Hickenlooper Applauds Remissioning of Hundreds of Colorado Airmen

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper applauded the reassignment of 393 members of the 233rd Space Group stationed at Greeley's Air National Guard Station. The remissioning comes after the Trump administration unilaterally shifted space missions to the U.S. Space Force, leaving the careers of hundreds of airmen in limbo.

"This decision gives much-needed clarity to our dedicated National Guard members and their families," said Hickenlooper. "The assignment also helps ensure these talented professionals can continue serving and making Colorado proud."

In last year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a flawed provision allowed the Trump administration to transfer Air National Guard space mission jobs to the U.S. Space Force without obtaining the approval of state governors. This decision led to 14 airmen transferring to other units or retiring.

Earlier this month, Hickenlooper and the entire Colorado delegation urged Troy Meink, the secretary of the Air Force, and Kenneth Wilsbach, chief of staff of the Air Force, to finalize reassignments for the hundreds of airmen left without clear missions. The lawmakers emphasized how critical Colorado's military footprint is for national defense and the need for a clear and stable path forward for our servicemembers.

Hickenlooper has long been a leader on this issue. He led the introduction of bipartisan legislation to establish a Space National Guard, which would have enabled these airmen to continue fulfilling their space mission under the oversight of the U.S. Space Force. He also led an amendment and a bipartisan, bicameral letter during last year's NDAA process seeking to provide greater gubernatorial oversight over transfers of National Guard personnel to the Space Force.

He has consistently fought to keep Colorado as a premier destination for military readiness and space defense. When the Trump administration announced it would be moving the U.S. Space Command from Colorado to Alabama, Hickenlooper denounced the wasteful action.

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