place that has risen from a past defined by hardship to a future driven by endless possibilities,' Whitmer said. 'Detroit does hard things as a state. We've done a lot over the last couple of years, but we're not done yet. Let's continue leading by example as a state that does hard things in the right way. And let's remember that we're all on the same team, team Michigan.' Whitmer said. Following her speech, Whitmer sat down with Blue Cross Blue Shield President and CEO Tricia Keith, who asked Whitmer about Trump's recent comments that he would 'take a look at' pardons for two men convicted in a plot to kidnap and kill her in 2020. Whitmer pointed to a sketch from Key and Peele depicting former President Barack Obama's anger translator. 'I did all the interviews, they said 'How do you feel about this,' I said well I'm disappointed but my anger translator would use more colorful language,' Whitmer said. 'No one should hesitate to condemn political violence, whether it is aimed at my good friend Josh Shapiro, the horror that played out at their residence in Pennsylvania, or it is the man who shot Donald Trump, or it is people that threatened me, it's unacceptable. And so it is my hope that he doesn't go forward with that,' Whitmer said. However, Whitmer said she has an ongoing dialogue with the President in contrast to his first administration, and that she would take every opportunity to make the case for Michigan. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Epoch Times
30-04-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
Trump Announces 21 New Fighter Jets for Selfridge Air National Guard Base
President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan will receive 21 new F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets as replacements for 21 retiring A-10 Warthog aircraft. 'I've come in person to lay to rest any doubts about Selfridge's future and the vital role it will play in our national defense,' Trump Trump was visiting Michigan to celebrate the first 100 days of his second term in office. 'As commander-in-chief, I'm proud to announce that very soon, we will replace the retiring A-10 Warthogs with 21 brand new F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets,' he added. 'The best in the world.' According to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's office, the F-15EX fighter jets are expected to begin arriving at Selfridge in fiscal year 2028, in addition to the incoming KC-46A tankers secured last year. The Selfridge base contributes an estimated $850 million to Michigan's economy and supports 30,000 jobs in the state. It hosts units from every branch of the U.S. Armed Service, except the Space Force, as well as being a home to homeland security operations, the governor's office stated. Related Stories 3/15/2025 4/3/2025 'This is a huge, bipartisan win for Michigan, decades in the making, that will grow our economy and make our country safer,' Whitmer said in a Macomb County executive Mark Hackel thanked Trump and said that bringing the F-15EX fighter jets to Selfridge will solidify the base as 'Michigan's premier defense installation.' 'With new facilities, modern infrastructure, dedicated military and civilian personnel, and a new fighter mission, Selfridge will continue to play a critical role in our nation's defense,' he Built by Boeing, the F-15EX boasts a payload capacity of 29,500 pounds and is designed to serve as a backbone for any tactical fighter fleet, according to Boeing's The aerospace company stated that the aircraft can shoot targets from a 'significantly increased' range, 'farther than any other fighter in the U.S. Air Force arsenal.' Other Air National Guard bases currently Meanwhile, Trump Trump said that an experimental version of Boeing's F-47 airframe has been flying in secret for nearly five years and that he is confident the aircraft 'massively overpowers the capabilities of any other nation.' Details about the aircraft design remain secret, and Trump said he would not specify the price for the program because it could give hints about the size of the aircraft and some of the technology it will include. Ryan Morgan contributed to this report.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump, with Whitmer at his side, announces new fighter wing for Michigan's Selfridge air base
