Cassidy, McCain, Vitter, Fleming Tour Barksdale Air Force Base

Press Release

Today, Congressman Bill Cassidy (R-LA) Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Senator David Vitter (R-LA) and Representative John Fleming (R-LA) toured Barksdale Air Force Base (BAFB) and had a roundtable discussion with Air Force base leadership. Sens. McCain, Vitter and Rep. Fleming are House and Senate Armed Services Committee Members.

Dr. Cassidy offered the following statement:

"It's always an honor to meet with our troops. The men and women at Barksdale Air Force base play a key role in protecting America at home and abroad. Louisiana's military instillations, and the jobs that come with them, must be protected and strengthened."

Senator McCain offered the following statement:

"I greatly appreciated the opportunity to visit and say thank you to the fine men and women serving our nation at Barksdale Air Force Base. I was also highly impressed by the remarkable support that the Shreveport area provides to our military service members and their families serving at Barksdale. Recent turmoil around the world reminds us of the incredible sacrifices made by the men and women of our armed forces, for which America owes a deep debt of gratitude."

BAFB plays a vital role in U.S. national security and Louisiana's economy. It is the largest employer in the Shreveport-Bossier area, largest single site employer in Louisiana, and has an annual economic impact of $753.8 million. BAFB is home to the Air Force Global Strike Command with the 2d Bomb Wing. In May, the Department of Defense elevated the Global Strike Command leadership to a four-star general position -- the highest rank possible.

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