Protecting Fort Bragg's 440th
By Congresswoman Renee Ellmers
The Fayetteville Observer
Sunday, June 1, 2014

As the proud representative of Fort Bragg, I have the distinct privilege of representing more than 53,000 active-duty members and over 98,000 military retirees and their families. With more than a quarter of a million people living on or supported by Fort Bragg, I take it personally when outside agencies tread on Fort Bragg's ability to carry out its operation or affect the livelihood of those living on post.

The president's proposal to inactivate the 440th Airlift Wing is irresponsible at best. Furthermore, it will destroy jobs, hinder military readiness and adversely affect North Carolina's economy. While the Department of Defense has repeatedly stated its need for flexibility, certainty and time, it reneged on this position the minute it proposed inactivating the 440th. I am disappointed in such a misguided decision that impacts the very unit responsible for supplying more than 1,200 jobs and furnishing nearly $80 million for our state economy.

After speaking with staff and members of the 440th, I understand how instrumental this unit is to the high-level training of both airborne and special operations forces. Over the past four years, the 440th has delivered more than 33 percent of Joint Airborne Air Transportability Training for Fort Bragg's paratroopers, while providing accessibility and certainty that is simply unavailable to military installations elsewhere. Just this year, the Air Force (through the National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force) called for more partnerships between active and reserve components - and the 440th Airlift Wing was highlighted as a model unit proving the benefits of this essential partnership.

Since the Defense Department announced its plans, I have fought relentlessly to save the 440th. In March, I submitted a letter detailing my deep concern over inactivating the 440th to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey. In April, I co-authored an appropriations request to a congressional committee that would prohibit funding from being used to "inactivate, relocate or disrupt the mission, personnel or aircraft of the 440th Airlift Wing." I also testified before the House Armed Services Committee to convey my apprehensions on what this will mean for our service members stationed at the 440th.

This culminated in May when I introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would prohibit the military from closing the 440th Airlift Wing. Shortly after proposing this amendment, I testified before the Rules Committee on the necessity of preserving the 440th and later engaged in a colloquy with Armed Services Chairman McKeon on the House floor.

This fight is not over. I am drafting legislation to prevent the inactivation of the 440th and will carry on in my fight to protect this airlift wing. This legislation will draw on the numerous discussions I've had while working closely with military officials at Fort Bragg and the Department of Defense to find an alternative to closing the wing. While I understand that the department faces significant budgetary pressures, we should strive to make modifications without affecting the quality and frequency of training our nation's heroes will receive.

We are eternally blessed to live in a country where people sacrifice their lives to protect the security of millions. I will continue to fight this misguided proposal in every way possible. It is my honor to stand up for the brave men and women who protect the freedoms we hold dear and demand responsible outcomes from those at the helm.

--Rep. Renee Ellmers, a Republican from Dunn, is serving her second term representing North Carolina's 2nd Congressional District.

Click here to see the letter submitted to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey.

Click here to see the appropriations request that would prohibit funding from being used to "inactivate, relocate or disrupt the mission, personnel or aircraft of the 440th Airlift Wing."

Click here to see the amendment Congresswoman Ellmers proposed to the NDAA.

Click here to view Congresswoman Ellmers' colloquy with HASC Chairman McKeon on behalf of her amendment.

Click here to view the testimony given by Congresswoman Ellmers before the Rules Committee.