For Release: Monday, February 26, 2007
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

DURBIN, COSTELLO AND SHIMKUS AT SCOTT TO RECEIVE FIRST OF THREE NEW C-40 AIRCRAFT

Washington - U.S. Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Congressmen Jerry Costello (D-IL) and John Shimkus (R-IL) were at Scott Air Force Base (AFB) today to welcome the first of three new C-40 aircraft to the base.  The three legislators secured $265.3 million to expand the mission of the 932nd Airlift Wing at Scott as part of the Defense Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2005. 

Acquiring the C-40s was the centerpiece of a plan to keep the 932nd at Scott and the 1,000 reservists and civilians employed by the wing - as well as the $27 million the wing contributes annually to the local economy - after funding was eliminated for the C-9s in 2003.  In addition to securing the planes, Durbin, Costello and Shimkus have added tens of millions of dollars to maintain the C-9s and prepare for the C-40 mission.  The C-40 is the military version of the 737 and has numerous airlift capabilities.

"Today marks a new chapter at Scott AFB, as the 932nd takes on a new, valuable mission with the C-40 aircraft," said Durbin.  "The state-of-the-art plane we're welcoming today reinforces and strengthens the presence of the 932nd Airlift Wing here at Scott Air Force Base.  The transition from the C-9 to the C-40 mission will help keep more than 1,000 reservists and civilians employed at 932nd Airlift Wing."

"This is a great day for Scott Air Force Base and the 932nd Airlift Wing, and I want to thank Senator Durbin and Congressman Shimkus for their efforts," said Costello.  "The dedicated men and women of Scott set a high standard and continue to serve the United States with great distinction.  Furthering their capabilities with these new planes is a tribute to them while also helping the nation and our region.  I would also like to thank former House Speaker Denny Hastert for his assistance in getting this done."

"Our efforts, focusing on what ' s best for the region and for Scott, have allowed us to work together to make things like this happen.  The arrival of the first C-40 is a major step in continuing one of the many missions that the men and women perform at Scott.  The great teamwork of former Speaker Hastert, Senator Durbin, and, of course, Congressman Costello is at the heart of this achievement," stated Shimkus.

The next two C-40s are scheduled to arrive in June and December.  Scott AFB is the largest employer south of Springfield and is the fourth largest employer in the St. Louis region.  It is estimated that Scott has an annual local and regional economic impact of well over $2 billion.

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