N.D. officials pitch for Air Force cargo planes

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — State officials want to attract a larger number of new Air Force cargo planes to the North Dakota Air National Guard's base in Fargo.

North Dakota National Guard commander David Sprynczynatyk (SPRIN'-suh-NAH'-tik), the state's congressional delegation and Gov. John Hoeven met with top Air Force officials in Washington, D.C., about the project.

The Air Guard's 119th Wing is expecting to get at least four C-27 cargo planes in Fargo. Hoeven says the base would like to host as many as eight planes.

Sprynczynatyk says Fargo is ``still on the list' for additional planes.

The group also wants the Fargo Air Guard to take an expanded role in flying drones. The unmanned craft are controlled by pilots on the ground, and they're taking on a larger combat role in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The delegation met with the secretary and chief of staff of the Air Force and the director of the Air National Guard on Thursday.

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