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Rep. Ellmers: Fight to Save the 440th Airlift Wing Will Continue
Without the 440th Airlift Wing at Pope Army Airfield, can we expect a loss in training and increased wait times for airborne exercises?
Rep. Ellmers: Fight to Save the 440th Airlift Wing Will Continue
Op-Ed – The Fayetteville Observer **Note: This op-ed follows yesterday’s announcement confirming a delay in deactivationof the 440th Airlift Wing until 2016**
Without the 440th Airlift Wing at Pope Army Airfield, can we expect a loss in training and increased wait times for airborne exercises? Why does the Air Force believe it is more efficient and cost-effective to fly planes from around the country to perform daily training? Why has the Air Force overlooked the problems - such as maintenance, personnel and weather-related disruptions - that will inevitably arise when flying out-of-state planes into Pope Army Airfield? Why has the Air Force failed to ask the Army if this decision will negatively impact the Army's training operations? I have repeatedly sought answers to these questions from our nation's top military leaders. The Secretary of Defense, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Secretary of the Air Force, Deputyto the Chief of the Air Force Reserve and the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee are all too familiar with my vehement opposition to closure of the 440th Airlift Wing. As the Air Force marched forward with its decision to deactivate this wing - the only C-130H aircraft-bearing wing targeted for complete closure - I doubled down my efforts and worked with both North Carolina senators to bring the Pentagon to the U.S. Capitol. Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James and Deputy to the Chief of the Air Force Reserve Maj. Gen. Maryanne Miller sat across the table, attempting to persuade us on how this proposal was fiscally warranted. The short answer: It's not. It's never feasible to put a number on the risk this type of decision undoubtedly inserts into military readiness. One of my biggest concerns throughout this fight is that the Air Force appears to be operating from a "perfect world" standpoint - but this isn't realistic. In closing the 440th Airlift Wing, the Air Force will have to fly planes from other bases located out of state in order to complete airborne and special operations training missions. My concern is that the Air Force seems to be under the impression that weather, maintenance and personnel issues will never arise or interfere with its ability to bring out-of-state planes to Fort Bragg. The reality is - and always will be - that last-minute surprises occur. I have expressed this exact concern before the House Armed Services Committeeand emphasized that the use of out-of-state aircraft is a mistake, as it creates obvious logistical and operational delays that could be avoided by choosing to keep the C-130s at Pope. The 440th is known for its ability to rapidly mobilize and execute last-minute exercises. Disbanding this wing is a mistake, and while Fort Bragg's leaders have not been afforded the opportunity to voice concern, it certainly has not stopped me from voicing mine. Despite these frustrations, I have not - and will not - stop fighting. When the National Defense Authorization Act came to the House floor, I again exhausted all options to save this wing. I crafted language and submitted four separate amendmentsto prohibit closure of the 440th. One amendment was unanimously adoptedinto the NDAA, which will require the Secretary of Defense to personally certify that deactivation of the 440th Airlift Wing will have no impact on military readiness. Additionally, this certification must take place before the Air Force's careless proposal moves forward. I do not take this threat to Fort Bragg's paratroopers and Pope's airmen lightly. I think about the 1,284 brave men and women who are serving at this wing each time I bring this fight to the attention of military leaders. I will continue to use every tool at my disposal to prevent this backward decision - and I will unapologetically lead this charge alongside my North Carolina colleagues. As your representative, I want you to know this fight isn't over yet. Renee Ellmers, a Dunn Republican, represents North Carolina's 2nd Congressional District - which includes Fort Bragg.
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Congresswoman Renee Ellmers serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and is She represents the Second District of North Carolina which includes all of Fort Bragg.
ellmers.house.gov | 202.225.4531 |