Begins Environmental Analyses

Last week, Air Force officials announced plans for initiating environmental analyses of proposed deployment locations for its next generation of combat search and rescue (CSAR-X) helicopters.

The locations are at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, AZ; Kulis Air National Guard Base or Elmendorf AFB, AK; Gabreski Airport, NY; Kirtland AFB, NM; Moffett Federal Airfield, CA; Moody AFB, GA; Nellis AFB, NV; Patrick AFB, FL; and a location yet to be determined in Europe and the Pacific region.

"Although we must still complete the environmental analyses required under the National Environmental Policy Act before finalizing our decisions, these proposed locations were identified based on operational parameters previously set by existing CSAR missions and platforms," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley.

"Our environmental analyses will (facilitate) our decision-making process as these proposed locations are evaluated," Moseley added.

The proposed plan would create a "Total Force" mix of active, Guard and Reserve units operating the CSAR-X. The Air Force believes combining its forces to leverage assets provides the best possible team to deliver sovereign options for the defense of the United States in the war on terrorism.

The Air Force is expected to start taking delivery of CSAR-X aircraft in 2010, continuing until 2017. The new helicopter will replace the current fleet of HH-60 Pave Hawk helos.

FMI: www.af.mil