WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and U.S. Representative Harriet Hageman (R-WY) applauded the announcement by the Trump administration that the Wyoming Air National Guard Base has been selected as the preferred and final location for the Air National Guard’s C-130J Main Operating Base (MOB) 11. This critical investment will allow for the complete recapitalization of one squadron, replacing eight aging C-130H aircraft with the modern C-130J Super Hercules fleet.
“The Trump administration rightfully selected the Wyoming National Guard base in Cheyenne to be the new home of the C-130J aircraft,” said Barrasso. “The C-130J air tanker is one of the best tools we have to quickly and efficiently suppress wildfires at home and support airlift operations around the globe. With the ongoing threat of wildfires across the Rocky Mountain West, having access to these planes in Wyoming is more critical than ever.”
“This is a transformative moment for Wyoming’s military presence and our state’s contribution to our national security,” said Lummis. “The arrival of these cutting-edge aircrafts will significantly enhance our Air National Guard’s compatibilities while securing high-skilled jobs and economic activity in our community for decades to come. I am grateful to the Trump administration for recognizing Wyoming’s strategic importance and the exceptional readiness of our Guard members to operate this advanced fleet.”
“This is a major win for Wyoming,” said Hageman. “Housing the C-130J fleet in Cheyenne reinforces Wyoming’s role as a strategic hub for military readiness and strengthens our firefighting capabilities. I’m grateful to President Trump for securing this investment in our state’s future, our service members, and our ability to respond to both foreign threats and domestic emergencies.”
The Wyoming Air National Guard Base in Cheyenne was selected from among four candidate locations that were previously considered but not selected in earlier rounds of C-130J basing decisions. Other candidates included New Castle Air National Guard Base in Delaware, Nevada Air National Guard Base at Reno-Tahoe, and Rosecrans Air National Guard Base in Missouri.
The C-130J Super Hercules represents a significant technological advancement over the legacy C-130H model, with improved performance, fuel efficiency, cargo capacity, and avionics. The aircraft will enhance the Wyoming Air National Guard’s ability to support both military operations and domestic emergency response missions like aerial firefighting.
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