Lt. Gen Michael Moeller Plays Key Role in Planning for Air Force - Is Set to Be Critical Decision Maker on 911th’s Future
Air Force Must Decide Where to Base Up to 60 C-130’s, Senators Make Case for Efficiency of 911th As Ideal Location
Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Pat Toomey (R-PA) announced that they have met with Lieutenant General Michael Moeller, Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Programs, who plays a major role in Air Force basing decisions.
During the meeting, the senators pressed the Air Force to keep the current seven C-130s at the Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station and warned the Air Force against moving any of the 911th’s assets without presenting a detailed analysis. The Air Force must decide where to base up to 60 C-130’s, and during the meeting Senators Casey and Toomey made the case that the Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station is an ideal location for these assets because of its efficiency and skilled workforce.
“The 911th Airlift Wing is one of our country’s most efficient bases with a highly skilled workforce. The Air Force should jump at the chance to house more C-130’s there and take advantage of all it has to offer,” Senator Casey said. “Every piece of evidence validates the 911th as an efficient and effective part of our country’s military. Maintaining this C-130 mission at the 911th installation will be a boost to Western Pennsylvania and strengthen the country’s military preparedness.”
“I continue to be disappointed that the Air Force has yet to provide a comprehensive analysis to justify its plan to close the 911th,” Sen. Toomey said. “Without such an analysis, I remain deeply concerned that closure of the 911th would undermine our national defense and waste tax dollars. The unit’s aircraft and personnel should be retained at Pittsburgh with no action to close or downsize the unit until the National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force has completed its work. Only then will Congress have the information needed to determine if the Air Force’s plans are in the best interests of our national security and the taxpayer.”
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