Base Closure

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Ellsworth AFB, S.D. --  The Commander's Action Line is a forum for the Ellsworth community to make suggestions or voice concerns about Ellsworth directly to Col. Mark Weatherington, 28th Bomb Wing commander. 

QUESTION 

Sir,

Have there been any talks about Ellsworth being closed? I know the BRAAC talks are sort of always around, but is there any news of which bases or what time frames IF it does happen?

Thank you.


Col. Mark Weatherington
Col. Mark
Weatherington		   RESPONSE

Don't lose any sleep worrying about base closure.
First, it's a lengthy and deliberate process with a lot of politics. Although the Department of Defense asked to open a new round of closings, the congressional committee that would have to approve another BRAC round closed the door on the possibility for 2013.

Second, our job is not to BRAC proof Ellsworth. Where we can enhance the mission and make smart choices that also would strengthen the installation during a base closure round, we will. A great example is support for the Powder River Airspace expansion that provides vital training airspace for Ellsworth and other regional bases.

Remember however that we are facing a difficult fiscal challenge and we will be forced to make some difficult decisions in the coming years in order to provide the best return on the defense dollar for the taxpayer.