In a major push to bolster Michigan's economy and strengthen national defense capabilities, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has successfully secured a new F-15EX fighter mission for Selfridge Air National Guard Base. The newly announced mission promises to bring both new aircraft and a spate of jobs to Macomb County's renowned military installation. "This is a huge, bipartisan win for Michigan, decades in the making, that will grow our economy and make our country safer," Office of the Governor Whitmer elaborated in an official statement. The Governor has been credited with relentless advocacy to attract a new fighter mission to Selfridge, which was facing the potential loss of the A-10 fighter mission, and with it, valuable jobs and income.
Alongside the incoming fleet of approximately 20 F-15EXs set to arrive in fiscal year 28, Selfridge is also slated to receive KC-46A tankers, both of which are considered critical additions to the base. The strategic decision to station these aircraft at Selfridge is poised to not only retain but attract highly skilled pilots and maintenance workers to Michigan. Governor Whitmer highlighted that this is a strategic move to "grow our economy and make our country safer," as she has been, by her own admission, "laser-focused" on securing this mission at Selfridge since her first day in office, as stated by the Office of the Governor Whitmer.
The announcement has garnered widespread support from local and state officials who believe the new mission will safeguard Selfridge's future. “Today’s historic announcement will create and retain good-paying jobs," said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, lauded the Governor's efforts, noting, "The selection of Selfridge Air National Guard Base to host a fighter mission to replace the retiring A-10 mission proves that Michigan will continue to be a leader in national defense," according to the Office of the Governor Whitmer.
Selfridge, with a legacy that spans over a century, significantly contributes to Michigan's economy by supporting 30,000 jobs statewide and having an estimated economic impact of $850 million. Its infrastructure is primed to support the forthcoming F-15EX and existing units, highlighting the importance of such installations not only in terms of defense but also in economic terms. Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel echoed the sentiments of other state officials expressing gratitude by noting, "President Trump’s commitment to bring a new fighter mission home to Selfridge will solidify the base as Michigan’s premier defense installation," as reported by the Office of the Governor Whitmer.
The recent developments at Selfridge symbolize a concerted effort by officials at all government levels to ensure the base continues to be a national defense linchpin while bolstering economic stability within the region. Echoing broader bipartisan unity, state Sen. Kevin Hertel mentioned, "This will absolutely secure the future of Selfridge," and affirmed his ongoing commitment to the base and its service members, as per the Office of the Governor Whitmer. With such commitments and collaboration, the mission at Selfridge is on course to adapt, innovate, and thrive for the foreseeable future, thus strengthening Michigan's prominent role in the country's defense industry.
