Tester Invites Newly-Confirmed Air Force Chief of Staff to Montana

Senator encourages visit by General Brown to address defense modernization efforts, Montana National Guard and housing challenges at Malmstrom Air Force Base

Following his vote to confirm President Trump’s nominee to serve as Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, U.S. Senator Jon Tester is inviting General Charles Q. Brown to Great Falls to discuss critical defense priorities in Montana.

“You are going to be leading the Air Force during a critical period of change and modernization for our military forces, and I look forward to working closely with you on behalf of our men and women in uniform,” Tester wrote to General Brown. “To that end, when appropriate, I invite you to visit Malmstrom Air Force Base, and the Montana Air National Guard’s 120th Airlift Wing in Great Falls, and to meet personally with the Montanans who work tirelessly to keep our nation secure. Their perspective and input will be invaluable as you seek to ensure the Air Force remains the most capable and respected in the world.”

In his letter, Tester urged General Brown to visit the missile fields at Malmstrom Air Force Base to get a firsthand look at the base’s aging infrastructure needs. He also welcomed the General to engage directly on efforts to address the housing challenges for airmen and families at the base.

Tester also encouraged the General to visit with the 120th Air Wing of the Montana Air National Guard: “The 120th returned from deployment to the Middle East last fall, and continue to perform their mission with distinction every day. These Guardsmen operate and maintain the oldest C-130H aircraft in the fleet, and they are in critical need of additional upgrades to ensure the men and women of the 120th can carry out their missions safely and effectively. I am sure you would agree that we need to provide our servicemembers with the very best equipment and aircraft to carry out their missions.”

Last week, the Senate unanimously confirmed General Brown by a vote of 98-0, making him the first African-American officer to lead one of the nation’s military services.

Tester’s letter to General Brown is available HERE.