Strong to co-chair relaunched Army Aviation Caucus

WASHINGTON – Striving to keep Army Aviation “above the best,” U.S. Rep. Dale Strong and House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro have joined forces to relaunch the congressional Army Aviation Caucus.

The bipartisan caucus was founded in 2011 and advocates for the needs of Army Aviation.

“From Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville to Fort Novosel in Enterprise, and more, the success of America’s aviators depends on Alabama,” said Strong (R-Monrovia). ”It is fitting that my first caucus leadership role is championing a topic so near and dear to Alabamians’ hearts. This bipartisan caucus will serve as a key forum for advocating for advanced capabilities and readiness for UAVs, traditional fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, and next-generation vertical lift.”

Alabama is home to the Army Aviation branch headquarters, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Novosel. North Alabama hosts several key aviation commands at Redstone Arsenal, including U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command (under the Army Materiel Command), PEO Aviation, and the Future Vertical Lift Cross-Functional Team.

“The military aviation community spans our nation – a coalition of aviators, maintainers, engineers, uniformed and civilian personnel, government contractors, veterans, and their families – all working to ensure our warfighters can maneuver freely and provide fires and effects in case of conflict,” Strong said. “I am proud to work alongside Ranking Member DeLauro to ensure that Army aviation remains ‘Above the Best’.”

DeLauro (D-Conn.) said the caucus is a way to advocate for critical funding for military aviation programs that support military readiness.

“I am glad to serve again as co-chair alongside Congressman Strong as we relaunch the bipartisan Army Aviation Caucus, a crucial forum for advancing the capabilities and readiness of the U.S. Army,” said DeLauro. “My district is a vital link in our military aviation supply chain, where hardworking men and women build some of the most advanced helicopters in the world. Across the country, the defense aviation sector employs thousands of Americans and ensures our military remains the most effective fighting force in the world.

“I am glad to join forces with Congressman Strong, who has been a consistent and powerful champion for Army aviation, to ensure that investing in this sector remains a bipartisan priority for the 119^th Congress.”