Murkowski Greatly Encouraged by Meeting with Acting Air Force Secretary
Senator Sees Positive Momentum, “Imminent” Decision
WASHINGTON, DC — Senator Lisa Murkowski met with Acting Air Force Secretary Eric Fanning about the global short and long-term goals of the United States Air Force, while making sure to zoom in on the proposed transfer of the F-16 Aggressor Squadron from Eielson Air Force Base to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Fanning gave Murkowski several indications during the meeting that there was a growing sentiment within the Air Force that the move is flawed.
“I was encouraged to hear the progress and momentum from meeting with Acting Secretary Fanning for the future of Eielson as a leading defender of our skies,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski. “At a time when conflict in the region continues to grow with Syria, Iran and North Korea, I again made the case the proposal would negatively impact our military readiness in a strategic location. What I am hearing more from Fanning and his colleagues is that the voices of Alaskans are truly being heard – and that Alaskans will have closure on this issue imminently.”
Since its announcement last year, Senator Murkowski has challenged the proposal for numerous reasons – from the millions of dollars extra the Air Force has admitted it would take to the fact it would undercut our national defense and readiness in a region the Pentagon has made a priority to the harmful consequences is would have on both the Fairbanks and Anchorage communities.
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