[MilCom] Press Release PA ANG A10's to Stay Longer

[Ken]

PRESS RELEASE -- Secretary of the Air Force, Office of Public Affairs

Release No. 020406
April 11,2006

Air Force Extends PA ANG flight ops



WASHINGTON - The Air Force and the National Guard Bureau have directed
the 111th Fighter Wing to extend their mission until 2010 at Naval
Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove, Pa. The 111th Fighter Wing is
an Air National Guard unit that operates the A/OA-10 Thunderbolt II. 
In 2005, the Base Realignment and Closure Committee directed a
comprehensive schedule to cease flying operations at Willow Grove by the
end of 2011. The 111th aircraft were originally scheduled to begin
moving to other units in 2009. This one-year extension will allow the
Pennsylvania ANG to continue to participate in America's Global War on
Terrorism as well as being available to respond to homeland defense and
homeland security missions. 
Lt. Gen. Steven Blum, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, said he is
encouraged by this change and will continue to work to ensure the ANG
remains an important partner in our Nation's defense. 
"The 111th Fighter Wing has been a valuable partner in the defense of
our nation," Blum said. "We are encouraged by the Air Force's commitment
to the Air National Guard and look forward to working with them as we
explore new missions for the Pennsylvania Air National Guard." 
The Naval Air Station will continue to support air operations through
the latter part of 2010 and an enclave, directed by BRAC, will stand up
to support the remaining non-flying mission of the 111th, as well as the
270th Engineering Installation Support Squadron and Army units
incorporated into an Armed Forces Reserve Center planned for the same
location. 
The 111th Fighter Wing recently received the Air Force Outstanding Unit
Award, with Valor, for participation in Operations Enduring Freedom and
Iraqi Freedom.
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For more information call NGB/PA 703-607-2642