Even though it was not called "Operation Impress," the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks visited the Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township recently. 

Hicks was really impressed, said Sen. Debbie Stabenow who was joined by Sen. Gary Peters and Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel as well as most of SANG's top brass in welcoming the deputy secretary of defense.
Stabenow expressed her gratitude for her visit.

Currently, the Department of Defense is taking a deep dive to prepare for investments in warfare and technology in the future, said Peters, who served as a lieutenant commander in the Navy Reserve and sat on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Selfridge was going to take center stage.

SANG also presented Hicks with key research and development initiatives implemented by the Kelly Johnson All-Domain Innovation Center, which was established just before the pandemic.

In partnership with Dr. Jeff DeGraff's Michigan Innovatrium, the Innovation Center works with the Michigan Air National Guard (ANG) to provide a comprehensive strategy, including special tools and training to build creative airmen, diverse teams, and environments that encourage innovation.

In addition to advancing the military's technology and capabilities, the center creates partnerships. One company demonstrating the success of these alliances was ORB Aerospace, a Michigan-based aerospace manufacturing firm behind the development of NOMAD Orb, a cargo, passenger or sensor aircraft that can be flown either autonomously or in formation with other Orbs.

Military officials are eager to move toward electric vehicles.
Hicks was able to meet with personnel, including Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, during her visit to Selfridge, and explained how the military could advance in this direction. 

Hicks' visit builds upon Peters and Stabenow's strong advocacy in Congress for Michigan's robust and growing defense sector. 

They successfully got significant commitments from the DoD, including a commitment that Selfridge will continue to describe the unique relationships between SANG, universities and local businesses, many of which represent leaders in the electric and autonomous vehicle industries, that can help develop our national defense.

In addition to her visit, the Senate is also currently considering the annual national defense bill, which includes almost $144 million in investments for military facilities throughout Michigan. There is also $28 million for constructing an A-10 hanger at Selfridge.

Are the F-35 planes going to SANG?
She will help along that process, according to Peters and Stabenow.

Peters told Stabenow that she was highly impressed with what she saw.