Tim Murphy

U.S. Congressman for the 18 District of Pennsylvania

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Murphy Makes Final 911th Pitch To Air Force General

Announcement On Bases Future Expected In Next Two Weeks
For Immediate Release: Friday, February 08, 2013 Contact: Amy Larkin, 202.225.2301, 610.715.1882 (cell) Washington, D.C. Congressman Tim Murphy (PA-18) has made what will likely be his final pitch for saving the 911th Airlift Wing this week. Murphy conveyed details about the low cost structure and efficiency of the Moon Township Air Reserve base during a telephone call with Lt. General Michael Moeller, who heads the internal working group responsible for advising the Pentagon whether to keep a flying mission at the 911th. Weve done everything we can possibly do and have conveyed just how valuable the 911 th Airlift Wing is to our nations security. Now the decision is up to Air Force officials and I trust they will make the right decision and consider the 911th a model for bases throughout the country as the Pentagon looks for ways to save money. But regardless of the outcome, we have a long road ahead for strengthening our local military bases if there is a future BRAC process, said Rep. Murphy. The cost structure at the 911th is 200 times lower than comparable bases because the Airlift Wing shares expenses for runway maintenance, control tower operations, emergency response, and other services with the Allegheny County Airport Authority. Moeller also told Rep. Murphy that he had presented the working groups findings to the Secretary of the Air Force, and that a final decision would likely come in the next two weeks. The Air Force working group charter originally called for a decision by January 31st, but the working group had to review reams of documentation and data provided by Rep. Murphy. The Secretary of the Air Force is also having to work the final decision into the annual budget request, which must be submitted to Congress this month. Last week, Murphy confirmed that the hundreds of pages and documents on base costs, operations, and congressional intent regarding existing base closure statutes was part of the working groups analysis. During the call, Murphy also noted that while East Coast airports are having to shut down in preparation for a massive blizzard this weekend, the Pittsburgh International Airport has never closed. Last month, House and Senate lawmakers enacted an annual defense bill requiring the Air Force to retain 32 air cargo planes initially targeted for retirement. To determine where those planes should go, the Secretary of the Air Force tasked Lt. Gen. Moeller with convening a working group to study the issue and make recommendations. In February 2012, the Air Force proposed to retire 65 C-130 air cargo planes nationwide and close the 911 th Airlift Wing as part of a cost-cutting effort. Working with the Pennsylvania delegation and other lawmakers, Congressman Tim Murphy successfully passed legislation to prevent closure of the base

through March 2013. The Air Force planes are essential for transporting equipment, material, and personnel from bases to military theater on behalf of the Army and Marines. ###