Murphy Defends 911th Airlift Wing as Cuts Loom

U.S. Rep Tim Murphy, R-Upper St.Clair, has cautioned U.S. Air Force Secretary Michael Donley to thoroughly review Western Pennsylvania's before making a decision about force realignment.

In a letter to Donley, Murphy detailed the 911th Airlift Wing's economic and military value to the region and asked to meet with Donley immediately to discuss the issue as military officials consider cuts to national defense spending.

Murphy noted in his letter that since World War II southwestern Pennsylvania has played an important role in the nation's defense due to its supply of materials from the region's steel mills.

Murphy also said in his letter that the 911th Airlift Wing, with its strategic placement, is "uniquely situated to respond to any Air Force mission, whether the endeavor is international or domestic in scope."

In addition to the 911th Airlift Wing, the region also is home to the 171st Air Refueling Wing and the 99th/316th Army Reserve. These three bases employ a combined total of more than 5,000 military civilian and military personnel, all of whom are "ready and willing to serve our country," Murphy said. In addition, more than 168,000 active duty soldiers, guardsmen, reservists and veterans live in the region.

This is not the first time Murphy has made an effort to protect the 911th Airlift Wing during force realignments. In 2005, he joined base supporters who responded to the Pentagon's needs, ensuring the base's survival during previous realignments.

Murphy said he remains committed to the region's military installations. He urged Donley to give "special consideration to the future of the 911th Airlift Wing" as the Air Force prepares its operations structure and budget for fiscal year 2013.

This story originally appeared on Moon Patch