Reps. Shreve and Mrvan Lead Indiana Delegation Inquiry on Indiana National Guard Black Hawk Helicopters

Shelbyville, IN — Today, Representatives Jefferson Shreve (R-IN-06) and Frank Mrvan (D-IN-01) led the Indiana Congressional Delegation in requesting clarity from the National Guard Bureau on plans to deliver Black Hawk helicopters to the Indiana Army National Guard’s 38th Combat Aviation Brigade in Shelbyville. The lawmakers warned that continued uncertainty could undermine military readiness and critical lifesaving missions across Indiana.

In a bipartisan, bicameral letter to General Steven Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, the delegation underscored the vital role the 38th Combat Aviation Brigade plays both overseas and at home. The brigade includes roughly 900 Hoosier Guardsmen and has supported 16 deployments since 2001, earning a reputation as a cornerstone of Army aviation in the Midwest.

Reps. Shreve and Mrvan were joined by U.S. Rep. Jim Baird (R-IN-04), U.S. Senator Jim Banks (R-IN), U.S. Rep. André Carson (D-IN-07), U.S. Rep. Erin Houchin (R-IN-09), U.S. Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN-08), U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN-05), U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-IN-03), U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN-02), and U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-IN).

The delegation urged the National Guard Bureau to provide a detailed update on its delivery plan and anticipated timeline for each Black Hawk helicopter, stressing that predictability and timeliness are essential to maintaining readiness.

Congressman Shreve said, “The men and women of Indiana’s 38th Combat Aviation Brigade repeatedly answer the call to serve. They deserve reliable support and timely access to the equipment they need to protect Hoosiers and carry out their mission.”

Congressman Mrvan said, “Thank you to Congressman Shreve and my fellow colleagues from the Indiana Congressional delegation for joining this initiative to ensure the members of the Indiana National Guard have the proper support and equipment to perform their essential services to the best of their abilities.”

The full text of the letter can be read here.