LITTLE ROCK - U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) welcomed Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne Bass to the Little Rock Air Force Base on Tuesday to discuss future needs in support of airmen and their families. 

“The Little Rock Air Force Base plays a crucial role in our nation’s defense. I’m proud to welcome Chief Bass to Arkansas and show her the unique capabilities here that enable the Air Force to maintain its air superiority. I look forward to working with Chief Bass to improve the resources on base so we can better support our men and women in uniform as well as their families,” Boozman said.

“It is always amazing getting out to installations and seeing how our Airmen are finding new, and innovative, ways to tackle the challenges we face. I couldn’t be more proud of the work Team Little Rock is doing with Senator Boozman to raise the quality of life for our Airmen and their families. From initiatives that are looking to address improving the quality and availability of childcare, to raising the standard of living in our Air Force dorms and housing, it is the partnerships that we forge with our elected officials that will ensure Airmen can focus on the mission, without having to worry about whether or not their basic needs will be met,” Bass said.

As Republican leader of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Boozman has secured funding to ensure Arkansas military installations have the resources and capability to continue playing a role in defending our nation’s interests, safeguarding our national security and supporting the needs of servicemembers and their families. Boozman serves as a co-chairman of the Senate Air Force Caucus where he actively engages with Members of Congress and U.S. Air Force leaders to ensure the Air Force has robust support and cooperation within the legislative branch.  

Boozman has secured federal investments to advance the capabilities at the Little Rock Air Force Base including:

• Cementing the 189^th Arkansas Air National Guard’s flying mission for the foreseeable future by securing new C-130J aircraft;
• Modernizing a C-130H/J Fuselage Trainer facility at the base;
• Securing a cybersecurity mission to combat the growing cyber threat we face, making it a leader in the development of cyber capabilities to enhance the Air Force’s operations protecting information and defending against vulnerabilities that could compromise our national security; 
• A new runway and assault landing zone for C-130 pilots to train, ensuring the runway continues to advance on time;
• Securing resources for a 168-unit dormitory, replacing two substandard buildings constructed in 1955. The project was awarded in August and is estimated to be completed in 2023; 
• Replacing the existing fuel system with a new efficient hydrant fuel system to improve fuel throughout the base;
• Constructing a Military Working Dog facility; and 
• Supporting funding to help displaced families and repair housing damages caused by Winter Storm Uri in February 2021.