Fighting for runway upgrades for the 185th

Established in 1962, the 185^th Air Refueling Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard has been instrumental to the security of our nation and an immense source of pride for Sioux City and our entire state. Fast forward to today, and the 185^th has cemented its outstanding reputation as one of the nation’s finest refueling wings. It has been recognized multiple times as an “Outstanding Unit” by the U.S. Air Force and passed its last two major Air Mobility Command inspections with flying colors. This is not only a testament to the men and women who make the 185^th run on a daily basis, but also to the people of Sioux City for their commitment and dedication to this pillar of the community.

Home to the KC-135 – a high-speed jet tanker that makes both domestic and international trips to refuel planes while in the air – the 185th conducts a critical mission for our military and our security interests at home and abroad. With 900 airmen, 300 of whom work full-time, the 185^th also makes invaluable contributions to the local economy and sustains good-paying jobs that keeps families rooted in Iowa and brings brave servicemembers from around the country to the Siouxland area. That’s why, in Congress, I’ve worked hard to ensure that the 185^th will have the resources and federal support that it needs to continue serving our country and our troops.

Last December, after a productive November call with the Director of the Air National Guard, I led the entire congressional delegations from both Iowa and South Dakota in urging the U.S. Air National Guard and the U.S. Department of Defense to support and fund vital military construction projects at the 185^th. More specifically, we asked that these infrastructure projects – such as a runway replacement and extension, an aircraft parking ramp, and the construction of a maintenance hangar – requested by the 185^th be included in the Future Years Defense Program (FYDP). In my conversations with airmen at the 185^th and local officials in Sioux City, the need to replace, reinforce, and extend the runway is urgent. The Air Force directed the 185^th ARW convert from the F-16 fighter jet to the KC-135 tanker in 2003. The KC-135 is significantly larger and heavier. The long-term effects of operating heavy aircraft on pavement designed for lighter and smaller fighter jets has taken its toll. Repairs to the runway accomplished in 2022 are projected to only extend the runway to 2027. Therefore, it’s an important priority for me that the 185^th receives the federal funds that it needs to strengthen and extend the runway so that the KC-135s can deliver on their missions and be ready at a moment’s notice for the future when heavier tankers may be needed.

Alongside my letter to the Air National Guard and the Department of Defense, I sent a separate letter to the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee requesting that the FAA Central Region be granted additionally flexibility and resources to support infrastructure and construction projects at locations like the 185^th. Current rigidity and guardrails prevent the 185^th from securing the necessary support to complete priorities like the runway replacement and extension, aircraft parking ramp, and maintenance hangar. By delivering more resources in a fiscally responsible manner, we can ensure that the 185^th can finish these vital construction projects and that the airmen and families who rely on the vitality of the 185^th are protected.

While we’ve made significant strides towards completing the 185^th infrastructure and construction proposals as quickly as possible, we cannot take our foot off the pedal. I’ve had extensive conversations with the leadership of the 185^th, the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce, and officials in Sioux City – all of which are unwavering advocates for the 185^th – and have assured them that I will continue to do everything in my power to support the 185^th and keep this critical branch of the Iowa Air National Guard open and operational.

As a strong supporter of our troops and our military families, I promise that the 185^th and dedicated men and women who keep operations running smoothly day in and day out will always have an ally in me. By working to strengthen the 185^th, we also strengthen our economy, our communities, and our nation’s ability to mobilize against those who wish to cause harm to our great nation.

This op-ed was originally published in the Sioux City Journal on June 22, 2024.