Over the weekend, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), hosted U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, on numerous Oklahoma military installations to better understand current needs and future readiness of the installations and their units.
On Friday, Senator Mullin accompanied Chairman Reed on visits to Tinker Air Force Base (AFB), U.S. Army Fort Sill, and Altus AFB. On Saturday, Senator Mullin and Chairman Reed visited Will Rogers Air National Guard Base and McAlester Army Ammunition Plant.
“The Senate Armed Services Committee often represents the best of Congress,” said Senator Mullin. “While Chairman Reed and I don’t agree on every policy issue, he is a reliable and trustworthy leader who sets the tone for strong bipartisan work on behalf of our men and women in uniform.”
The Senator said he is confident that Chairman Reed will understand Oklahoma’s defense needs and see the value of investing in the state’s military installations.
“I appreciate Senator Mullin hosting me to see the remarkable work being done at Tinker, Ft. Sill, Altus, and McAlester Army Ammunition Plant. Oklahoma has a long history of bolstering U.S. national security, and it was an honor to speak with the exceptional military servicemembers and civilian personnel we met today. I salute Senator Mullin for his bipartisan commitment to America’s warfighters. When it comes to equipping our defense industrial base, Oklahoma will always be a vital partner,” said Senator Reed, a West Point graduate and Army veteran who served as an infantry officer in the 82nd Airborne Division.
Senators Mullin and Reed began their Oklahoma tour at Tinker AFB, where they received a briefing on the Air Logistics Complex and update on the KC-46 alongside Brig. Gen. Brian Moore, Col. Abigail Ruscetta, and Col. Kenneth Voigt. They also visited with the 552nd Air Control Wing to discuss E-3 operations and preparations for fielding the upcoming E-7.