Resolution - Puerto Rico Air National Guard (PRANG)

WHEREAS, in the best interests of National Security, LULAC is requesting your support in allowing the Puerto Rico Air National Guard (PRANG) to keep their current total authorization of eight Primary Assigned Aircraft (PAA) C-130. The reasons are clearly in the best interest of National Security since the PRANG Muniz base is strategically located only 1 ½ hours away from South America. With this eight C-130 aircraft the Puerto Rico Air National Guard (PRANG) would save approximately 20 million dollars currently spent in Coronet Oak Operations by stateside TDY crews being sent to San Juan. With this action, the PRANG, the only fully bilingual force in the country, would continue to be a vibrant a major source of Hispanics. The PRANG 198th Squadron has an extensive distinct record of accomplishments, the most recent in 2009 where they were awarded the AF Outstanding unit award. Some regard the unit to be the Tuskegee Airmen of the Hispanic world. With this aircraft authorization they can continue to support the Coronet Oak Mission, saving approximately 20 million dollars, as well as being able to pursue becoming Air Combat Command's (ACC) first C-130 Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Wing and fulfill any Homeland Defense & Security Missions. The PRANG, for erroneous reasons, is scheduled to lose two of its eight C-130 aircraft this year with two additional aircraft leaving in FY 2011 (OCT 2010). Having only, four aircraft severely limits the Prang's ability to support COAK. In addition, it also limits their ability to support natural disaster relief operations during the hurricane season in the Caribbean, Central America and US Mainland; and
 
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the LULAC national assembly is requesting that our leaders, through our honorable congressional leaders, engage the Secretary of the Air Force to raise awareness and support so that the PRANG be allowed to keep their 8 C-130 aircraft in the best interests of National Security and to ensure that the 156AW remains relevant in support of our National Defense.

Approved this 18th day of July 2009.

Rosa Rosales
LULAC National President