Alaska's congressional delegation and Gov. Sean Parnell will oppose U.S. Department of Defense plans to seek additional military base closures in the state.
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced Thursday the size of the Army will be reduced by 80,000 soldiers and the department will seek new rounds of base closures or realignment.
Eielson Air Force Base in the Fairbanks North Star Borough was recommended for realignment in 2005. Defense officials wanted to move fighter squadrons out and turn Eielson into a part-time training base.
A community rally and objections from Alaska officials helped persuade the Base Realignment and Closure Commission to recommend keeping Eielson open full-time.
U.S. Rep. Don Young says the Alaska delegation and the governor will stand together to resist attempts to close, shrink, or realign Alaska bases.
“It’s important to note that this is the beginning of a long process that will include countless opportunities for us to stand up and support Alaska and Alaska’s military installations by illustrating their strategic importance to the expanding Arctic exploration and the overall defense of this nation.” Young wrote in a press release. “I want to make one thing clear, as someone who fought alongside Senator (Ted) Stevens against previous BRAC closure attempts, I know firsthand that if we stay united in our cause and present the facts, we will be in an excellent position to beat back any attempts to close, shrink, or realign Alaskan bases.”
Email Rebecca Palsha
