Press Releases

HARRISON TOWNSHIP, MI – Yesterday, Congressman John James (MI-10) visited the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Detroit, located at Selfridge Air National Guard Base to highlight the critical role the Coast Guard plays in protecting Michigan’s waterways, supporting Great Lakes commerce, and ensuring regional security. Air Station Detroit provides year-round search and rescue, law enforcement, icebreaking, and homeland security operations across the Great Lakes. 

“Michigan’s waterways are the lifeblood of our economy and way of life, and the Coast Guard plays a critical role in keeping them secure,” said James. “From lifesaving search and rescue missions to icebreaking, law enforcement, border security, and homeland defense, the men and women of Air Station Detroit embody service before self. I’m grateful for their commitment to safeguarding the Great Lakes, supporting commerce, and ensuring the security of families and communities across our region. It was an honor to meet with this group of Michigan’s finest and hear how I can continue supporting their mission to keep Michiganders safe.”

James’ visit comes on the heels of the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, which provided robust funding for modernization, fleet readiness, and infrastructure upgrades to meet the growing challenges on the Northern border and in the Great Lakes. 

Specifically, the One Big Beautiful Bill provided $25 billion for the Coast Guard, and will procure 17 new icebreakers, 21 cutters, 40+ helicopters, and 6 C-130J aircraft. It also invests $6.6 billion in Coast Guard infrastructure upgrades and expands funding for Northern border operations, joint patrols, advanced surveillance, drug interdictions, and cross-border security operations. 

As the representative for Air Station Detroit and Selfridge Air National Guard Base, James has consistently highlighted the importance of these assets and advocated for them to receive adequate support. One of his first actions in Congress was leading an effort to protect the future of Selfridge Air National Guard Base and advocate for a long-term fighter mission. Following President Trump’s announcement of a new F-15EX fighter mission to Selfridge this year, James authored a letter requesting the U.S. Air Force’s partnership in developing a plan to fund and complete critical runway upgrades to ensure Selfridge is prepared for the new mission.

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