Courtney, Larson: Bradley Getting a Red Carpet for C-130

U.S. Reps. Joseph Courtney (D-2) and John Larson (D-1) announced on Monday that the U.S. Air Force will invest $12 million to upgrade a hangar at Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks. 

Courtney lives in Vernon and Larson is from East Hartford. 

The hangar is being improved in preparation for the arrival of Air National Guard C-130H cargo planes that will be based out of Bradley, the congressmen said. The 103rd Airlift Wing of the Connecticut Air National Guard is transitioning to a C-130H mission later this year, they said.

"This investment by the Air Force to improve a hangar that will be used for the upcoming C-130H mission is a tangible sign of progress towards the Flying Yankees’ critical new mission," Courtney said. "With the C-130 mission, the Connecticut Air National guard will have a long term and relevant mission in support of our national defense, and I am eager and excited to see the planes on the ramp at Bradley soon."

Said Larson, "Bradley International Airport is the hub for air travel in Southern New England, housing both commercial airliners as well as military aircraft. By undertaking this project, the Air Force will help ensure the viability of the Flying Yankees' mission by affording the Air National Guard the best facilities for the C-130 military transports soon to arrive in Connecticut."

The 2013 National Defense Authorization Act, passed by Congress last year, approved the Air Force's plan for restructuring the Air National Guard, the congressmen said. Included in that plan was the assignment of eight C-130H cargo aircraft to Bradley as a new permanent flying mission. According to the Air Force, the first C-130s will arrive at Bradley later this year. Since losing its A-10s as part of the 2005 Base Closing process, the 103rd AW has been flying a temporary "bridge mission" of C-21 transport aircraft.