U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced two big victories for MacDill Air Force Base (AFB), bolstering the base’s mission: (1) the relocation of a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot simulator to MacDill AFB to further train our airmen and women; and (2) passage of the Senator John McCain 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which includes investments for MacDill AFB and service members.

“MacDill AFB missions, our service members, and their ability to carry out those missions are vital to our national security,” U.S. Rep. Castor said.  “I am pleased to announce that MacDill AFB will receive a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot simulator to further train our airmen and women, enabling them to better carry out their missions.  Air mobility and refueling are unsung heroes in national security – air refueling and airlift operations are central to the U.S. Air Force.  The simulator will further ensure the men and women who serve have the tools necessary to keep our country safe.

“The good news does not stop there,” U.S. Rep. Castor continued.  “I championed several investments at MacDill AFB in the FY19 NDAA – including a 2.6 percent boost in pay, an expansion in the expertise and faculty at SOCOM’s Joint Special Operations University and $3.1 million for the KC-135 beddown to add flight simulator training at MacDill AFB – that will go a long way to ensuring that our service men and women have the tools they need to keep our country safe.”

U.S. Rep. Castor also teamed up with U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson (NC08) on a bipartisan amendment to the NDAA that requires the Secretary of Defense to re-examine the process for awarding Imminent Danger and Hostile Fire Pay – particularly to ensure our special operators, who go where the fighting is, irrespective of defined geographic areas, get the benefits they have earned.

MacDill AFB is home to SOCOM and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), two of the Armed Forces’ most important military command outposts.  MacDill AFB’s 6th Air Mobility Wing is the centerpiece of the U.S. Air Force’s Global Vigilance, Global Reach, Global Power mission with its essential functions of aerial refueling and airlift.  The scale of MacDill AFB’s missions have rapidly increased with the recent expansion of eight new KC-135 tankers and related service members.  MacDill AFB’s mission is vital to keeping America safe and ready for any contingencies we may face as a nation.  U.S. Rep. Castor serves as Vice Ranking member of the powerful U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee and earlier in her tenure served on the U.S. House Armed Services Committee.

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