Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand ForksHappy Hooligans May Not Get C-27J Jets

Happy Hooligans May Not Get C-27J Jets

   With new cargo planes set to arrive as early as late this year, Fargo's 119th Air National Guard Wing is wondering, what's up?

   Thursday's defense budget cuts left out the C-27J Spartan Transport program.  It's something the unit has been looking forward to since it lost F-16 fighter jets.

   The 119th Wing currently flies C-21 Lear jets and works with unmanned aerial systems.

   Despite what the Feds are proposing, Colonel Gibney said the unit is still going to keep preparing for the new aircraft.

   "It really has no effect," Gibney said.  "Training goes forward as planned," he said.

   Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker told us if the 119th doesn't get the jets, it would impact the unit's mission significantly.

   If the federal proposal succeeds, 200-225 Air Guard members could be impacted.  But, the Fargo unit will keep lifting off, Gibney says.

   "The personnel changes for the reductions are due out in approximately another month.  Right now, I feel we're sitting safe but there is, I guess, a degree of apprehension just to wait and see where those cuts actually occur," Gibney said.

   Fargo was promised the C-27's after the last round of base closures.  Immediately following word Thursday that the jets might not be coming, state and congressional leaders voiced disapproval and said they would go to work to get the matter cleared up.