Rhode Island Air National Guard Getting A New Headquarters In North Kingstown

NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI — The Rhode Island Air National Guard will soon have a new headquarters in Quonset.

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), said he helped secure $46 million in federal funding, which will replace the 81-year-old headquarters that houses the 143rd Airlift Wing.

"It's a big deal for Rhode Island to have this unit based here, and I am grateful to our airmen and women for their dedicated service," Reed said. "We're going to improve the work environment here and make a great air base even better. When it's completed, this new headquarters will help the 143rd Airlift Wing enhance operation efficiency and support its important missions in many ways."

Features of the new building will include a medical facility, a 10,000-square-foot dining hall, and technology that will allow the headquarters to function as an emergency command and control center 24 hours a day.

The new headquarters will be more than 43,000 square feet, much smaller than the current 71,000-square-foot facility. Reed said the downsizing is being done for efficiency reasons.

"This project has major workforce benefits, both in terms of construction jobs created and supporting the 143rd Airlift Wing’s military and civilian personnel," Reed said. "The Guard is a valued employer in Rhode Island, and the federal government must do its part to invest in our men and women in uniform. I will continue working to deliver for Rhode Island and meet the military’s future needs. Quonset is a strategic and ideal location for some of our military's critical aircraft and we're going to ensure we have the most modern equipment, facilities and training to match."