Senator Durbin Urges Illinois National Guard to Consult with Members of Springfield's 183rd Unit on New Mission
SENATOR DURBIN URGES ILLINOIS NATIONAL GUARD TO CONSULT WITH MEMBERS OF SPRINGFIELD'S 183RD UNIT ON NEW MISSION
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) wrote to the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard, urging him to work with local National Guard members in developing a new mission for the 183rd Air National Guard Fighter Wing in Springfield. In a letter to General Randal Thomas, Durbin requested a survey be conducted to assess current employee skills and preferences of local Guard members. Durbin said he hopes that such a survey will help provide local input to shape the 183rd's new mission.
As a result of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) recommendations, the 183rd Fighter Wing's F-16 fighter aircraft unit will be moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana by 2008. This move will leave the Springfield unit with an opening for a new mission, which will affect 500 full- and part-time employees in the Springfield area.
In the letter to General Thomas, Durbin wrote: "I understand that a number of options are now under consideration for the new mission for this unit, with both ground and flying missions potentially in play. As you explore possible missions for these outstanding service men and women, I would encourage you to conduct a survey of these personnel to assess their preferences. . . A survey of the personnel involved in this transition would provide valuable information on the Guard members' preferences, with obvious potential repercussions for retention and recruitment."
Last year, the Defense Department proposed moving the fifteen F-16s operated by the 183rd Fighter Wing in Springfield to the 122nd Fighter Wing of Fort Wayne, Indiana to replace planes being retired from the Fort Wayne International Airport Air Guard Station. That recommendation was accepted by the BRAC Commission and approved by Congress. Durbin joined Mayor Tim Davlin, Congressman Ray LaHood, Senator Obama, Governor Blagojevich and other community leaders in opposing BRAC's decision, and pledged to work with the Springfield Air National Guard to ensure that an adequate mission could be found for the 183rd.
The text of Durbin's letter to Major General Thomas is attached.
Major General Randal E. Thomas
Adjutant General
Illinois Army and Air National Guard
1301 N. MacArthur Blvd.
Springfield, IL 62702-2399
Dear General Thomas:
As you know, the Base Realignment and Closure process has mandated the movement of the 183rd Fighter Wing's F-16 fighter aircraft to Fort Wayne, Indiana by 2008. More than 500 full- and part-time National Guardsmen are affected by this transition.
I understand that a number of options are now under consideration for the new mission for this unit, with both ground and flying missions potentially in play. As you explore possible missions for these outstanding service men and women, I would encourage you to conduct a survey of these personnel to assess their preferences.
A number of criteria will obviously shape the final outcome in this matter. A survey of the personnel involved in this transition would provide valuable information on the Guard members' preferences, with obvious potential repercussions for retention and recruitment.
Please contact my office if I can be of any assistance as you explore stationing and unit options for these valuable members of the Air National Guard.
Sincerely,
Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator
http://durbin.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=250432&&