04.25.23

Durbin Speaks With U.S. Transportation Command, Discusses Military Readiness

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, today spoke by phone with the Commander of U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) General Jacqueline D. Van Ovost.  TRANSCOM, headquartered at Scott Air Force Base, is tasked with delivering manpower, material, and humanitarian assistance around the world for the Department of Defense (DOD).  During their call, Durbin and General Van Ovost discussed TRANSCOM’s critical mission ensuring the delivery of more than 450 million pounds of equipment and the movement of more than 16,000 troops.  General Van Ovost also provided Durbin with an update about TRANSCOM’s military readiness, citing efforts to support the Navy’s sealift tanker capacity.

“Scott Air Force Base is an asset both to Illinois and our nation as a whole.  In speaking with General Van Ovost over the phone today, I learned more about the importance of TRANSCOM’s leadership in our military’s operations,” said Durbin.  “As a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, I am invested in ensuring that our military stands ready to support transportation missions here at home while we also assist our NATO allies in protecting Ukraine.” 

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