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township, Michigan after President Donald Trump announced a new F-15 squadron would be based there. April 29, 2025 | CSPAN Screenshot Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined President Donald Trump when he landed at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County Tuesday, where he announced 21 new F-15EX fighter aircraft to be based there, as well as new KC-46A refueling tankers that had been previously announced. Trump, who arrived in Michigan for an event at Macomb Community College to mark his first 100 days in office, was also joined by GOP Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for the announcement. 'For generations, the men and women of Selfridge have always been here, and they've always been for us,' Trump said. 'Whether you're a Republican or a Democrat, they've always been for us. They've been for America. And under the Trump administration, we're going to be there for you.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Whitmer, who has drawn criticism from within her party for cooperating with Trump, said she hadn't intended to speak at the event, but made brief remarks after being introduced by Trump. 'On behalf of all the military men and women who serve our country and serve so honorably on behalf of the state of Michigan, I am really damn happy we're here to celebrate this recapitalization of Selfridge. It's crucial for the Michigan economy. It's crucial for the men and women here for our homeland security and our future,' Whitmer said. In a later press release, Whitmer said the new fighter mission would grow Michigan's economy while keeping expert talent including pilots and maintenance workers in the state and cement Michigan's leadership in national security for decades to come. 'This is a huge, bipartisan win for Michigan, decades in the making, that will grow our economy and make our country safer,' Whitmer said in the release. 'Because of our tireless work with partners on the ground in Macomb County and on both sides of the aisle, the future of Selfridge is bright, lasting, and secure. I'll keep working with anyone to get things done on the kitchen-table issues and make a real difference for Michigan families.' Trump thanked Whitmer for her efforts at keeping Selfridge open as an active duty base. 'So I want to thank Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for bringing [Selfridge] to our attention,' Trump said. 'I'm not supposed to do that. She's a Democrat. They say, 'Don't do that. Don't have her here.' I said, no, she's going to be here. She's done a very good job, frankly, and she was very much involved with the Republicans. They worked together on saving it. And it was not easy. So I want to thank you very much, Gretchen. Good job.' Earlier this month, Whitmer joined Trump in the Oval Office as an 'honored' guest as he signed an executive order to address the issue of invasive Asian Carp in the Great Lakes, saying Whitmer is a 'very good person' who has done 'an excellent job' in Michigan. The new F-15s at Selfridge will replace the aging A-10 Thunderbolt II squadron scheduled to be retired next year. Without a defined squadron, the base had faced possible closure, with an ensuing loss of jobs and economic development for the region. 'It's a key piece of our statewide defense strategy and foundational to Macomb's and Southeast Michigan's economy,' said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. 'This new fighter mission prevents the loss of about $30 million in wages. We're excited for the future at Selfridge and for the future missions that will unfold while employing this great multirole fighter,' Rogers said.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Macomb's Hackel says Whitmer, Trump recognize importance of Selfridge fighters
For more than a hundred years, Selfridge Air National Guard Base has played a vital role in our nation's defense, and in Macomb County, we're proud of that fact. The legacy of Michigan's premier defense installation is felt both at home and abroad. From the enhancement of Homeland Security facilities to secure our borders, to the servicewomen and servicemen able to be deployed at a moment's notice to protect American interests around the globe, Selfridge has always been mission-ready. For over a decade, Macomb County has been leading the conversation — alongside our partners at the state level — about how we can continue to modernize the base's capabilities. Most recently, we've ramped up efforts to position Selfridge as the preferred home for a new fighter mission. The U.S. Air Force is in the process of phasing out the A-10 Warthog mission, based at Selfridge, and the KC-135 refueling aircraft. A new KC-46A refueling aircraft mission was designated for Selfridge last year, but a new fighter mission is essential to keep the base operating at full capacity. More: Details released about Trump's 100-days rally in Macomb County on April 29 Working alongside Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, our federal and state legislators, base command, community advocates and military leadership, the State of Michigan has committed $100 million to expand the runway and upgrade aviation facilities. These investments are designed to optimize base operations and meet the logistical demands of modern aircraft. Earlier this month, our efforts received a major endorsement as Whitmer traveled to Washington, D.C. to advocate for Selfridge. President Donald Trump reaffirmed the strategic importance of our hometown air base, and emphasized that Selfridge would remain open, strong and thriving. We are