Pittsburgh Base Slated For Closure In 2013

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett is urging federal officials to save the 911th Airlift Wing in Pittsburgh, calling it a "link to the world and proof of our commitment to national defense."

The base is targeted for closure in the coming year, Corbett (pictured) said, a decision which he called "shortsighted and a mistake."

"It's not only bad for this region, it's bad for our national security," Corbett said. This base is one of the few adjacent to a major airport that includes civilian flights. It reaches 70 percent of the population of our nation in less than two hours."

Corbett was joined by state lawmakers and other officials, including the Adjutant General Major General Wesley Craig, at a press conference on the base late last week.

"My administration and the leaders of this region are prepared to do what it takes to make the strongest case possible for keeping the 911th open and our Air Force reservists watching over the skies of Pennsylvania. They have been here for us since the end of World War II and we are here for them today," Corbett said.

"We have written Defense Secretary Panetta explaining the importance of this base and we hope the Obama administration will listen to the voice of Pennsylvania."

FMI: www.pa.gov