NEW CASTLE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Del. -- Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester visited the 166th Airlift Wing Aug. 5, 2019 after completing a tour of the New Castle County Airport. The purpose of the visit was to introduce Blunt Rochester to the base, its mission sets and deployments, and to discuss legislative priorities. She was also briefed by senior leaders on the capabilities of the 166th Airlift Wing and given an up-close look at the C-130H Hercules.
Issues that were discussed included the possibility that construction of the new fuel cell hangar, which is now at the 95% design phase, be moved up to an earlier fiscal year.
U.S. Air Force Col. Carla D. Riner explained how wing personnel are deployed throughout the world in different positions including Operations, Maintenance, Medical, and Support. She mentioned the upcoming Yellow Ribbon event for National Guardsmen and their families readying for deployment or returning.
“We also mentioned to the Congresswoman that she is recognized as a true supporter of the Guard and her continued advocacy is appreciated,” said Riner.
U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant William Horay described the unique talents of the wing’s drill status guardsmen who wear the uniform one weekend each month and serve the community in a variety of roles the other 28 days.
The Congresswoman, who was the guest speaker for the 198th Signal Corps Deployment ceremony the previous Saturday, said she’d like to come back to the 166th Airlift Wing for an extensive base visit in the next few months.