Sen. Wicker: Keep Apache helicopter in Tupelo

Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) visited the Army Aviation Support Facility Tuesday to emphasize the importance of keeping the AH-64 Apache helicopter in Tupelo.

There are thirteen Apaches at the facility. Some want the helicopters transferred to the active Army, according to media reports.

"We don't need to lose this mission for national security purposes. We need the redundancy of the active Army and the National Guard having this capability," Wicker said.

Moving the Apaches would leave the hangar of a $30 million dollar facility empty.

Mississippi Adjutant General Augustus Collins said the Army should not be the only branch equipped with the Apaches.

"As long as we can maintain combat aviation in the National Guard, then we can be mobilized and deployed and be able to provide that strategic depth that our nation needs," Major General Collins said.

Wicker included a provision in this year's defense bill that would prevent additional Apaches from being transferred from the Army National Guard including those in Tupelo, WTVA reported. President Obama is expected to sign the bill.