Homeland Security has decided Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan would be a good spot for its Northern Border Air Wing and wants Air Force approval, according to the state’s Democratic Senators, Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow. DHS already has established four of five planned air wings in northern states, opening the fourth in Grand Forks, N.D., just last month. If approved the one in Michigan would open next year. In a statement, Levin said that Selfridge is the “best site” because it’s close to three of the nation’s “busiest border crossings.” He expressed hope that USAF would approve the action “quickly.”
The U.S. supports “a stronger and more capable” European defense, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said during an Oct. 22 press conference in Brussels—but that defense should not duplicate the functions and capabilities of the NATO alliance.