Wilson to Push for Squadrons

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2006

CONTACT: Kim Olive
(202) 225-2452 (Office)
(202) 420-9493 (Cell)

Wilson to Push for Squadrons
Will Work to Bring Unit to MCAS - Beaufort

Congressman Joe Wilson today announced that he will work to secure squadrons currently stationed at Naval Air Station (NAS) - Oceana, Virginia Beach, Virginia, for the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) - Beaufort. The Department of Defense earlier this year announced it would realign Oceana due to encroachment.

“MCAS - Beaufort is the best positioned base on the East coast to receive Oceana’s Strike Fighter Hornet planes. Beaufort has ample capacity and is already home to Hornets, thus increasing training and servicing efficiency,” Wilson stated.

The Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Military Affairs Committee is working with Wilson’s office to secure the squadrons for MCAS - Beaufort. Committee Chair John Payne stated, “The Beaufort area community understands the importance of the military to our economic prosperity. Furthermore, we understand what military service means to America and would welcome these squadrons with open arms.”

Virginia Beach was previously warned that growth and development around the base must be addressed. Last year, the Base Realignment and Closure Commission determined that the city had not sufficiently stopped the encroachment; therefore, the squadrons would be relocated.

Cecil Field in Jacksonville, Florida, was under consideration for the squadrons, but local officials have targeted the facility for economic development projects and discouraged the relocation. Additionally, Floridians recently voted down a ballot initiative to reopen Cecil Field.

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