The Warren Sun

Congressman John James visited the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Detroit at Selfridge Air National Guard Base to emphasize the Coast Guard’s role in protecting Michigan’s waterways and supporting commerce across the Great Lakes. The station conducts year-round search and rescue, law enforcement, icebreaking, and homeland security operations throughout the region.

“Michigan’s waterways are the lifeblood of our economy and way of life, and the Coast Guard plays a critical role in keeping them secure,” said James. “From lifesaving search and rescue missions to icebreaking, law enforcement, border security, and homeland defense, the men and women of Air Station Detroit embody service before self. I’m grateful for their commitment to safeguarding the Great Lakes, supporting commerce, and ensuring the security of families and communities across our region. It was an honor to meet with this group of Michigan’s finest and hear how I can continue supporting their mission to keep Michiganders safe.”

The visit follows recent approval of legislation known as the One Big Beautiful Bill. This bill provides $25 billion for Coast Guard needs such as modernization, fleet readiness, infrastructure upgrades, new icebreakers, cutters, helicopters, C-130J aircraft, as well as funding for Northern border operations including joint patrols and advanced surveillance.

James represents Michigan's 10th District in Congress since 2023 (https://www.congress.gov/member/john-james/J000308). He has advocated for resources at Selfridge Air National Guard Base since taking office. Early in his tenure he led efforts to protect Selfridge’s future by pushing for a long-term fighter mission there.

After President Trump announced a new F-15EX fighter mission for Selfridge this year, James wrote a letter asking for U.S. Air Force partnership on plans to fund necessary runway upgrades at the base.

James was born in Detroit in 1981 and currently lives in Farmington Hills.