LaHood makes case for keeping 183rd
in Springfield         

[MAY 21, 2005]  WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood, R-Peoria, said Friday that he has spoken with Base Realignment and Closure Commissioner Sam Skinner, telling Skinner that the initial BRAC list's recommendation to move the Springfield-based 183rd Fighter Wing's aircraft to Ft. Wayne, Ind., is a mistake.

Additionally, LaHood asked Skinner to personally visit Springfield and the 183rd base so he can see firsthand the importance of the base, a request with which Skinner agreed. The commitment from Skinner to visit the 183rd follows Thursday's announcement that the full BRAC Commission will conduct a regional hearing in St. Louis on June 7. Skinner did not give LaHood a time frame for a Springfield visit.

"Commissioner Skinner was receptive to my arguments that the 183rd Fighter Wing needs to remain based in Springfield," said LaHood. "The 183rd not only provides a tremendous economic impact to the community, but, more importantly to the Pentagon, the military capability and importance is higher than where the unit is slated to be moved. I also believe the arguments that the recruiting base would be stronger in Indiana are incorrect. I do not believe our state, or the nation for that matter, can afford to lose these planes to Indiana.

"I am pleased that Commissioner Skinner agreed to travel to Springfield to visit the 183rd and with our local team which is working to keep the planes here," LaHood added. "We have done much over the past 18 months in support of the 183rd, and now we know our hardest challenge is still ahead. I will continue to work with community leaders and local officials in our efforts to do all we can to keep the F-16s in Springfield."

[News release from Rep. Ray LaHood,
18th Congressional District]