Travis AFB Fleet May Soon get C-5 Modernization Ugrade

May 6, 2004

Travis fleet may soon get upgrade

By Reporter Staff

U.S. Rep. Ellen Tauscher, D-Solano, announced Wednesday that Travis Air Force Base may receive an additional $42 million to upgrade the fleet of C-5 aircraft at the base.

The added funding could become part of a new Defense Authorization bill that is now in the very early stages of being drafted. Tauscher serves on the House Armed Services Committee, and some related subcommittees.

The congresswoman said in a news release that the funds for the C-5 modernization effort are vital.

"The airmen and women at Travis Air Force Base are doing a heroic job in getting the equipment and people to the fight," she said. "These additional funds will help bridge the gap in our airlift needs."

Also as part of the defense bill, the House subcommittee approved a part of the bill that would urge the Department of Defense to start another plan to buy more C-17 aircraft.

Travis Air Force Base is in line to begin receiving C-17s at the base. The aircraft is considered the future of air mobility, and a boon to Travis.

"Our nation's airlift needs are under severe strain and require a balanced portfolio of both C-5s and C-17s," she said.