Sorensen, Durbin, Duckworth Applaud Air Force Selection of Peoria’s 182nd Airlift Wing as Preferred Location for New C-130J Aircraft
Selection comes after Members’ efforts to support the 182nd Airlift Wing and protect the future of C-130 aircraft
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) applauded the Air National Guard’s decision to select Peoria’s 182nd Airlift Wing as one of four preferred locations for new C-130J aircraft to replace the aging C-130H aircraft. This announcement ensures that the 182nd Airlift Wing will continue to carry out missions in support of our national defense, and protects the jobs of 1,200 Airmen and approximately 370 full-time employees.
"The dedicated service members and civilian workers at the 182nd Airlift Wing have consistently played a key role in strengthening our nation's defense capabilities," said Sorensen. "I'm proud to see our region's exceptionalism and the exceptionalism of our troops here in Peoria be recognized once again with this decision, which not only guarantees good-paying jobs remain in Central Illinois, but also allows the Airlift Wing to further support our military's readiness and provide assistance for humanitarian and combat missions.”
“The 182nd Airlift Wing has been a steadfast pillar of Illinois’ identity and national defense,” said Durbin. “The decision by the Air Force to select them as a preferred location for a new C-130J aircraft is a victory for the community and the nation, as it ensures the safeguarding of the 182nd Airlift Wing’s mission and the protection of the livelihoods of 1,200 Airmen and over 300 full-time employees. This solidifies the legacy of this remarkable unit, allowing them to continue their vital work in supporting our nation’s defense.”
“C-130s are so essential to the National Guard in carrying out work both at home and abroad,” Duckworth said. “They bring Americans into combat, provide humanitarian relief around the globe and support domestic responses throughout the nation—and have done so reliably for more than 50 years. I’m proud the 182nd Airlift Wing was selected as one of the preferred locations for C-130H recapitalization and can continue its mission, protecting hundreds of good-paying local jobs and maintaining the ability for the Nation Guard to respond to new emergencies and domestic missions in the process.”
“We are grateful to our Congressional delegation, especially Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin and Congressmen Darin LaHood and Eric Sorensen, who all worked together to ensure that Peoria’s 182nd Airlift Wing received the aircraft they need to remain relevant well into the future,” said Air Force Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, the Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard. “I am most grateful to the Airmen of the 182nd Airlift Wing, whose hard work, dedication and innovation helped pave the way for these modern aircraft. They showed that the ‘Peoria way’ is the way to lead the nation.”
This comes after Sorensen worked tirelessly to project jobs at the 182nd Airlift Wing. In July, Sorensen introduced two bipartisan amendments with Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) to the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to delay the planned closure of Tactical Air Control Parties (TACP) at the base while the Airlift Wing waits for a new mission to be placed.
The consistent exceptional performance of the 182nd Airlift Wing helped boost its competitiveness and lead to its ultimate selection. The 182nd Airlift Wing has operated a flying mission in Peoria since its founding in 1947. Since September 11, 2001, the 182nd Airlift Wing has deployed over 5,000 personnel to more than 29 countries, most recently providing key transport for Afghan refugees during the U.S.’s withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Domestically, the unit helped administer more than 8 million COVID-19 vaccinations at 26 Illinois locations during the global pandemic, ensured cyber security for the 2020 and 2022 elections and deployed to the U.S. Capitol to support the 2021 presidential inauguration.
Peoria Airmen sustained the highest C-130 Hercules mission capable rates in the Air Force, besting the Air National Guard and Air Mobility Command during fiscal years 2020 and 2021. Most recently, the unit received the 2023 Major General Stanley F.H. Newman Outstanding Unit Award in which it was recognized as the top Air National Guard units in the United States Air Force Air Mobility Command.
Congressman Eric Sorensen is the first openly LGBTQ person elected to represent Illinois at the federal level and is a member of the New Democrat Coalition. He serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.
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