The 21st Century Military is Taking Shape in Kern County

The 21st Century Military is Taking Shape in Kern County

by Congressman Bill Thomas

At a time when many communities across the country prepare for the May 16 release of "The List" - the list of military installations to be closed or realigned during the 2005 round of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC), I continue to be overwhelmed by the many unique ways Edwards Air Force Base and the Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division at China Lake support our military men and women who fight on the front lines for freedom each day.

The research and development, test and evaluation of weapons systems and aircraft done at Kern County's two bases are vital to increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of military activities. Advances in guided weapons such as the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) have significantly decreased civilian casualties and increased the precision with which the military can carry out its mission. Valuable aircraft testing has made certain that our pilots know their aircraft will perform as planned when delivering supplies to ground troops in a C-17 or when providing air support in an F-16 to troops engaged in combat. That these advances were made at China Lake and Edwards, respectively, is a testament to the vital role these bases play and the fine work done there every day.

These advances are possible because of the dedicated military, civilian, and contractor personnel working at these bases, combined with some of the best testing locations in the world. Vast expanses of land allow research, development and testing of important new propellant technologies and weapons systems. The largest uninterrupted, unencroached expanse of airspace in the continental United States provides maneuvering room to fully test the capabilities of new aircraft.

Another asset for these installations that cannot be overlooked is the support Edwards and China Lake receive from their local communities. Citizens in the cities and towns near both bases take an active role in promoting them at the local, county, state and federal level and ensuring that regulations and legislation benefit, rather than harm, our military installations. I have been working with my colleagues at the federal level to express to them the important contributions Edwards and China Lake make to our nation's defense, and the strong support both get from the areas near them. In doing so, Congress has understood and acknowledged the programs and infrastructure at these premier facilities by providing millions of additional federal dollars to assist in retaining their unique capabilities, and I have been proud to assist in efforts to continue strong federal funding.

In the coming weeks, when "The List" is released, we will learn a lot about the future of China Lake and Edwards. If judgments are made based on the quality of the work and the people at these installations, and the strong support in their communities, both should be in a very good position to continue their role on the forefront of America's defense.

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