ORANGE COUNTY, N.Y. -- Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is calling on the Air Force to make upgrades to the C-17 fleet, in an effort to strengthen Stewart Air National Guard Base.

Gillibrand says the upgrades would allow the 105th Airlift Wing’s fleet to fully participate in defense and homeland security missions.

On Monday, Gillibrand sent a letter to the Secretary of the Air Force. She said, in part, "As one of the Hudson Valley’s largest employers, generating over $200 million in economic activity for the region, we need to strengthen our equipment and mission here at Stewart. Waiting another six years for this upgrade is unacceptable.”