Governor Reynolds Tours 185th Air National Guard Base in Sioux City

Governor Kim Reynolds made a significant visit to Sioux City on Thursday to meet with members of the 185th Air National Guard. This visit marked her first to the Air Refueling Wing as governor, and she engaged directly with Wing Commander Colonel Sonya Morrison and other members to discuss the unit’s operations and future needs.

According to Colonel Morrison, the governor’s visit provided an opportunity for extensive discussions about the Air Guard’s role in the local community and the specific improvements needed at the airbase. These discussions reportedly touched upon the importance of the National Guard to Sioux City and the need for support from the Department of Defense budget to facilitate essential upgrades.

During her visit, Governor Reynolds had the opportunity to fly onboard one of the 185th Air Refueling Wing’s KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft. She observed firsthand a mid-air refueling operation, which she described as “just incredible.” This experience was part of her broader engagement with the Air Guard’s day-to-day activities and capabilities.

On the ground, the Governor participated in a refueling simulator, a key training tool for Air Guard members. Her involvement in the simulator session underlined her interest in understanding the practical training and readiness of the unit. The session was described as a chance “to get that done,” indicating both the technical nature of the exercise and its significance in the Air Guard’s training regimen.

The visit also included detailed tours of the various facilities at the Iowa Air National Guard Base, providing the governor with insights into the operational environment and infrastructure that supports the Air Guard’s mission. The visit was documented with photographs by the 185th Air Guard.