Guv Says BRAC Plan Might Leave Two Air Units Without An Air Field

Representatives of Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Pennsylvania National Guard briefed local officials in Horsham, PA Monday about ideas for the future use of Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove.

"When the Department of Defense recommended the closure of one of three of this nation's only true joint reserve bases last May, the Willow Grove community responded with an overwhelming outpouring of support to 'Save Our Base,'" said Governor Rendell. "Although we are all disappointed with the BRAC action to move the Navy and Marines, we still have an historic opportunity to save the base and preserve many of the benefits of a strong military presence in the Horsham community.

"While others may be planning for redevelopment, at this point, I am unwilling to give up on this opportunity to save the base and support the military in Horsham. Our plan shows that keeping this airfield open will keep 5,000 military jobs, save taxpayers millions of dollars, and assure that a vital public safety and homeland security asset remains in the region."

According to the governor's office, state officials are urging local leaders to support a plan that would:

• Save the military airfield and maintain military flying operations;
• Maintain and expand the capabilities of this regional public safety and homeland security asset;
• Establish military tenants and a manpower presence of more than 5,000 reserve personnel;
• Lay groundwork for compatible inter-agency uses of the installation, such as FEMA and EPA;
• Save substantial federal dollars expected to be expended on redistributed units;
• Save state and federal military construction dollars while establishing joint facilities and joint training opportunities for the Army Reserves and Army National Guard;
• Free up prime real estate along Route 611 and in Warminster, Bucks County, for restriction-free redevelopment by the community.

The Pennsylvania plan for Willow Grove would keep the airfield under military control and allow for the continuation of military flying operations at the installation. It is legally consistent with both the BRAC recommendations -- which now have the force and effect of law -- and the decision of the United States District Court.

"When BRAC struck Willow Grove last May, state and local officials joined together to fight to save the base. We need to continue to work as a team to implement a realistic plan for future military use of this important installation," Rendell (file photo, right) said.

The key wording of the BRAC law requires the establishment of a "contiguous enclave for the 111th Fighter Wing (ANG) and the 270th Engineering Installation Squadron (ANG) sufficient to support operations of those units, including flight operations, and compatible with joint use of the former Naval Air Station as a civilian airport."

The "contiguous enclave" will include, at a minimum, the 111th Fighter Wing, the 270th Engineering Installation Squadron (ANG) and the 913th Airlift Wing (AFRES), as well as a new Armed Forces Reserve Center for the Army Reserve.

"We have told the Navy that it appears crystal clear that the enclave at Willow Grove should include working runways, towers and all other flight facilities," the Governor said.

Outside of Philadelphia International Airport, Willow Grove's 8,000-foot runway is the longest in the region -- a fact Governor Rendall said is crucial when considering the airfield's role in emergency relief operations.

"If the Navy sells Willow Grove's airfield, we will lose a vital piece of our national defense, which is essential to public safety, homeland security and emergency preparedness in southeastern Pennsylvania," the Governor said.

The Navy, which initially posted more than 1100 acres and 170 facilities for surplus at Willow Grove, has since cancelled this notice and has yet to indicate how it will re-interpret the BRAC decision and United States Court Decision.

Meanwhile, Pennsylvania's future-use proposal establishes new military tenants while maintaining others, and creates an environment where other compatible government agencies will seek to call Willow Grove home -- many have already expressed such an interest, according to the governor's office.

This creates the potential for a robust military presence at Willow Grove, with more than 1,000 Army National Guard soldiers from the 56th Stryker Brigade being added, the manpower of the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard being maintained and an increase of more than 1,300 Army Reserves at the installation -- the base could end up having more personnel after the BRAC closing than before.

In addition to the BRAC Commission ruling that the 111th Fighter Wing should not be deactivated and should maintain its end strength, the Commission took no action to authorize, or even permit, the disbanding of the 913th Airlift Wing (913th), according to the Governor's office.

Additionally, the Commission found that the 913th should be included as part of the enclave maintained by the 111th -- which, if the base isn't redeveloped as an airfield, might mean two flying units would be stationed at an airfield without an operating runway, said the Governor.

One possibility for the 913th Airlift Wing would be to have the unit relocated to New Jersey's McGuire AFB, a move that could cost around $235 million. It is also possible that, in order for the Navy to be housed at McGuire, the runway there will have to be extended by 2,000 feet.

FMI: www.governor.state.pa.us/