Bacon: Statement on Offutt Air Force Base
Press Release
As reported in the Omaha World Herald this week, the need to repave the runway at Offutt AFB is critical to our future. The United States Air Force has 25 percent more bases than it needs due to the deactivation of flying squadrons and the decreasing size of the USAF. As a result, the USAF is looking to consolidate bases to save on infrastructure and support costs. This situation provides both risk and opportunity for our community and Offutt AFB.
Offutt AFB is the largest employer locally, with over 10,160 employees. It has a $1.3B annual impact on the area and helps create over 4,700 additional jobs. Omaha's recent experience with ConAgra reinforces the need to put our strongest foot forward to protect this vital part of our local economy. With the new headquarters being constructed at USSTRATCOM, it is unlikely that the base will close entirely. However, this does not eliminate the possibility that other missions at the base could be moved to alternative installations. The erosion of military bases through unit attrition has happened before.
Now more than ever, it is crucial that we elect leaders who are prepared to be strong advocates for the Second District. Much of my nearly 30-year USAF career centered on Offutt AFB. As the previous base commander, and a three-time assigned airman at Offutt AFB, I look forward to being that strong advocate we desperately need. I am intimately familiar with every mission and organization at Offutt AFB. Consequently, I will not only advocate for infrastructure improvements -- such as the runway, but I will also work hard to bring in additional missions to the base, and ensure the units already assigned here receive the support they need. By having a strong and knowledgeable advocate, I believe our base could be in a position to gain additional missions once the USAF begins consolidation.
Considering the ongoing threats to our national security, as well as the potential risk that a reduction in Offutt AFB missions would have for our local economy, I believe now is not the time to be sending in a member of the JV team. We need leaders with both the credibility and the heart to advocate forcefully for our base. Our local economy and, more importantly, our national security depend on it.
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