Landrieu Welcomes Gen. Klotz, Global Strike Command to LA

Press Release

Landrieu Welcomes Gen. Klotz, Global Strike Command to LA

Air Force concludes environmental impact statement, officially awards AFGSC to Barksdale.,

WASHINGTON -- United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., today met with Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz, the first Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command. During their 30-minute meeting, the first since Lt. Gen. Klotz's Senate confirmation, Senator Landrieu emphasized the extensive resources and strong military support of the local Bossier City/Shreveport community.

Just hours after the meeting, the Air force officially announced Barksdale Air Force Base as the permanent location of Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) headquarters, a new major command focused on the nuclear and global strike mission. Barksdale had been previously identified as the Air Force's preferred alternative, pending the environmental analysis process. The Air Force confirmed today that this analysis is now complete. The official activation of the Global Strike Command at Barksdale is scheduled for August 7.

"I join the Bossier-Shreveport community in officially welcoming Lt. Gen Klotz and the Global Strike Command to our great state," Sen. Landrieu said. "The Air Force's decision affirms that Barksdale is one of the nation's premier military bases and is a critical component of our nation's future nuclear enterprise. From my meeting today, it is clear that Lt. Gen. Klotz and our troops at Barksdale stand ready to sustain this important national mission. As the stand-up begins, the Air Force will receive the unwavering support of the Bossier-Shreveport community, which has set the gold standard for military communities around the United States." In the Air Force press release, Kathleen Ferguson, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Installations, said: "The environmental assessment, which included a 30-day public comment period, resulted in a Finding of No Significant Impact which allows for the SECAF to take the additional steps of making a final basing decision and formally standing up AFGSC."

During today's meeting with Lt. Gen. Klotz, Sen. Landrieu highlighted Louisiana's long-standing and proud relationship shared with the men and women of Barksdale Air Force Base. She also pledged her support to the General, as he prepares to stand-up the 900-plus person nuclear-focused command. When asked about the stand-up activities, General Klotz stated he recognized the extensive community support surrounding the base, and that the Air Force has had no problems with people volunteering for the new command and the move to Barksdale AFB.

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