DES MOINES, IA — Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) on Friday welcomed U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink to the Iowa Air National Guard’s 132d Wing in Des Moines to meet with Wing leadership, recognize the Airmen who serve there, and see firsthand the capabilities Iowa can bring to the Air Force’s future missions. B-roll from the visit is available here.
“Iowa’s Airmen have answered every mission our country has asked of them, and on Friday Secretary Meink saw that commitment firsthand at the 132d Wing,” said Rep. Nunn. “Having served in the Air Force for more than 20 years, I know how much it means to these Airmen and their families to have the Secretary here to see their work up close. I’m grateful to Secretary Meink for making the trip to Des Moines, and I look forward to working with him as the Air Force plans for the next generation of American air dominance.”
“Last week’s visit to the 132nd ANG was an awesome opportunity to see the professionalism, dedication, and capabilities of Iowa’s Airmen,” said Secretary Meink. “They are critical to keeping our nation secure, and I appreciate the opportunity to further assess how the Department can best leverage the capabilities, infrastructure, and talent already in place here in Des Moines.”
Rep. Nunn and Secretary Meink met with 132d Wing leadership, toured the Wing’s remotely piloted aircraft, cyber, and intelligence operations, and recognized the Airmen who carry out those missions. Mrs. Nunn and Mrs. Meink also visited the Wing’s Airman & Family Readiness Center, which supports the families of Iowa Airmen while their loved ones are deployed or on duty.
Following the tour, Rep. Nunn held a press conference outside the Wing, where he highlighted his work in Congress to deliver federal dollars to the airport and bring a permanent flying mission back to the 132d. Rep. Nunn helped deliver $26 million to modernize the airport’s air traffic control system through the Working Families Tax Cut and secured $4 million for its deicing apron expansion.
Rep. Nunn led an amendment included in the House-passed FY27 National Defense Authorization Act directing the Air Force to identify Air National Guard installations that have active runways but no manned aircraft that are well-positioned to host next-generation flying missions. The amendment was supported by the entire Iowa delegation in the House and is being led by Senator Joni Ernst and supported by Senator Chuck Grassley in the Senate.
Last month, Rep. Nunn wrote to Secretary Meink requesting a comprehensive feasibility study of the 132d Wing and invited the Secretary to Des Moines to see its capabilities firsthand. The proposed study would evaluate the 132d’s existing facilities, workforce and recruiting capacity, airfield access, and potential mission sets.
“We don’t need to pour billions into new concrete when the runway that can support next-generation aircraft is already here,” continued Rep. Nunn. “The House passed our amendment unanimously, and with Senator Ernst and Senator Grassley leading in the Senate, I’m confident we’ll get it signed into law and put the 132d Wing in a strong position to compete for a permanent flying mission.”
B-roll from the visit is available here.
Photos from the visit are available here.
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