Governor predicts bright future for Air Guard Base
Trace Christenson,
Michigan’s governor predicted Saturday the Air National Guard will have a long future in Battle Creek.
“I think we have a lot of great missions,” Gov. Rick Snyder said. “The continued presence of the guard only grows in importance.”
Snyder visited the Air National Guard Base at W.K. Kellogg Airport for an awards ceremony and Christmas party for the newly named 110th Attack Wing.
Hundreds of guard men and women and their families were inside the aircraft hangar for the ceremony, which included a recap of the past 10 years from Base Commander Col. Ronald Wilson and Snyder.
Both men cited the missions with Remotely Piloted Aircraft, or drones, as well as cyber-security and the possibility of installation of a missile defense system as reasons for optimism.
Wilson said since the base was targeted for closure in 2005, and despite the elimination of piloted aircraft, the mission continues to grow.
“We are well-set for the future,” Wilson said. “The best thing we have done is lean forward and that is what we do and what we will continue to do.”
Wilson and the governor unveiled a new seal changing the base from the 110th Airlift Wing to a new designation of 110th Attack Wing.
And Wilson listed a variety of changes and improvements at the base, including college classes offered next year on base by Western Michigan University, Central Michigan University and Kellogg Community College.
He said 12 teams are trained and spread across the country to fly the RPAs and with approval of a new budget the base could soon create a local command center and could possibly have some of the aircraft based at the airport for training.
Wilson said the base is building a cyber-security mission and continues to send personnel on foreign assignments for military purposes and most recently to Africa to assist with the Ebola crisis.
Snyder called the awards ceremony and the look at future missions, “a chance to celebrate success.’
He said the cyber unit is part of the growth in Michigan.
“Who is doing cyber better than anyone is Michigan?” he said. “And we are going to keep that leadership going. And Remotely Piloted Aircraft is on the horizon for many years to come.”
“The citizens want to thank you for your service to keep us safe,” Snyder said. “If you look towards the future, you have a bright future with the missions you are taking on.”
Snyder told reporters after his speech there is is some opposition to the drones, including occasional pickets outside the guard base, so the state will help to provide information about the mission.
“It is something that needs to be done in a thoughtful and safe way,” he said.
