Air Force Secretary Tours 911th, 171st Bases

Congressman Tim Murphy, R-Upper St. Clair, released a letter to the acting secretary of the Air Force urging the Pentagon to use the “Pittsburgh model” in its basing and strategic force decisions. 

Murphy's letter came in advance of Secretary Eric Fanning’s visit on Wednesday, to the 911th Airlift Wing and 171st Air National Guard in Moon. 

Fanning toured both bases as the Air Force assesses its own capabilities and assets in light of the strategic challenges the U.S. military faces. 

"These bases are model institutions for a lean and efficient fighting force. No other reserve or guard station can claim to have all-weather access — 24-7, 365 — to four 10,000-foot runways at a fixed cost of only $20,000 per annum," Murphy wrote in his letter. 

Murphy detailed how cost structure and local community support for the bases and for military families in Southwestern Pennsylvania has saved the Pentagon millions of dollars and helped advanced the nation’s strategic defense interests.

"Other reserve and guard bases must pay runway and emergency response expenses that are 200 times greater than that amount, costing in excess $100 million over a 10-year period. Since pilots and crews at the 911th  and 171st can train in open skies under diverse weather conditions without delay — unlike the congested conditions at other facilities — the cost per flying hour is significantly lower," Murphy wrote.

Moving forward, Murphy said the region is prepared to work with the two bases on expansion plans. The Allegheny County Airport Authority has even offered land and ramp space to the 911th if the base were to add aircraft or house a larger platform.

The Air Force created a Total Force Task Force in January 2013 to guide the force structures and readiness capabilities of the Air Force’s active, Reserve, and Guard components.

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