Recent Analysis Showed Cost-Savings at the 911th, Benefit from Highly Skilled Workforce
Washington DC- With final recommendation for placement of C-130s expected soon, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today urged the Department of Defense to keep the C-130 mission at the Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station, home of the 911th Airlift Wing, as a strategic location for new C-130s aircraft. In the next few days, the Department of Defense’s Intra-Theater Airlift Working Group will be presenting their final recommendations for strategic locations for 32 C-130 aircraft.
Senator Casey wrote, “the Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station is one of the most efficient and cost effective installations in the country. It is an essential part of the proudly patriotic community in the Pittsburgh area. I strongly believe that the Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station must be included as a part of the Intra-Theater Working Group’s recommendations.”
The full text of Senator Casey’s letter to Secretary Panetta is below:
The Honorable Leon Panetta
Secretary
U.S. Department of Defense
1000 Defense Pentagon
Washington, D.C. 20301
Dear Secretary Panetta:
As you are aware, the FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act passed by Congress established an Intra-Theater Airlift Working Group to determine the strategic locations for 32 C-130 aircraft. It is my understanding that the working group, led by General Michael Moeller, will be presenting their final recommendations on the placement of the C 130s in the upcoming week. I am writing to strongly encourage the Air Force to include the Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station, home of the 911th Airlift Wing, as a location for some of the C-130s to be placed.
In early January, I had the opportunity to meet with General Moeller where I stressed our strong support for the effective and efficient Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station. In addition, I have sent the working group additional analysis that showcases the strengths and future opportunities for the C-130 mission at the Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station. The analysis included information on the aircraft maintenance program which has resulted in an increase of aircraft availability days while saving the Pentagon more than $42 million over the last five years. Additionally, the analysis stressed cost-savings at the 911th as the Pentagon pays only $20,000 to lease more than 100 acres which is a small sum when compared to the parallel costs at other bases and installations. Finally and perhaps most importantly, the information highlighted the incredibly skilled and experienced workforce is employed at the 911th installation, a significant and irreplaceable resource for the Air Force.
As I have pointed out in numerous letters, the Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station is one of the most efficient and cost effective installations in the country. It is an essential part of the proudly patriotic community in the Pittsburgh area. I strongly believe that the Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station must be included as a part of the Intra-Theater Working Group’s recommendations.
Thank you for your consideration of my request.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
