A task force composed of military and state leaders in Aurora, Colorado, met Tuesday to discuss the future of Buckley Space Force Base.
Led by Congressperson Jason Crow, Colorado Senator John Hickenlooper, Lt. Gov. Diana Primavera, and Aurora City Manager Jason Batchelor, the group is focused on preserving the base’s National Guard presence and its aging fleet of F-16 fighter jets.
Crow emphasized unity in opposing a U.S. Air Force proposal to transfer National Guard personnel into active duty with the Space Force, a move opposed by governors and lawmakers nationwide.
Concerns also center on potential cuts to the 140th Fighter Wing, which operates some of the country’s older F-16s. The task force aims to push for newer aircraft to replace the aging fleet.
In addition to military concerns, the task force discussed local economic contributions, power supply needs, and the well-being of service members and their families.
Buckley Space Force Base, credited with adding $2.5 billion to the regional economy in 2023 and supporting 6,000 jobs, remains vital to both Colorado’s defense and its economy.