[COLLINSVILLE, IL] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met with and received a briefing from Scott Air Force Base Installation Commander and Commander of the 375^th Air Mobility Wing Colonel Chris Robinson on the base’s current initiatives and state of its infrastructure. Duckworth, who emphasized her support for the base’s missions, was also joined by 375^th Air Mobility Wing Vice Commander Colonel Rob Lowe during the meeting. Photos from the discussion are available here.

“Scott Air Force Base is an important driver of our state’s economy, a key piece to our country’s national security and a critical support network for the individuals who serve, along with their families,” Duckworth said. “The work done here is something all Illinoisans can be proud of and I am honored to be a strong advocate for Scott AFB. I will continue to push for the support and resources that Scott AFB deserves.”

In December 2022, Duckworth announced with U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) $2.5 million for the planning and design of a new Refueling Hangar Facility at Scott Air Force Base for the 126^th Air Refueling Wing as a part of the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) Omnibus Appropriations Act. The current hangar was constructed in 1956 and with help from this funding, a new facility can be developed to meet U.S. Department of Defense seismic, energy and fire standards.

Scott Field was one of 32 Air Service training camps established after the United States entered World War I. Since then, Scott Air Force Base’s mission has been to develop and care for Airmen and their families, while promoting base and community partnerships extending beyond their location in St. Clair County. The base is home to the headquarters of many major military organizations and currently employs 13,000 people.