DELEGATION ANNOUNCES NEW LONG-TERM MISSION FOR HAPPY HOOLIGANS

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

CONTACT: Justin Kitsch
or  Brenden Timpe
PHONE: 202-224-2551

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) --- Senators Byron Dorgan and Kent Conrad and Congressman Earl Pomeroy announced Tuesday that the Air Force has officially designated a new long-term flying mission for Fargo’s “Happy Hooligans.” In addition to its unmanned aircraft system mission, the Air National Guard unit will take over a fleet of C-27 joint cargo aircraft. This official announcement by the Air Force formalizes an agreement on the future missions for the Hooligans reached by the Air Force, National Guard Bureau, the congressional delegation, and the State of North Dakota after the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure process.

The congressional delegation has worked with Air Force officials to ensure the Happy Hooligans, who are currently flying C-21 jets as a “bridge” mission, are given a mission that ensures they can continue playing an important role in maintaining the nation’s security. They said the new mission shows the commitment that the Air Force has to the Air Guard unit.

With the new mission, the Happy Hooligans will be assuming a key role in the U.S. military’s intra-theater airlift mission. The C-27s will be used to transport personnel and supplies to combat zones and remote locations.

“This announcement is a strong statement by the Air Force that it wants the Happy Hooligans to keep playing a central role in military operations around the world,” Senator Dorgan said. “That’s no surprise to those of us in North Dakota who know they’re the best pilots in the world. But it is good news because it is a confirmation that our Air National Guard unit will keep playing an important role in our military for decades to come.”

"Our Happy Hooligans have long been recognized as some of the finest pilots anywhere in the world. Today's announcement confirms what we have always known - that North Dakota's Air National Guard is an indispensible part of our nation's Air Force," Senator Conrad said. "I applaud the Air Force's commitment to keeping the Hooligans in the air, flying vital missions."

“The Happy Hooligans have always played a key role in our national defense, flying important missions the world over,” Congressman Pomeroy said. “Today’s announcement of a long-term mission ensures that the future is indeed bright for the Happy Hooligans.”

—END—