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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John James (MI-10) authored a letter requesting the U.S. Air Force’s partnership in developing a plan to fund and complete critical runway upgrades at Selfridge Air National Guard Base (ANGB), following President Trump’s directive to assign the F-15EX fighter fleet to the Macomb County base.

In the letter to the Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink, James stressed Selfridge’s immense strategic value, being located along the northern border and Great Lakes. 

“Selfridge ANGB is a uniquely positioned national asset. As the only Air National Guard installation with a 100% federally owned flightline, its operational flexibility, strategic location near the northern border, and joint-force partnerships with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, and Customs and Border Protection make it indispensable. Its geographic location along the Great Lakes provides critical airspace access and rapid response capabilities that few other installations can match.” said James.

James also relayed that delays in infrastructure improvements could threaten the timely arrival of the next-generation aircraft.

“My office respectfully requests a detailed plan outlining how the Air Force intends to secure funding for the Selfridge runway extension and related infrastructure upgrades necessary to host the F-15EX fleet,” wrote James. “We understand that improvements to the runway at the base are required and that this issue must be resolved to fully support the next-generation fighter mission prior to the accelerated A-10 retirement by the end of Fiscal Year 2026.”

James offered his full support to assist with legislative or interagency needs and warned that unresolved construction delays could create a dangerous capability gap. He also requested a meeting with Secretary Meink to ensure that Selfridge’s future stays on track. 

Selfridge ANGB is the crown jewel of Macomb County, supports thousands of jobs, is critical to the local economy, and paramount to the defense and national security of the Great Lakes region. From his first day in office, James has advocated for a new fighter mission at Selfridge and consistently fought to get the base the funding and resources it needs. He remains committed to ensuring that the base is prepared for the arrival of the next-generation F-15EX fighter mission.

View the full letter below.

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