Holland Reporter

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga of Michigan led a bipartisan effort to request that the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base be designated as the home for any future Army National Guard MQ-1C Gray Eagle Platform. The letter, signed by members of Michigan's Congressional Delegation, highlights the base's current mission experience and understanding of unmanned mission platforms, as well as its strategic location and recent investments by local and state authorities.

The Members of Congress emphasize the significant advantages that Battle Creek offers as a potential location for the MQ-1C Gray Eagle mission. They point to the base's 10,003-foot runway, proximity to Fort Custer, a new advanced air mobility hub, and the base's recent investments in infrastructure. In addition, the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base has a long history of supporting combat operations and domestic missions with its MQ-9 platform.

In the letter addressed to Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth, the Members of Congress state, "The Battle Creek ANGB has the necessary infrastructure to host this platform and support Army MQ-1C operations. As one of the most in-demand Guard units with vast MQ-9 remote split operations experience, the base can provide critical assistance in the understanding of unmanned mission platforms."

The Battle Creek Air National Guard Base's location at the Battle Creek Executive Airport offers ample space for the MQ-1C Gray Eagle platform. The base has a 10,003-foot runway, taxiway, ramp, apron space, and hanger space. The letter also highlights the considerable local and state investments made in the past decade, including the resurfacing of the runway and the establishment of MICH-AIR, a new advanced air mobility hub.

Adjacent to the Battle Creek ANGB is the federally-owned Fort Custer Training Center, which currently hosts Army National Guard assets and missions. The Members of Congress note that the inclusion of an Army National Guard MQ-1C Gray Eagle unit in Battle Creek would provide similar benefits to national defense that the Air National Guard has provided. The location of Fort Custer also aligns with the Army's Multi-Domain Operational concept, as it will receive one of the Army's newest Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Battalions.

Furthermore, the Members of Congress highlight the strong military culture in Battle Creek, which draws recruits from across the country. The base's current mission sets and the community's deep roots of aviation interest from Western Michigan University contribute to its ability to maintain a high level of personnel and recruit talented individuals. The presence of Michigan and Indiana's existing force structure also adds to the potential organizational structure of an MQ-1C unit.

In conclusion, the Members of Congress urge Secretary Wormuth to fully consider the placement of any future MQ-1C Gray Eagle mission at the Battle Creek ANGB. They extend an invitation for her to visit Battle Creek and witness the capabilities and commitment of Michigan's military community. The letter emphasizes Michigan's readiness to take on a greater role and contribute to the fight against global adversaries.

The bipartisan effort led by Congressman Huizenga, along with the support of U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, as well as U.S. Representatives John Moolenaar, Elissa Slotkin, Tim Walberg, and John James, demonstrates the unified commitment of Michigan's Congressional Delegation to advocate for the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base as the ideal location for the MQ-1C Gray Eagle mission.