CLOVIS, N.M. -- Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, visited Cannon Air Force Base to promote the base's expanding national security mission, including its Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) facilities. As a member of the Appropriations subcommittees on military construction and defense, Udall has fought for the over $414 million that has been spent on military construction at Cannon since 2012. Also during his visit, Udall met with met with airmen, received a briefing from Col. Stewart Hammons, the new Wing Commander, and Hammons' senior staff, and visited the base's new housing and dining facilities.
Udall has worked to support Cannon Air Force Base since serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, when he helped save it during the last Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, he has championed funding for new construction of national security and other facilities at Cannon, as well as to support the critical missions of Kirtland and Holloman Air Force bases, White Sands Missile Range and the New Mexico communities that depend on the installations for jobs and economic strength.
"Cannon plays an increasingly vital role in keeping our nation secure, and I've been proud to work with the Air Force and base leadership and surrounding community to support Cannon's important mission, as well as the airmen and women and their families who live and work there. In particular, Cannon's RPA mission has grown in importance for the Air Force. RPAs have become the dominant air mission in the last few years -- in fact, there are now more jobs in the Predator and Reaper mission than any other type of pilot mission. Cannon is at the forefront, taking the fight directly against terrorists and ISIL and providing vital intelligence to keep the United States safe," Udall said.
"As Cannon's national security mission has grown, the need for increased housing and facilities has grown with it. I appreciate the briefing I received today as well as the tour of the exciting new construction. This has been an important investment in our service members and their families that will go a long way toward reinforcing that Cannon is a great place to serve for years to come," Udall continued. "New Mexico's military bases play a critical role in our national security and our state’s economy. As a senior member of the Appropriations subcommittees on military construction and defense, I’m proud to champion funding to support Cannon’s expanding mission and to keep all of our state's other defense installations strong. I will continue working hard to ensure Cannon, Holloman, Kirtland and White Sands Missile Range stay strong for our national security, our state's economy, and for the military men and women who serve our nation."
