Kelly Leads Bipartisan Resolution Honoring 50 Years of the AH-64 Apache and the Soldiers Who Fly and Maintain It

Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Katie Britt (R-AL) Tammy Duckworth (D-ILL), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), John Hickenlooper, and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced a Senate Resolution recognizing the achievements and contributions of the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter to the national defense of the United States and its allies. The resolution also honors the dedication, service, and sacrifice of the U.S. Army aviators, maintainers, and support personnel who operate and sustain the Apache.

"For fifty years, the Apache has given our soldiers unmatched close air support and kept them safe on some of the toughest missions in the world," said Kelly, a former Navy combat pilot. "Arizona workers have played a major role in building and sustaining this aircraft, and I'm proud to lead this bipartisan effort to honor both the Apache and the men and women who fly and maintain it."

"It's a tremendous honor to recognize the AH-64 Apache and its five decades of service protecting and defending the United States. I'm deeply proud of the pilots, engineers, and support personnel who have all played a role in ensuring this aircraft remains one of the most advanced attack helicopters in the world. Growing up outside the gates of Fort Rucker-the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence-I saw firsthand how service and sacrifice run right through the Wiregrass. I look forward to seeing how Alabama's capabilities continue to strengthen America's military might long into the future," said Britt.

"For five decades, military crews have relied on the AH-64 Apache helicopter to complete missions in some of the toughest combat areas in the world. I'm especially proud that the AH-64 is built in Mesa, where Arizona workers manufacture this cornerstone of American aviation. This resolution honors their enormous contribution to our national defense and recognizes the pilots, maintainers, engineers, and industry partners whose work has made the AH-64 one of the most reliable aircrafts in U.S. history," said Gallego.

"For decades, the Apache has been one of the most important aircraft in our military, providing unmatched strength and support to our soldiers and allies," said Tillis. "This resolution honors the brave aviators and dedicated personnel who keep the Apache flying and play a vital role in our national defense."

Background:

The AH-64 Apache first flew on September 30, 1975, and over the last five decades has logged more than 5.2 million total flight hours, including 1.3 million combat hours. It has played a decisive role in major U.S. military operations such as Desert Storm, Allied Force, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Inherent Resolve, and continues to support missions around the world.

The Apache has undergone continuous modernization from the AH-64A to today's AH-64E, strengthening its survivability, sensors, and precision strike capability. It is also operated by 18 allied and partner nations, enhancing coalition interoperability and global security. Arizona has served as the final assembly site for the Apache for decades, supporting thousands of jobs and a nationwide supplier network spanning 46 states.

Read the full resolution here.