National Security
There is no greater calling than to defend our nation in the armed services.  The freedoms we enjoy on a daily basis are a result of the courageous sacrifices made by the many honorable men and women who have served in the Armed Forces.  From the veterans in our communities to the troops currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, we must never forget the contributions they have made to protect our way of life.  Throughout my career in Congress, I have championed legislation that would provide better pay, benefits, equipment, and medical care to all those who have served this nation so honorably.  With our nation at war, and with even more troops becoming veterans and requiring medical care, it is critical that the Congress and the President stand with America’s heroes.

BRAC/National Guard
I have always been a strong supporter of the National Guard and have always fought to ensure that Nevada’s Guardsmen and women have the necessary resources to fulfill their missions.  I have worked hard to make sure that the C 130’s at the Nevada Air National Guard were not realigned to a base in Arkansas.  Several years ago, members of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission rejected plans from the Department of Defense to realign the Nevada Air National Guard.  I was pleased that the BRAC commission realized the significance of keeping the Nevada Air National Guard base in Reno, as C-130’s are vital for Nevada’s safety.  In addition to their military importance, Nevada relies on these aircraft for Homeland Security operations like fighting wildfires and preparing for potential natural disasters. 

At my request, BRAC Commissioners also visited and observed the work of the Nevada National Guard at the Hawthorne Army Depot.  As a result of their visit, the Commission overturned a previous recommendation by the Pentagon to transfer the C-130’s to Arkansas and close the Depot.  The Commission report that is now law will also mean an expansion of Nellis Air Force base with a gain of nearly 1,400 military and civilian personnel. Additionally, the Fallon Naval Air Station will continue to be considered the Fleet Readiness Center for the West.

Funding
The Fiscal Year 2008 Defense budget included over $87 million for Nevada military bases and Nevada-based projects.  I am pleased that these funds will go to our military, our universities, and the state’s private sector, all for the purpose of keeping Nevadans and all Americans safe.  I secured over $14.5 million for projects at Hawthorne Army Depot.  Meanwhile, I am continuing to work with the Hawthorne Army Depot to expand the services and facilities it can offer to other branches of the military.  That will give units like the Navy SEALS and Army Special Forces another potential site for training, and will help increase the military value of the Hawthorne base.  The Nevada National Guard will also receive $12 million for new equipment.  This funding will go a long way towards ensuring that Nevada’s National Guard remains one of the premier Guard organizations in the country.

Our Military At Home
Fallon Naval Air Station – operates and maintains a complete airfield facility to provide visiting squadrons and air wings with ordnance, fuel, air traffic control, berthing and messing, and all other aspects which are necessary for accomplishing the vital training conducted here.  The base is also home to the Naval Fighter Weapons School, better known as TOPGUN.

Hawthorne Army Depot – the largest ammunition storage depot in the country to be used after the first 30 days of a major conflict.  Operated by the Day Zimmerman Hawthorne Corporation for the Army, which acquired the site from the Navy in 1977.  Facilities include 2,427 munitions storage igloos, 75 percent of which are in use; the Western Area Demilitarization Facility, a $68 million, 13 building complex that processes and recycles outdated munitions; and a 700-acre bomb disposal site located 25 miles northeast of Hawthorne.

Nellis Air Force Base – a member of the United States Air Force's Air Combat Command and home of the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center.  With five wings and more than 150 aircraft, the Warfare Center is responsible for advanced combat training, tactics development and operational testing.  The Center also conducts worldwide combat operations with the Predator unmanned aerial vehicle.

Nevada National Guard – homeland security is mission one.   Guard units are highly trained and are ready to respond in times of national crisis or threats of foreign aggression. “At home and abroad, for over 370 years the Guard has supported the war effort.  Nevada units have served and continue to serve with distinction in various foreign wars and as part of peacekeeping operations.   Are transforming for the 21st century to be ready, reliable, essential, and accessible.