Representative Ike Skelton

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Contact: Lara Battles or
Friday, May 13, 2005	Whitney Frost (202)225-2876

SKELTON “ABSOLUTELY PLEASED” BY DOD’S RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE AND FORT LEONARD WOOD

Washington, DC – Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) said that he is “absolutely pleased” with the Pentagon’s recommendations to the Base Realignment and Closure Commission regarding Missouri’s two major military installations, Whiteman Air Force Base and Fort Leonard Wood.

Whiteman Air Force Base and Fort Leonard Wood will remain intact, with Whiteman receiving additional airmen.

“The unique B-2 Stealth Bomber mission, the Navy Reserve Units, and strong local support ensured Whiteman’s future. The three major schools, plus the additional training missions, make Fort Leonard Wood necessary to our national defense,” said Skelton.

“My efforts to bring the B-2 Stealth Bomber and Navy missions to Whiteman Air Force Base and the Army Engineering School to Fort Leonard Wood laid the groundwork for the continued viability of Missouri’s two major military installations,” said Skelton.

“I want to thank everyone in the local communities, not only for their strong support for Whiteman Air Force Base and Fort Leonard Wood as essential facilities, but also for their exemplary support for the men and women in uniform who protect our national security. Missourians have embraced these bases and our service members as family, and our continued support will ensure that Whiteman and Fort Wood remain among America’s premier military installations,” said Skelton.

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DoD’s recommendations to the BRAC Commission are available online at http://www.defenselink.mil/brac/.

Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) serves as Ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee. For further information, please contact Lara Battles or Whitney Frost at (202)225-2876, or check Congressman Skelton's web site at http://www.house.gov/skelton.