WESLACO, Texas — The U.S. Army has selected Mid-Valley International Airport in Weslaco as its primary base of operations in South Texas, passing over McAllen International Airport, according to state Rep. Armando "Mando" Martinez.
The announcement follows the recent arrival of two Chinook and three Black Hawk helicopters at the Mid-Valley facility. While military aircraft previously operated out of McAllen and Edinburg, Army officials confirmed that Weslaco had emerged as their preferred regional hub.
"Meeting with them, they said, 'This has been our preferred airport. This was our first decision. This is where we want to be, and this is where we are going to stay,'" Martinez told the Rio Grande Guardian.
The military's selection highlights the airport's central position and proximity to major state and federal facilities. Located directly off Interstate 2 (U.S. 83), the airport sits adjacent to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) regional station, the National Guard, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
During the recent legislative session, lawmakers secured $40 million for the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) to construct a regional disaster response and relief facility at the airport.
Once completed, the Weslaco facility will serve as the primary supply and staging hub for disaster recovery operations across all of Texas south of San Antonio.
Mid-Valley International Airport is currently undergoing significant infrastructure expansions, including:
"Some people do not realize we have an airport in Weslaco. But the U.S. Army does," said Martinez, who is himself an active pilot. "It brings in business. It brings in industry. It brings in corporations who no longer have to fly to congested airports."
Martinez credited local municipal leadership and airport staff for positioning Mid-Valley International to secure both state investment and military interest.
