TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - The director of the Air National Guard and his key staff visited two Air National Guard bases May 18-19 that have been affected by results of the 2006 Base Realignment and Closure Act (BRAC).
During his visits to the 181st Fighter Wing (FW) in Terre Haute, Ind. and the 127th FW at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., Lt. Gen. Craig McKinley saw firsthand the challenges each base has for a successful transformation.
"This is all about me and my staff meeting you; you knowing who we are and how to reach us," McKinley said.
Because of BRAC, the 181st FW is scheduled to lose the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and convert to a Distributive Common Ground Station mission (DCGS), as well as an Air Support Operation Squadron (ASOS). DCGS consists of fixed and deployable processing systems that support a range of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms. The ASOS is a tactical mission that provides air power expertise and controls close air support for Army commanders. Neither DCGS nor ASOF missions have associated aircraft in the unit.
Under BRAC, the 127th FW is scheduled to lose its F-16 and C-130 Hercules aircraft and convert to the A-10 Thunderbolt II and KC-135 Stratotanker. They are also pursuing a new enhanced use lease (EUL) which is a joint effort to develop available land and facilities for expansion.
"We are extremely pleased with Lt. Gen. McKinley's visit to the 181st FW," said Lt. Col. John Newman, 181st Wing executive support officer. "The proactive approach sets a tone for a successful transformation."
During the two-day visit to both bases, McKinley noted that morale was high and attitudes were positive. In Indiana he had an extensive tour of the base and its facilities and conducted a town hall meeting with all personnel. At Michigan he toured the base to see the details of the transformations and conducted town hall meetings with all personnel. He also attended a promotion ceremony for Lt. Col. Michael Thomas, 127th Airlift group commander to the rank of colonel, and a Community College of the Air Force graduation for Air National Guard members.
"I've never seen this before, where the director and his entire staff come to visit." said Brig. Gen. Michael L. Peplinksi, the 127th Wing's commander. "We have their attention, and they understand and value our concerns."