CT National Guard Breaks Ground on $22M Bradley Aerospace Facility, Eyeing 2025 Opening

Oct. 20—The 103rd is one of the oldest Air National Guard units in the country, dating back to the World War I and the earliest years of military aviation.

Last month, the Air Force and Air National Guard selected Connecticut to receive the new C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, an upgrade over the state's current C-130H aircraft. The new facility is designed to adequately support both the current and future fleets of the 103rd Airlift Wing.

Maj. Gen. Francis Evon, commander of the Connecticut National Guard, said more than $100 million has been invested into Bradley Air National Guard Base in the past 10 years, owing to the efforts of the state and its congressional delegation.

"The Flying Yankees celebrated their 100-year anniversary and now I can clearly state the next 100 years looks very bright," Evon said.

Gov. Ned Lamont gave thanks to the Connecticut National Guard, including for its work on recent assignments like Tropical Storm Isaias storm cleanup in 2020 and overseas deployments across the world.

"I'd like to think a modernized maintenance facility is a lot more than that, it's a little way that we're able to show respect for the incredible things that you do on behalf of our state," Lamont said.

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