(St Paul, Mn) – Minnesota National Guard’s 133rd Airlift Wing, located at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport was selected to receive eight, new C-130J Super Hercules aircraft as part of the Air National Guard’s C-130J Recapitalization and Basing program.
“As Governor, I’ve always fought to ensure the Minnesota National Guard has the resources they need to protect our homeland and support missions abroad and at home,” said Governor Walz. “C-130 aircraft are critical assets that our Minnesota Air National Guard use to transport cargo and passengers, whether it is in support of missions abroad or offering support here at home during times of floods, hurricanes, and other emergencies. These upgrades will help ensure our Minnesota Air National Guard are equipped to answer the call to serve our state and country.”
According to United States Air Force’s official website, “The Department of the Air Force selected 103rd Airlift Wing (Hartford, Conn.), 120th Airlift Wing (Great Falls, Mont.), 133rd Airlift Wing (Minneapolis, Minn.), and 182nd Airlift Wing (Peoria, Ill.), as the preferred locations to receive C-130J Super Hercules to replace their aging C-130Hs.” Eight locations were being considered.
Minnesota National Guard
Minnesota National Guard’s 133rd Airlift Wing announced their selection to receive eight, new C-130J Super Hercules aircraft as part of the Air National Guard’s C-130J Recapitalization and Basing program during a press conference at the 133rd Airlift Wing base in St. Paul, Minn., Sept. 15, 2023. The new C-130J aircraft would provide the Minnesota Air National Guard with greater capability with the latest avionics, longer expected life span, better fuel efficiency and performance, increased cargo capacity, and better logistical support, thus enabling our Airmen to support our state and nation’s missions more efficiently. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)
The new C-130J aircraft would provide the Minnesota Air National Guard with greater capability in supporting our state and our nation around the world. The C-130J offers many advantages, including the latest avionics, longer expected life span, better fuel efficiency and performance, increased cargo capacity, and better logistical support.
The entire Minnesota Congressional delegation sent a letter earlier this year urging the U.S. Air Force to choose Minnesota’s 133rd Airlift Wing.
The 133rd Airlift Wing currently operates eight C-130H3 model aircraft that are more than 25 years old. The 133rd Airlift Wing has had the C-130 mission for more than 50 years and converted to numerous variations of the C-130 over the years.
“This is a monumental step forward for Minnesota and the Minnesota National Guard,” said Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Minnesota National Guard’s Adjutant General. “This important announcement will modernize the 133rd Airlift Wing ensuring our Air Guard service members remain at the forefront of the future fight.”
About the Minnesota Nation Guard’s 133rd Airlift Wing
THE FIRST 100 YEARS OF THE MINNESOTA AIR NATIONAL GUARD – YouTube
About the Minnesota National Guard
Established in 1856 and headquartered in St. Paul, the Minnesota National Guard has more than 13,000 Soldiers and Airmen who serve in 58 communities across the state. The Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen of the Minnesota National Guard are ‘Always Ready’ to fight the nation’s wars, protect the country, respond to state emergencies, and contribute to local communities. For more information about the Minnesota National Guard, visit https://MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil.
