Sen. Ossoff launched a push to upgrade the Air National Guard’s fleet last year
New aircraft will be manufactured in Marietta by IAM Local 709
IAM President Martinez: “Sen. Ossoff is a true ally of the IAM, the labor movement and all working people”
Washington, D.C. — Following his push, U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff secured bipartisan support to upgrade the Air National Guard’s fleet with Georgia-built aircraft.
Sen. Ossoff secured the procurement of 16 new C-130J Super Hercules aircraft for the Air National Guard, a key air aircraft used by Georgia Air National Guard and Reserve units at the Savannah Air National Guard Base and Dobbins ARB.
Sen. Ossoff launched a push last summer to secure the new C-130Js.
The aircraft will replace aging C-130H aircraft and help modernize the Air Guard fleet while supporting Georgia’s invaluable union work force.
The new C-130J aircraft will be manufactured in Marietta by Lockheed Martin and International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 709 members.
“These new C-130Js, made right here in Georgia, will help the Air National Guard protect our national security,” Sen. Ossoff said.
“Sen. Ossoff has been a champion for the IAM and the C-130J program, a critical and iconic military aircraft that IAM Local 709 members in Marietta are incredibly proud to build,” said IAM Local 709 President and Directing Business Representative Jason Schroeder. “The C-130J program supports thousands of jobs in Georgia and across the United States. As the largest aerospace and defense labor union in North America, we advocate tirelessly for defense programs that keep our military strong at home and abroad. We are grateful for the support of Sen. Ossoff and every elected official who supports the livelihoods of the men and women who work in our defense and aerospace industries.”
“Sen. Ossoff is a true ally of the IAM, the labor movement and all working people,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Our members in Marietta who build the C-130J, many of whom are military veterans themselves, know that the IAM and Sen. Ossoff have championed this important program and the good union jobs it provides.”
Last spring, Sen. Ossoff and Sen. Warnock also ensured the Air Force’s commitment to providing new C-130Js to the Georgia Air National Guard, which will enhance the Savannah-based 165th Airlift Wing’s vital strategic air mobility mission, including air drop capabilities and air transportation of personnel, equipment, and supplies.
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