180th Tactical Fighter Wing Secured for 21st Century

180TH TACTICAL FIGHTER WING SECURED FOR 21ST CENTURY
May 13, 2005

1,200 Jobs Retained as Kaptur Pledges Effort to Bring Additional Missions and Future Expansion

TOLEDO, OHIO - U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur (OH-9) announced this morning that the Toledo Air National Guard Base and its 180th Fighter Wing-nationally recognized for its excellence-will remain an integral part of the nation's air base network with the Department of Defense's decision to not include it on the list of bases slated for closure. As a member of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, Kaptur had petitioned the Defense Department to save the base from the Pentagon's targeted closures. The Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process requires the Secretary of Defense to examine the current structure of the U.S. military and to develop a list of bases that should be closed or realigned.

"I am truly elated to know that the 180th will continue to secure America's defense in this 21st century. The 180th will receive nine F-16 fighter jets and will receive 126 new jobs to support increased missions and operations. The Department of Defense's recognition of the unit's "excellent performance" is fitting and proper. Our 180th has earned its place in our nation's military establishment. Hard work and superior achievement should be rewarded. Now we will seek to grow and expand not only the facility, but its missions and operations.

"The 180th Toledo Fighter Wing is a model unit for Air National Guard modernization. It is the most modern base in Ohio. With forward thinking Guard leadership, it has been an honor to assist the unit in its important efforts to modernize, and to steadily improve it operational capabilities, delivering over $30 million in base investments. The 180th is well equipped to handle the changing nature of modern warfare and homeland defense.

"In addition, the cost effectiveness of this unit, strong community support, official support from the City of Toledo, the region's business community, and the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, added strength to our efforts to retain the base. The capacity for future expansion and joint mission consolidation was very appealing to the Department of Defense as well.

"The 180th TFW facility, its 1,200 jobs and the $70 million dollar annual economic benefit it brings to our region are a starting point for more economic activity and defense excellence. I will continue to fight to ensure that the 180th and the direct jobs it provides for over a thousand families and the indirect jobs in associated businesses and economic activities remain critical elements of our effort to grow our flight and military-related activities adjacent to our Toledo Express Airport.

"Our community has provided unbelievable support for the men and women at the 180th. I thank the Retain the 180th coalition for their work. Our collective efforts will not stop, but will continue well into the future as the 180th remains an important element of Northwest Ohio's economic well-being, particularly during these turbulent times.

"The Department of Defense recognized the value that the 180th holds for the Midwest. It plays a critical role, not only in the framework of our national defense, but as an integral part of our community."

The 180th Fighter Wing is one 88 Air National Guard units in the U.S. The unit's primary mission is to train and stand ready with units for active duty in the event of a national emergency or war. The unit is also comprised of several support functions, including security forces, engineering, communications, aircraft maintenance, food services, transportation, human resources and medics.

http://www.kaptur.house.gov/PressRelease.aspx?NewsID=1389