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.