Wicker Notes Columbus Air Force Base Impact on State, Nation
WICKER NOTES COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE IMPACT ON STATE, NATION
Recalls his own service days at CAFB
For residents of the Golden Triangle, there is no question about the tremendous impact Columbus Air Force Base has on the region. But folks in other parts of the state may not fully appreciate this military facility's importance to Mississippi and the nation. The base provides a boost to the state's economy and plays a key role in our national defense structure.
I was back at CAFB recently to visit with outgoing commander Col. Stephen (Seve) Wilson about the base's successes and the challenges it faces. Columbus is one of the most efficient and productive installations in the Air Force. The facility has won impressive awards, including first place honors for overall operational readiness, rating superior in six of six categories. It was judged to have the best safety program in the Air Education Training Command (AETC), and for the third year in a row was deemed to have the best training squadron in AETC. It is the busiest flying base in the Air Force and graduates one-third of all new USAF pilots who earn their wings each year.
$234 MILLION FOR MISSISSIPPI
The base's economic impact on our state in 2006 is estimated to be $234 million. Civilian and military personnel number 3,035, with a payroll of nearly $96 million. Another 1,000 indirect jobs help support base operations, and the region is home to more than 6,200 military retirees whose payroll totals nearly $100 million.
Military construction funding appropriated by Congress has produced a new control tower and radar approach facility, and work will soon be completed on a fire and emergency services building. A $10 million project was approved for 2006 to build a mission support facility to consolidate much of the command and control activities. These state-of-the-art improvements will strengthen CAFB in efforts to meet its mission to "defend the United States of America by building the world's best warriors, leaders, and professional military pilots."
SUPERIOR FLIGHT TRAINING
In 2005, 451 student pilots graduated from Columbus Air Force Base. Since 1972, more than 10,000 aviators have been trained there. These men and women have assumed key roles in support of national security interests in the U.S. and around the world. The base also operates two unique international training programs. Last year, 35 international students earned their wings in Columbus . Col. Wilson notes that students from more than 40 countries have trained there. In addition to teaching superior flying skills, the international program offers future military leaders from around the world an up-close look at American democracy.
The base enjoys remarkable community support in the Golden Triangle. I worked with area leaders in defense of the base as the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission deliberated the fate of military facilities around the country. The Commission agreed with our assessment of this facility's importance by recommending that it remain in full operation and acquire three additional training missions.
65 YEARS IN MISSISSIPPI
Columbus Air Force Base began operations in June 1941 as a pilot training facility for the Army Air Corps. It became part of the Strategic Air Command in 1955 and was home to B-52 bombers and KC-135 tankers for 14 years. The mission was changed in 1969, when the base once again was charged with pilot training duties. Throughout those 65 years, the relationship between the air base and its Mississippi neighbors has been strong. Incoming Wing Commander Colonel David Gerber will find that link to be an asset as the base continues its mission of training the best pilots in the world.
Oh, yes...one thing more: As an ROTC cadet I had my commissioning physical at CAFB back in 1973. I later served there for 12 years as a member of the Air Force Reserve. I am proud of my long-time association with this great installation.
http://www.house.gov/wicker/AirForceColumn.htm