MCAS Yuma among those receive support in annual defense bill

(KYMA, KECY) - Senator Mark Kelly helped secure important priorities for the annual defense bill which helps support Arizona's military, etc.

In a press release, it mentions the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) will deliver Compass Call electronic attack and F-35 aircraft, planes flown at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Luke Air Force Base, and Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma.

The defense bill will have upgrades to infrastructure at multiple Arizona bases and critical investments to improve military readiness, competitiveness, etc. says the press release.

“After months of hard work with Republicans and Democrats, the results are clear, this year’s defense bill will strengthen our national security. As a veteran and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I know how critical it is that our servicemembers have what they need to keep Americans safe, both at home and abroad. Our work will go a long way in providing the advanced technology needed to maintain our competitive edge over China while supporting servicemembers and their families. By investing in our people and expanding Arizona’s already critical role in our national security, we will continue to be the best military in the world,” said Senator Kelly.

To see a more detailed breakdown of the NDAA, you can click HERE.

Here is what the press release said that Senator Kelly helped secure for Arizona:

Arizona’s Military Installations & Defense Community

• Four additional EC-37B Compass Call aircraft than requested in president’s budget and prioritization for future missions at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base;
• Additional F-35 aircraft, flown at Luke Air Force Base and MCAS Yuma;
• Report to explore opportunities for expanding the use of Electronic Proving Ground at Fort Huachuca by the military and the private sector;
• Support for Arizona military bases including more than $53 million for military construction projects in our state.

Investing in Our People

In this year’s bill, Kelly successfully required the Department of Defense to:

• Provide a 4.6% pay raise for our servicemembers, the largest in 20 years;
• Expand the Department’s mental health and suicide prevention efforts, including requiring a progress report on enacting Kelly’s Brandon Act;
• Expand childcare options for military families, including $5 million in funding to design a new Child Development Center at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona;
• Establish more robust healthcare options for military families;
• Provide $250 million to reduce costs of food and other necessities at military commissaries.

“The Yuma 50 and the Yuma Community are deeply grateful to Senator Kelly for his steadfast leadership and dedication to the Military installations in Arizona. Our installations will all get desperately needed infrastructure improvements that have been neglected too long,” said Julie Engel, Chair, Yuma 50.