Congressmen, Military Leaders Focus on the 911th Airlift Wing's Future

U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy, joined by elected officials and military leaders, stopped by the 911th Airlift Wing Monday morning to deliver a message about the future.

According to KDKA, Murphy was greeted with a standing ovation as he was joined by U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Swissvale and other elected officials and military leaders at the Moon base, where the focus was on keeping the base open beyond 2014.

Murphy announced last week that a planned 2013 closure of the base will not occur and that operations at the base will continue into next year. The 911th has faced previous closure attempts, including one in 2005.

Faced with sequestration and other military budget cuts, local officials told KDKA the 911th and the 171st Air Refueling Wing is a great deal for taxpayers, saving $73 million.

“At a time when we’re looking at ways to save money for the taxpayers, one of the great stories is that the 911th is a great cost saver,” Murphy, R-Upper St. Clair, reportedly told a crowd of servicemen and women.

Col. Craig Peters, airlift commander, said reservists in particular cost about one-third the cost of active military personnel. Besides cost savings, he told KDKA the 911th could be a hub for military aircraft maintenance.

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