more confident than ever that a new fighter mission is coming home to Macomb. This effort to elevate Selfridge has spanned many administrations — federal and state alike — and stands as a powerful example of what collaboration can accomplish. Together, our united commitment will ensure Selfridge remains a critical asset in our nation's defense. Mark Hackel is the Macomb County Executive. Submit a letter to the editor at and we may publish it online and in print. If you have a differing view from a letter writer, please feel free to submit a letter of your own in response. Like what you're reading? Please consider supporting local journalism and getting unlimited digital access with a Detroit Free Press subscription. We depend on readers like you. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Hackel: Trump, Whitmer collaboration could benefit Selfridge | Opinion
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cracks In KC-46 Tankers Halt All Deliveries
The Air Force will inspect its entire fleet of 89 KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling tankers after cracks were found on two of the four new planes set to be sent to the Military Delivery Center, the Air Force told The War Zone exclusively. The issue was discovered by Boeing, which makes the jets, the Air Force said. In addition, Boeing 'is taking measures to temporarily halt deliveries until we fully understand the root cause and implement an effective corrective action plan,' the Air Force stated in response to our query about the latest problems with the troubled Pegasus program. After the inspection, if any cracks are found, 'the aircraft will undergo repairs before flying again,' the Air Force explained. 'The cracks were not found on any flight surfaces or hinges, but rather on the primary or secondary structures,' the Air Force told us. Boeing told us it is working to fix the problem. 'We are working closely with the customer to assess a potential issue on KC-46A aircraft and to mitigate any potential impact to the fleet and in-production airplanes,' the company told The War Zone after our inquiry about the cracks. The Pegasus program has been beset by problems even before they were delivered. It was years behind schedule before the flying branch received its first KC-46A in January 2019. As we previously reported, efforts are still ongoing to fix long-standing and serious problems with not only the KC-46's boom but also the Remote Vision System that boom operators use to guide it into receiving aircraft. These are just two of the many issues that have impacted the program. Boeing is currently under contract to address issues with stiffness in the boom on the KC-46, a fix that involves hardware and software changes. As for the Remote Vision System, or RVS, the contractor is integrating an entirely new version of this into the tanker. The decision was taken after multiple problems with the original RVS, which was found to be potentially dangerous to use as well as potentially risking making boom operators physically ill. A scathing Fiscal Year 2024 DOTE report found that the KC-46A was 'not meeting many of its suitability metrics.' 'The operational availability (≥80percent threshold) and mission capable rate (≥90 percent threshold) slightly decreased throughout FY24, well below their threshold requirements,' the report found. Moreover, when accounting for partially mission-capable aircraft that are unable to perform their primary [aerial refueling] mission (e.g., due to a broken boom), the effective mission-capable rate falls an additional 24 percent on average. The program continues to suffer from prolonged maintenance repair times due to supply issues with parts needed for repair.' In March 2024, 'the KC-46A program experienced a two-month delay in delivering new aircraft due to the discovery of a broken part associated with the boom,' the report continued. 'Inspections of aircraft off the production line found a broken gimbal nut lockwire, a part important for the directional movement of the refueling boom.' All these problems have cost Boeing a lot of money. In January, the 'company revealed fourth quarter charges include a $800 million loss on Pegasus, reflecting what the company said were higher-than-estimated manufacturing costs,' Breaking Defense reported at the time. Boeing 'attributed part of that loss to the September strike of its Seattle-area machinist union, which resulted in a seven week production halt on jetliners such as twin-aisled 767 from which the KC-46 is derived,' Breaking Defense added. The company has lost billions on the KC-46 fixed price contract since its execution. This is yet another blow to a program created to replace the aging fleet of KC-135 tankers, which first flew during the Eisenhower administration in the late 1950s. In addition, the last of the KC-10 Extender refuelers was retired last September. We will keep an eye on this issue and provide updates when warranted. Contact the author: howard@
