U.S. Senator Susan Collins, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, has announced securing $50 million for the Maine Air National Guard. The fund is designated for constructing a new hangar in Bangor and is part of the Fiscal Year 2025 full-year continuing resolution.
Senator Collins highlighted the significance of this development by stating, “Home to the MAINEiacs, the Maine Air National Guard’s 101st Air Refueling Wing in Bangor plays an important role in our national defense. This funding will provide for the construction of a new hangar that will improve the capabilities of the Wing and enhance the Maine Guard’s readiness.”
Brigadier General Diane Dunn, the Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard, expressed her appreciation for the development. She said, “We are extremely appreciative of the news that the Maine Air National Guard will receive much-needed funding for a new aircraft hangar. This exciting development means that the MAINEiacs will be able to better maintain their current refueler aircraft, while ensuring they have the flexibility to house newer-generation tankers in the future.” Dunn extended her gratitude to Senator Collins for her assistance.
The current hangar in Bangor was built to accommodate the Wing's KC-135 aerial refueling tankers. The new funding will allow the construction of a universal fuel cell hangar that can house both the current and future aircraft. This adaptability ensures the wing's operational capability in the long term.
Additionally, in June, Senator Collins hosted a visit from former Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall at the Bangor Air National Guard base. It was the first dedicated visit to the 101st Air Refueling Wing by a Secretary of the Air Force.
