Congressman Crow Meets with Secretary Kendall, General Saltzman, Advocates for Space National Guard and Colorado's 140th Fighter Wing

WASHINGTON — Congressman Crow (CO-06), Army combat veteran and member of the House Space Force Caucus, joined Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall and US Space Force Chief General B. Chance Saltzman to discuss Colorado’s role in building a strong national defense, including Crow-led legislation to establish a Space National Guard and recapitalize aging aircraft for the nation’s key fighting forces like the 140th Fighter Wing at Buckley Space Force Base (Buckley SFB). 

Buckley SFB in Colorado’s 6th District, is home to over one-third of all space-related National Guardsmen. The military installation plays a crucial role in protecting national security, with 2,400 F-16 flights annually and 1,000 more for classified missions, operations, and civilian and military dignitary support.

"I will continue to push General Saltzman and Secretary Kendall to establish a Space National Guard and to equip the 140th Fighter Force Wing to combat 21st century threats. Colorado will keep the US at the leading edge of space and support the homeland defense,” said Congressman Crow. 

Congressman Crow’s high-level convening with Service Chiefs builds on years of leadership with bipartisan colleagues to create a reserve component within the Space Force. The move would achieve equity with other US military branches and strengthen the Space Force’s complex mission, which includes monitoring North America's early missile warning systems. 

As the Colorado Air National Guard 140th Wing’s F-16s fighter jets came at risk of surpassing their intended lifespans, impacting readiness, Congressman Crow led successful efforts to include components of his bipartisan legislation in this year’s defense spending bill to replace aging jets while preserving skilled crews. The measure also mandates a finalized plan before any fighter wings are cut, continuing operational readiness at Buckley for homeland defense missions and emergency response. Last Congress, Crow passed his Flying Mission Oversight and Transparency Actas part of the FY23 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requiring the Secretary of Defense to justify any decision to relocate or eliminate a flying mission towards protecting the 140th Wing. 

Congressman Crow will continue to ensure Colorado leads through its contributions to safeguarding national security, support the safety and wellbeing of our troops, and combat 21st century threats including homeland defense, space, and climate security.