But Guv Wonders If That's Long Enough

The Air Force and the National Guard Bureau have directed the 111th Fighter Wing to extend their mission until 2010 at Naval Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove, PA. The 111th Fighter Wing is an Air National Guard unit that operates the A/OA-10 Thunderbolt II.

In 2005, the Base Realignment and Closure Committee directed a comprehensive schedule to cease flying operations at Willow Grove by the end of 2011. The 111th aircraft were originally scheduled to begin moving to other units in 2009. This one-year extension will allow the Pennsylvania ANG to continue to participate in America’s war on terrorism as well as being available to respond to homeland defense and security missions.

While the one-year extension is good news for the personnel at Willow Grove, as well as the surrounding community that supports them, Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell questioned whether the extension isn't still a bit shortsighted.

"I'm pleased that the Air Force has recognized the tremendous value of the 111th Fighter Wing and its A-10 aircraft in the global war on terror, and in meeting homeland defense and security missions," said Governor Rendell. "But, it makes no more sense to abandon military flying operations by the 111th in 2010 than did the proposal to end them in 2009."

Last year, the Base Realignment and Closure Committee decided to close the Naval Air Station portion of Willow Grove by 2011. However, they determined that a military enclave sufficient to support the 111th Fighter Wing as well as other Air National Guard and Army Reserve units must remain at the installation. As mandated by the final BRAC recommendation, this military enclave must support operations of these units, including flight operations.

"The Department of Defense's indication that this enclave support only non-flying operations is inconsistent with the BRAC recommendation, and furthermore, the proposed future missions for the unit are insufficient to cover every member of this unit," the Governor said. "The Air Force's plan is an incomplete and insufficient solution."

Rendell (right) has been a stalwart proponent of keeping operations as they are at JRB Willow Grove, maintaining the base provides a key role in national security and defense. 

As it stands now, the Naval Air Station will continue to support air operations through 2010. An enclave, directed by BRAC, will support the remaining non-flying mission of the 111th, the 270th Engineering Installation Support Squadron and Army units incorporated into an Armed Forces Reserve Center planned for the same location.

The 111th Fighter Wing also recently received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, with valor, for participation in operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

FMI: www.cnrma.navy.mil/NASJRBWG/