 |
|
8/15/2025
|
Speaker Shekarchi, Congressional delegation lead ribbon cutting for new state-of-the-art Air National Guard HQ
|
 QUONSET, RI – Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi joined federal, state, local, and military officials, along with the Rhode Island Air National Guard, today to celebrate the grand opening of the new 143rd Airlift Wing headquarters at Quonset Air National Guard Base.
The modern 43,000-square-foot facility replaces the Wing’s previous headquarters, originally constructed in 1941.
Funded through a $46 million federal earmark secured by U.S. Senator Jack Reed as well as a $3 million state investment, the new headquarters includes modern office space, medical facilities, a recruiting office and a state-of-the-art dining facility (DFAC) that will serve as a multi-purpose space for major events. The DFAC will be capable of serving over 1,100 Airmen and women during Unit Training Assemblies and unit events. It will also frequently serve as an area for organizational gatherings, briefings, awards presentations, and promotion ceremonies.
The building will also serve as both the central command for the 143rd Airlift Wing and a fully capable emergency operations center that can function 24/7 in the event of crises or natural disasters.
“When someone takes the oath and wears the uniform of the United States of America, they know they are making a promise: they are willing to put their life on the line to protect this country and all of its citizens. Since the construction of the 143rd Airlift Wing’s headquarters in 1941, our world has changed dramatically, and so too have the challenges faced by our military members,” said Speaker Shekarchi. “Our servicemembers deserve modern infrastructure that meets the needs of today’s military.”
“I am proud to support the dedicated men and women of the Rhode Island Air National Guard who selflessly serve our state and the nation. Having the 143rd Airlift Wing based in Rhode Island is a big deal and this new, state-of-the-art headquarters will further cement the 143rd Airlift Wing’s presence at Quonset for decades to come while enhancing operational efficiency and mission readiness,” said U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee and a leading member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. “I also want to salute the working men and women who had a hand in the planning, design, and construction of this facility, as well as several others that make up the Guard's considerable footprint here at Quonset. This new headquarters builds on a series of recent federal investments to upgrade the Air Base, including: a new control tower, flight simulator complex, fuels complex, repair supply warehouse, fitness center, and specialized Airport Fire Department. I will continue working to bring federal dollars home to Rhode Island to support our state and those who serve it.”
“This much-needed new Rhode Island Air National Guard headquarters will help ensure that the 143rd Airlift Wing is mission-ready at all times,” said U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse. “The state-of-the-art facility would not have been possible without the advocacy of Senator Reed, a steadfast champion for our armed forces here in Rhode Island and across the country.”
“We have a responsibility to give those who serve our country the tools they need to succeed,” said U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner. “The Rhode Island Air National Guard plays an essential role in protecting our state and our nation, and this new facility will provide the modern facilities they need to prepare for any mission. I am proud to support funding for the Guard so they can continue to operate at the highest level.”
"The Rhode Island Air National Guard protect our state and our nation; they deserve world-class facilities. Thanks to Senator Reed's advocacy, the 143rd Airlift Wing now has the modern infrastructure needed to continue its essential work," said U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo. "This new facility, honoring Chief Master Sergeant Doug Gavilanez's 20 years of dedicated service to our state, will carry on his legacy and continue serving the Rhode Island community."
“This new headquarters is a crucial investment in the readiness and resilience of the 143rd Airlift Wing—and in the safety and security of all Rhode Islanders,” said Gov. Dan McKee. “We’re proud to have backed this project with state funding and to have worked closely with our federal partners to make it a reality. Together, we’ve delivered a modern facility that will support our National Guard’s critical missions here at home and around the world.”
“In this building, 143rd Airmen will plan, coordinate, synchronize efforts, and train for operations here at home, and for operations and deployments around the world,” said Major General Andrew Chevalier, Adjutant General of the Rhode Island National Guard. “But this is more than just a building. This is an investment in our shared security and future.”
“The Quonset Development Corporation is pleased to serve as the project sponsor for this new headquarters. Quonset has a long and proud military history, and we are committed to ensuring that the 143rd Airlift Wing has the modern infrastructure and resources it needs to remain mission-ready,” said Steven J. King, P.E., Managing Director of QDC.
This project, which came in under budget, was executed by the Quonset Development Corporation through a Military Cooperative Construction Agreement (MCCA). Other project partners include KCM Group, Vision 3 Architects and Gilbane Building Company.
The 143rd Airlift Wing plays a critical role in supporting national and homeland defense, and its updated headquarters ensures it remains mission-ready for a wide range of assignments from the Pentagon or the Governor of Rhode Island.
Currently, the Rhode Island Air National Guard employs about 1,100 military and civilian personnel, including pilots, maintenance, operation, and support personnel. The 143d Airlift Wing is responsible for providing global airlift support and deploys eight C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.
For more information, contact:
Larry Berman, Communications Director for the Office of the Speaker
State House Room 322
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 447-2655
|
|