The Great Falls Tribune, citing a Pentagon spokesperson, is reporting that the Montana Air National Guard’s (MANG) F-15s will all be gone by early 2014. They are heading to California. The first F-15s will begin leaving in the next three months according to the Tribune report.

C-130 cargo planes will be replacing the F-15s. According to the Tribune they will start arriving in early 2014.

The move to C-130s is not sitting well with some in the state.

The Western Word was provided a copy of a letter sent to the three members of the Montana Congressional delegation and the Governor from three retired Brigadier Generals who served as commanders in the Montana Air National Guard.  

In the accompanying e-mail, the three Generals wrote that they “are attempting one last shot emphasizing the cost and loss of a quality F-15 unit at a time of high tensions around the world, especially Korea.”

In the letter dated April 15, 2013, the Generals contend the “proposed move makes no military nor economic sense” and “In addition to Montana, these aircraft moves will affect Air Guard units in Arizona, Arkansas, Alaska, Connecticut, Iowa, North Dakota, Mississippi, and West Virginia.” They add that the “total cost of these aircraft moves is staggering” and it will “result in a smaller, less capable, Air Force, at a time when current world events suggest the need for a robust force.”

I agree 100% with the letter. In my opinion it will be a sad day for Montana if there are no more jets in our skies. It seems the folks who are in a position to stop the move have given up and raised the white flag in surrender.

The three members of the Montana Congressional delegation and the Governor have zero, zip, zilch, military experience. The three retired Generals, who honorably served in the Montana Air National Guard, should have their voices heard. They raise some very good points.

The Montana Air National Guard’s 120th Fighter Wing has flown the F-51, F-86, F-89, F-102, F-106, F-16, and the F-15.

Let’s keep the “Fighter” in the 120th Fighter Wing.

Follow me on Twitter @TheWesternWord

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