During his remarks to the audience of elected officials, Rhode Island National Guard senior leaders, members of the Quonset Development Corporation, Vision 3 Architects, Keough Construction Management, Gilbane Building Company, and the Airmen of the 143d Airlift Wing, Colonel Adam Wiggins, the wing commander, dedicated the occasion to the men and women of the wing. He also credited Reed’s contributions for earmarking the $46 million in federal funds for the project in the fiscal year 2023 omnibus appropriations bill. “Senator Reed, we can’t thank you enough," he said. "It was only through your selfless leadership and ardent determination which secured the vital resources, and most of all for your love of our service men and women in the Rhode Island Air National Guard that this day is here.”
The new wing headquarters building will be approximately 43,000 square feet, comprising command and support staff offices, medical testing area, a recruiting office, and a dining facility. Additionally, the building is designed with space to enhance the facilitation of interagency initiatives to include our state and federal partners. The new complex will replace an outdated facility which was constructed in 1941. Modernizing the 143d Airlift Wing’s base of operations will make the wing more efficient and mission-ready to support its C-130J and cyber defense missions and a wide range of assignments from the Pentagon or the Governor of Rhode Island.
“Today is a great day for the best Airlift Wing in the United States Air Force,” Reed said before the groundbreaking. “We are here because we have a solemn obligation to the men and women who serve us courageously and selflessly. They have to have the best facilities because we are asking them to give their all to this country.”
The headquarters complex is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2025.
