Sterling Heights — The U.S. Senate’s annual defense bill from December requires a new northern border security center. Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township could be it.
A resolution proposed by Michigan’s congressional delegation would celebrate and elevate Selfridge. Rep. John James and Sen. Gary Peters introduced the bipartisan resolution, excited about the addition of KC-46A tankers, hoping that it might be designated as a fighter base.
Selfridge also provides a strategic location for northern border security and homeland defense, which has impassioned our congressmen to advocate further for the base’s development.
Selfridge has a brilliant history, from hosting World War II’s Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps, to its role in securing the northern border after 9/11. It is also the home of the very first Starbase program, exposing students to hands-on STEM activities and military role models.
Recognizing and restoring it to its former glory is a point of state pride.
Last week the Air and Space Forces Association, a nonprofit professional military association, hosted a “Business Over Breakfast” at Mission BBQ, a popular chain which proudly serves those who serve. A likely choice for a military event.
The meeting’s purpose was to discuss the upcoming plans for Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
The crowd was older but very lively and engaged, likely retirees who don’t have to be in the office by 9 a.m. They’d almost have to be in order to make the 7:30 a.m. breakfast call. I sat down next to an older gentleman who would prove to be an invaluable resource throughout the presentation, functioning as a speedy translator from military jargon to civilian slang.
The morning meal was emceed by the president of the Michigan AFA Chapter, Doug “Odie” Slocum, former 127th Wing Commander. He led us all in the Pledge of Allegiance after giving a special welcome to Rep. John James, the Republican Army veteran representing Michigan’s 10th congressional district.
James stated that he is “honored to lead this Congressional Resolution celebrating the base’s 108th anniversary.”
“My fight… [is] about the hard work we’ve put into the base’s future—pushing for next-generation fighter investments and ensuring federal resources flow to modernize its facilities,” James continued.
“This resolution reflects my continued commitment to preserving Selfridge as a strategic powerhouse for Macomb County and our nation, while building a foundation for the next 100 years,” he said.
As the room turned to Rep. James, who stood quietly in the back, he gave a smile. After a small bow, he cupped his right hand ever so slightly, twisting it counter and clockwise with royal grace.
His princess wave gave the room a good laugh.
Slocum passed the mic to Brig. Gen. Matthew Brancato, Selfridge’s commander. Gen. Brancato spoke of the dire state of the U.S. military. According to him, we are the “oldest, weakest, and smallest” military we’ve had in a long while. With looming international threats—notably China—this poses a major problem for the U.S.
The general compared our position to that of Mike Tyson during his recent fight against Jake Paul. While everyone knew Tyson was a beast in his day, there was no denying he had gotten older, weaker.
When faced with a much younger and stronger opponent, he put up a good fight. But, in the end, he lost. The analogy seemed to land well. People laughed a bit, but understood where we stand.
Gen. Brancato then went on to explain the significance of the new resolution and what they hope to achieve for the base and the surrounding community.
There are two main construction goals: the extension of the runway to the north by approximately 1,500 feet and the construction of a new 41,600 square foot hangar with maintenance facilities.
And while Selfridge currently supports over 4,500 jobs, with the new projects and equipment, that number could come up to 7,000.
Both the runway and hangar developments are needed in order to house the incoming KC-46A refueling tankers and the hoped-for F-35 fighter jets. The jets would replace the current A-10s, though they are not yet promised, and their presence would reinstate Selfridge’s status as a Fighter Base.
It makes sense. Michigan offers a plethora of military operational areas where the jets won’t disturb people. They can practice over the Great Lakes.
However, the projected price of these improvements is an exorbitant $350 million dollars. The runway, as it stands currently, is the right length. The houses across the road are just too close.
In the past, the homeowners signed waivers which allowed the base to land aircraft on a runway so near residential areas. Now, those waivers have expired and there are 47 homes deemed too close. It seems that there might be a more cost effective way to solve the runway problem.
One AFA member voiced that exact concern. He asked: “Why don’t you just buy those homes? Forty-seven of them can’t be more than $350 million.”
The reply was simple. They had looked into it, but for a variety of reasons it wouldn’t work out. Very simple answer. Maybe too simple considering the cost?
While the base will be using taxpayer money for this project, there are many benefits for the local community. The increase in jobs and the reinstatement of Selfridge’s Fighter Base status would serve the area for many years.
As breakfast wrapped up, some politicians snuck away to see Vice President J.D. Vance in Bay City.
Vance’s visit proved Michigan is in the mainstream, and our beloved Selfridge Air National Guard Base might help us stay there a bit longer.
Caleb Wallace Holm is a contributing writer for Michigan Enjoyer. Follow him on X @calebwholm and Instagram @calebwallaceholm.
