Issue Position: Base Re-alignment and Closings

Issue Position

Each one of Arkansas' military installations plays a unique and necessary role in our nation's overall defense strategy. I was pleased to help showcase our dedicated personnel and expansive capabilities from the beginning of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process to the end. Working alongside dedicated individuals from the affected communities and other members of the Arkansas congressional delegation, we not only protected our bases' missions, but we also enhanced them in ways that will improve our national security while also boosting our local economy.

The Little Rock Air Force Base, our premier C-130 training facility, emerged as a big winner from the BRAC process. The base will have an increase of personnel for an expanded mission. Servicemen and women stationed in Little Rock will benefit from a new C-130J training facility, state-of-the-art intelligence communications equipment, and a child development center that I helped secure through the appropriations process. Prior to the BRAC process, I worked on a bipartisan basis with Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) to prevent Secretary Donald Rumsfeld from terminating C-130J contracts. This preliminary work contributed greatly to our success during the BRAC process. I will work hard to ensure that Little Rock Air Force Base remains the preeminent C-130 facility in the United States.

The dedication and skill of the Fort Smith Air National Guard played a tremendous part in winning the favor of the BRAC Commission. Like many Arkansans, I was very concerned about an initial report from the Pentagon that the Secretary of Defense would recommend grounding the Flying Razorbacks and cut over 1,000 jobs from the Fort Smith economy. I worked closely with the community to take immediate action to demonstrate the military value and versatility of the 188th Fighter Wing to the BRAC Commission. As a result of our efforts, the 188th gained a new mission flying A-10 Warthog attack aircraft, which are vital in supporting our ground troops. As a result of this hard-fought victory, Fort Smith and the 188th Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard will be active in our national defense for years to come.

In addition, I fought hard to help sustain the vital jobs performed by men and women at the Pine Bluff Arsenal and Red River Army Depot. The Commission was impressed by the staff's dedication and knowledge, as well as the facility upgrades and new equipment secured over the past few years. These installations will remain a vital part in our national security.

The BRAC process demonstrated the fighting spirit of each affected community. Working together, we executed a successful strategy that showcased each community's strengths and staved off negative BRAC recommendations. The input I received from local leaders was invaluable during the many meetings I had with BRAC Chairman Principi, including site visits to Fort Smith and Texarkana. Arkansas is proud of our military personnel. Their success and service are critical to our national security and their contributions to the strength and economies of our local communities and state cannot be overstated.

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