The Tucson-made Tomahawk is being used in the strikes in Syria. Tomahawk cruise missiles were part of the broad attack and are made in Tucson by Raytheon Missile Systems. The U.S. Central Command said American ships fired 47 Tomahawks from international waters.
Arizona Congressman Ron Barber says the report highlights the importance of the Tomahawk and the A-10 in supporting our men and women in uniform as they continue to serve in the Middle East. “We must move quickly and decisively against ISIL. These terrorists have proven their ruthlessness and that they will stop at nothing to impose their brutality across the Middle East.
“It is especially significant that the initial attacks on Syrian soil were carried out with the assistance of five Arab nations which have partnered with the United States to destroy ISIL,” said Barber in a statement released Wednesday. “This is a fight that the United States must not undertake alone.”
Barber also noted that Tomahawk cruise missiles are “one of the most essential weapons in the American military arsenal,” Barber said today. “I have toured the Tomahawk production line here in Tucson. I have fought to continue funding for this weapon and I know the Raytheon employees there are proud that for two decades, their product is often the first weapon used in the fight.”
According to a report in The Hill newspaper, the Pentagon is deploying 300 airmen and 12 A-10 attack jets to the Middle East early next month. The six-month deployment is by the 122nd Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard in Indiana.
“The decision to send A-10s to the Middle East in support of our military men and women executing a critical mission continues to demonstrate that this aircraft is irreplaceable,” Barber said today. “I am committed to continuing the fight to keep the A-10 flying and to providing the kind of unmatched ground-attack option that our men and women in the armed forces deserve.”
About 80 A-10s are stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson.