Southern Arizona could be getting a new military project soon.
The United States Air Force is planning to add its third Special Operations Command “power projection wing” at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson.
Although the news was first announced in August, it is starting to gain support from local lawmakers.
Rep. David Cook, chairman of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, said in a letter on Thursday that the transition from the wing being for 492nd Special Operations will be met with support.
“As a member of the Arizona State Legislature, I want to reinforce the State of Arizona’s commitment to a successful transition and installation of a new AFSOC Wing,” Cook wrote.
The Globe Republican alluded to the fact that going forward with the wing is contingent upon looking at the environmental impacts of the project.
“Arizona has a long history of successful base transitions, such as the F-35 fighter wings at Luke Air Force Base and Marine Corp Air Station Yuma. We understand the importance of the environmental impact study and are committed to a successful process,” he continued.
“Arizona knows well the national security threats both far and near. Our state is suffering an unprecedented surge of illegal activity at our southern border that threatens the safety and security of Arizonans and all Americans,” Cook added, given the state’s border with Mexico.
According to a news release from August, the wing is intended to have “mission capabilities” but it requires different squadrons and fleets to move from Florida, Nevada, New Mexico, and Washington to Tucson.
“The transition will also allow AFSOC to further diversify its locations to protect against natural disasters by ensuring it can maintain its ability to respond to president-directed missions on very tight timelines,” the news release stated.
Arizona has multiple military bases throughout the state, including Fort Huachuca near Sierra Vista, Luke Air Force Base, and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma.
I love how these so called legislators are referring to this new operational wing in a border control context, when they themselves are responsible for the border and there is absolutely nothing the military can do about the border without their approval.
intel is sufficient to track where drugs are moved from – to – Arizona and other states they can take the track of import to its point of loading in Mexico – use that intel and ‘hit them before the get a chance to export’ could be done with great accuracy.. that is a drug policy
can we set up militia and move A-10’s to say Ryan air field and extend run way
Ryan is long enough to land a 747 which happen by accident and I’m sure embarrassment as the pilot thought Ryan was Marana – oooops – wrong field – dang this is short… and it took off for the correct field so its long enough – what’s your plan for the mission of the NEW MILITA WING ?
Now, let’s take those A-10’s the Air Force doesn’t want and put them to good use!! Border security comes to mind!
Now, let’s take those A-10’s the Air Force dosen’t want and put them to good use!! Border security comes to mind!