Friday, May 13, 2005
Canon AFB & Ellsworth AFB - R.I.P.
The only two Air Force bases on the chopping block so far are Canon and Ellsworth. Yes, several others are being 'realigned', or downsized, but losing Ellsworth seems to be the odd choice. I didn't think we'd be getting rid of our B-1 Bombers, or B'Ones, for another decade or two. Yes, they can ship them off someplace else, but they just spent millions moving them to Ellsworth. Now what?
As for Canon, hasta la vista baby. Nothing but F-16, which are a dime a dozen and get moved almost anywhere easily.
On a serious note, thousands of civilians will be losing their livelihood when these places close. It's easy to look at the 'big picture' concept of force realignment and other national security issues and forget that none of these bases, wings, brigades, or fleets could operate without the sacrifices and dedication of the civilian work force. These folks make the biggest difference, yet will get hurt the most. I hope we've got something planned to help them out.
It's the least we could do.
UPDATE: Wow, I missed the major hits on Eielson and Elmendorf Air Force Base. Eielson, where I was stationed last, is in the heart of Alaska. It's losing nearly the entire wing of F-16s and A-10s, leaving only the guard tankers. Looks like that place will be on the chopping block in 10 years, which is sad. Alaska has some of the best bases to live and work at.
posted by El Capitan at 11:10 AM
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